Texas Roofing Laws and Permits
This guide covers the Texas roofing laws that protect homeowners in Montgomery and Harris counties. In addition, it lists the local permit rules we found for each city. Every rule here also links to its official source.
Texas roofing laws on insurance deductibles
Texas law requires you to pay your own insurance deductible on a property claim (Tex. Ins. Code §707.002).
A contractor may not offer to waive, absorb or rebate your deductible, and may not advertise that it will (Tex. Bus. & Com. Code §27.02). The same law requires a contract over $1,000 that will be paid from insurance to include a deductible notice in 12-point bold type.
Under these Texas roofing laws, breaking the deductible rule is a Class B misdemeanor. The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) says that can mean a fine of up to $2,000 and up to six months in jail. In addition, an insurer with replacement-cost coverage may hold back payment until it sees proof that you paid the deductible.
Because of these Texas roofing laws, we never offer to cover a deductible, and we put the required notice in every insurance-funded contract.
Sources: TDI, Roofing and insurance: know the law and House Bill 2102 (2019).
Texas roofing laws on contractors and adjusters
Under Tex. Ins. Code §4102.163, a contractor may not act as a public adjuster for a property it repairs or may repair. It also may not advertise that it will adjust your claim. For example, TDI says a contractor cannot offer to negotiate your settlement or file the claim for you.
We still help you understand your claim and document your damage. However, you or a licensed public adjuster handles the claim itself.
Source: Texas Department of Insurance.
Texas roofing laws for coastal windstorm areas
In Harris County, TDI names these cities east of State Highway 146 in its windstorm inspection area: La Porte, Morgan's Point, Pasadena, Seabrook. TDI also listed Shoreacres, but it merged into La Porte in 2026.
Roof repairs and re-roofs in that area must meet TDI building specifications and pass an inspection by TDI or a TDI-appointed engineer. Coverage through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association requires the resulting WPI-8 certificate. Montgomery County is not in this area.
Source: TDI Windstorm Inspection Program.
Roofing permits in unincorporated areas
Harris County says all development in the county needs a permit, and all work in a floodplain needs a floodplain permit. However, it does not publish a roofing-specific rule.
We could not find an official Montgomery County statement on permits for a residential re-roof. In both counties, we confirm what applies to your address before work starts.
Roof approvals in The Woodlands
The Woodlands Residential Development Standards require written approval before any roof replacement. Approved materials include tile, slate, composition shingles, stone-coated or standing-seam metal and cement fiberboard. Colors must be muted, and metal roofs cannot be glossy.
Source: The Woodlands Township Residential Development Standards (2024).
Local roofing permits by city
Here is what each city's official website says about permits for a residential re-roof. We also list the cities we could not find an official statement for. However, that does not mean no permit is needed there.
These cities say a permit is required for a residential re-roof (each name links to the city source): Bunker Hill Village, El Lago, Houston, Katy, Nassau Bay, Panorama Village, Seabrook, Spring Valley Village and Taylor Lake Village.
In addition, these cities require a permit for some roof work: Baytown, Conroe and Roman Forest.
Cities with no published re-roof rule
We could not find an official statement on residential re-roof permits for these cities, so we check with the city before work starts: Bellaire, Cleveland, Cut and Shoot, Deer Park, Friendswood, Galena Park, Hedwig Village, Hilshire Village, Humble, Hunters Creek Village, Jacinto City, Jersey Village, La Porte, League City, Magnolia, Missouri City, Montgomery, Morgan's Point, Oak Ridge North, Pasadena, Patton Village, Pearland, Piney Point Village, Shenandoah, South Houston, Southside Place, Splendora, Stafford, Stagecoach, Tomball, Waller, Webster, West University Place, Willis, Woodbranch, and Woodloch.
Texas tips for hiring a roofer after a storm
- Get at least three written bids, and check each contractor's references.
- Choose a local company when you can, and be careful with door-to-door sellers and storm chasers.
- Never pay the full price up front.
- Do not sign a contract with blank spaces, or one that hands over the value of your insurance proceeds.
- Also, keep proof that you paid your deductible.
- Report any offer to waive your deductible to the Texas Attorney General at 800-621-0508.
Source: TDI, Avoid contractor scams.
This page is general information from official sources, not legal advice. Rules change, so check the linked sources or call us with questions.
Credentials: CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster™ · BBB Accredited Business · Licensed member of the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas