Roof Rot Damage Repair in Amarillo & West Texas
Roof Rot: A Hidden Threat to Texas Panhandle Homes
Roof rot is one of the most serious—and often overlooked—types of roof damage in Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, and surrounding areas. Unlike hail damage that appears immediately after a storm, roof rot develops slowly over months or years as moisture infiltrates your roof decking, rafters, and sheathing. By the time you notice sagging ceilings or visible water stains, the damage may be extensive and costly.
At 5 Star Commercial Roofing, we specialize in identifying and repairing roof rot damage before it compromises your home's structural integrity. Our comprehensive inspections use moisture detection technology to find hidden rot, and we work directly with insurance companies to ensure coverage for qualifying damage—whether for residential or commercial properties.
What Causes Roof Rot in West Texas?
Prolonged Moisture Exposure
When water repeatedly penetrates your roof—from hail damage, failed flashing, or clogged gutters—it saturates the wood decking underneath shingles. In Texas humidity (especially during summer), this moisture creates perfect conditions for wood-rot fungi.
Time to develop: 3-12 months of consistent moisture exposure
Poor Attic Ventilation
The Texas Panhandle sits in America's hail belt, experiencing an average of 8-12 hailstorms per year. Combined with extreme temperature swings, high winds averaging 12-14 mph, and intense UV exposure, roofs face some of the harshest conditions in the United States. Without proper ventilation, attic temperatures can exceed 160°F in summer. This heat combined with moisture from your home creates condensation on the underside of roof decking—leading to rot from the inside.
Risk factor: Homes with inadequate ridge/soffit vents
Ice Dam Water Intrusion
During rare but severe winter storms (like Winter Storm Uri in 2021), ice dams trap water on your roof for extended periods. This standing water seeps under shingles and saturates the wood decking, initiating rot that persists even after ice melts.
Common in: Texas Panhandle homes with poor insulation
Unrepaired Hail Damage
Hail creates granule loss and micro-fractures in asphalt shingles. These compromised areas allow water penetration during subsequent rainstorms. Over time, this slow leak saturates decking and creates localized rot—often undetected until severe.
Prevention: Inspect roof within 72 hours after every hailstorm
Plumbing Vent Failures
Rubber boots around plumbing vents crack and deteriorate in intense West Texas UV exposure. Once cracked, every rainstorm sends water directly onto roof decking around the vent pipe—creating a concentrated area of rot.
Lifespan: Rubber vent boots last 5-10 years in Texas climate
Valley Leaks
Roof valleys channel heavy water flow during rainstorms. If valley flashing is improperly installed or damaged by hail, water backs up under shingles along valley edges—creating extensive linear rot patterns.
High risk: Complex roof designs with multiple valleys
Warning Signs of Roof Rot
Sagging Roof Line
Visible dips or sagging in roof surface indicating structural wood failure
Water Stains on Ceilings
Brown or yellow discoloration from water penetrating through rotted decking
Mold/Mildew Odors
Musty smell in attic or upper rooms from fungal growth on damp wood
Soft/Spongy Roof Deck
When walking on roof, areas feel soft or springy underfoot
Visible Wood Decay in Attic
Dark, crumbling, or powdery wood on rafters or decking when inspecting attic
Pest Infestations
Carpenter ants or termites attracted to rotted wood in roof structure
Our Roof Rot Repair Process
Comprehensive Moisture Detection
We use infrared thermal imaging and moisture meters to identify all areas of rot—including hidden damage not visible during standard inspections.
Structural Assessment
Our team evaluates whether rafters, trusses, or just decking is affected. This determines the scope of repair and ensures structural safety.
Complete Rot Removal
All rotted wood must be removed—not just covered over. We cut out damaged decking and framing, disposing of it properly to prevent fungal spore spread.
New Decking Installation
We install new pressure-treated plywood or OSB decking that meets or exceeds code requirements for the Texas Panhandle and West Texas.
Ventilation & Waterproofing
Fix the root cause by improving attic ventilation, installing ice/water shield, and replacing failed flashing to prevent future rot.
Complete Roof Restoration
Install new impact-resistant shingles or metal roofing designed for extreme weather conditions in the Texas Panhandle and West Texas.
Insurance Coverage for Roof Rot
When Is Roof Rot Covered by Insurance?
Insurance coverage for roof rot depends on the cause:
- COVERED: Rot resulting from sudden storm damage (hail, wind, ice dams)
- COVERED: Rot discovered during claim investigation for recent hail/storm damage
- COVERED: Concealed rot that wasn't preventable through normal maintenance
- NOT COVERED: Rot from long-term maintenance neglect
- NOT COVERED: Rot from improper ventilation (unless tied to storm damage)
Our team documents all rot damage and works with your insurance adjuster to demonstrate coverage eligibility. Many homeowners are surprised to learn their rot IS covered when properly documented.
Preventing Roof Rot in West Texas
Annual Roof Inspections
Schedule professional inspections every spring after hail season to catch moisture damage early
Improve Attic Ventilation
Maintain 1:300 ventilation ratio (1 sq ft vent per 300 sq ft attic) with ridge and soffit vents
Repair Hail Damage Promptly
Don't delay filing insurance claims after hailstorms—damaged shingles lead to rot within months
Replace Plumbing Vent Boots
Replace rubber vent boots every 5-10 years as preventive maintenance
Keep Gutters Clean
Clean gutters twice per year to prevent water backup under shingles
Address Leaks Immediately
Any interior water stain is evidence of active leaks—don't wait for it to get worse
⚠️ Roof Rot is a Safety Hazard
Severely rotted roof decking can collapse under the weight of roofers or during heavy snow loads. If you suspect rot, do NOT attempt to walk on your roof. Call professional roofers with proper safety equipment and experience handling structural damage.
Serving Texas Panhandle & West Texas
Expert roof rot repair and structural restoration services throughout the region:
Get Your Free Roof Assessment Today
Serving Amarillo and the entire Texas Panhandle, plus Midland, Odessa, and surrounding West Texas communities. Most homeowners insurance policies in Texas cover storm damage, and we work directly with all major insurance companies to ensure you receive the full coverage you deserve.