Roofing Contractor in West University Place, TX
West University Place is its own city, even though Houston surrounds it on every side. That means its own building department, its own rules, and its own inspections. A roofing contractor in West University Place has to follow West U’s process, not Houston’s.
STX Roofing is veteran-owned and has served the Houston area since 2016. We replace and repair roofs on original West U cottages and on the large new homes that have replaced many of them. We also install custom-fit gutters and handle storm damage. We know the permit steps and the tight lots that make West U different.
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West U Has Its Own Permit Rules
The city says building permits are required to build or repair structures in West U. Work that needs a permit can’t start until the city issues it. Applications are filed in person so the city can check signatures and licenses.
Most contractors also have to register with the city before they start. Registration lasts one year and requires at least $300,000 in general liability insurance, with the City of West University Place named on the certificate. You can see the requirements on the city’s registration page.
The city’s permit list names new roofs and roof repairs specifically. It also lists tree removal, so check with the city before a tree over your roof comes down. Before you sign with a roofer, ask two questions. Are you registered with West U right now? Who will file the permit? A contractor who can’t answer both is a risk you don’t need.
Old Cottages and New Custom Homes
West U was developed starting in 1917 and named for its closeness to Rice Institute, now Rice University. Many of its first homes were small bungalows and cottages. Over time, a lot of them have been replaced by large custom homes.
That mix creates two very different jobs. Older homes often have board decking, tired flashing, and attics with little airflow. New homes tend to have steep, complex roofs with many valleys, dormers, and wall joints. Each joint is a place where water can get in if the flashing isn’t right.
On any home, we replace pipe jacks, vents, and flashing instead of reusing them. Those small parts cause a lot of leaks, and reusing them is one of the most common shortcuts in roofing.
Tight Lots and Close Neighbors
West U lots are small, and houses sit close together. That changes how a roof job runs. Debris can land in a neighbor’s yard, and there’s often little room for a dumpster or material drop.
We plan the job around your lot before the crew shows up. We run a magnet sweep for nails before we leave. Your neighbors will thank you, and so will your tires.
Storms, Trees, and Insurance
West U’s tree-lined streets are part of its charm. They also mean limbs on roofs after storms like Hurricane Beryl in July 2024. After a storm, our storm damage inspection checks for lifted shingles, broken seals, and limb damage.
Our owner, Russell Mullin, is a former insurance adjuster and an Air Force veteran. If you file a claim, we can meet your adjuster on site and explain what we found. Learn more about the Texas roof insurance claim process.
Flat Sections and Roof Decks
Many new West U homes mix pitched roofs with flat sections over porches, balconies, or garages. Some have roof decks. Those flat areas need a membrane like TPO, not shingles. Our TPO roofing page explains how that works.
The seam where a flat roof meets a pitched roof or a wall is where most leaks on these homes start. We flash and seal those joints carefully and check them during every inspection.
What Happens on Install Day
Most replacements follow the same steps. The crew tears off the old roof down to the decking. We replace any soft or damaged boards and put down new underlayment. Then we install new flashing, pipe jacks, vents, and shingles.
Before we leave, we clean up and run a magnet for nails. Then we walk the job with you. When everything is final, you get a job book with your warranty information.
Gutters, Skylights, and Tall Homes
Tall homes on narrow lots shed a lot of water into small side yards. If the gutters are undersized or the downspouts point the wrong way, that water can end up at your foundation or your neighbor’s. We install custom-fit gutters sized for the roof and route downspouts where the water can drain.
Many West U homes also have skylights. The flashing around a skylight is a common leak point, especially on older units. Our skylight installation and replacement service can reseal an old skylight or swap it for a new one while the roof is open.
Roof Age and Your Insurance
In our experience, many insurers start pushing for replacement around 15 years. Some carriers raise it as early as 12. Make sure your policy lists the right roof age too. The Texas Department of Insurance tells homeowners to confirm it and to report a new roof so the age gets updated.
Recent Work in West U
We’ve shared a West U project on our blog. See this West University Place roof replacement for the details.
Why Families Choose STX as Their West University Place Roofing Contractor
- GAF Master Elite and CertainTeed ShingleMaster certified
- Lifetime labor warranty on qualifying residential roofs, backed by Directorii
- More than 12 years of roofing experience, with the owner involved in every job
- Detailed estimates, with same-day estimates available
- A warranty job book when the work is done
- English- and Spanish-speaking staff
We also offer roof financing on qualifying projects. See all of our residential roofing services.
West University Place Roofing FAQs
Does my roofer have to register with West U?
Most contractors do. The city requires registration each year, along with at least $300,000 in general liability insurance naming the city.
Can work start before the permit is issued?
No. The city says permitted work can’t start until the permit is issued.
Do you work on the large new homes in West U?
Yes. We handle steep, complex roofs with many valleys and dormers, and we use the right flashing at every wall joint.
Is a roof inspection free?
Yes, for homeowners. We charge for inspections tied to a real estate sale, and that fee goes toward any repairs.
Do you have Spanish-speaking staff?
Yes. Our team speaks English and Spanish.
Can you repair the flat roof over my porch or balcony?
Yes. We repair and replace flat sections with TPO and seal the joints where they meet walls and pitched roofs.
How long does a roof replacement take?
Most home reroofs take a few days once the permit is issued and materials arrive. Large or complex roofs take longer. We’ll give you a schedule with your estimate, and we’ll tell you right away if weather pushes it back.
Call a West University Place Roofing Contractor
Call STX Roofing at (281) 601-7663 to schedule a free roof inspection for your West U home.
