Houston Heights, TX

The Heights Report: Defending the Historic Grid

In a neighborhood defined by vintage charm and a massive tree canopy, a basic roof installation is a liability. We focus on the specific environmental stressors found only in the Houston Heights:

1. The “Spaced Board” Decking Challenge

Many original homes in the Heights (built in the early 1900s) do not have solid plywood decks. Instead, they use “1×6 spaced board” or “shiplap” decking originally designed for wood shingles.

• The Conflict: Modern asphalt shingles cannot be nailed directly into boards with gaps; the nails will hit air, leading to shingle uplift during the first high-wind event.

• The Achilles Solution: We ensure structural integrity by installing new CDX Plywood sheathing over old boards where necessary. This creates a solid, continuous “nail-holding” surface that meets modern building codes and protects your home’s interior.

2. Historic District (HAHC) Compliance

If your home is located within the East, West, or South Heights Historic Districts, you cannot simply pick any shingle color or material.

• The Conflict: Improper material selection can result in a “Stop Work Order” from the City of Houston and significant fines from the Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission (HAHC).

• The Achilles Solution: We are specialists in Historic Integrity Compliance. We assist homeowners with the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) process, ensuring your shingle profile and color palette honor the neighborhood’s historic status while providing 130-MPH wind resistance.

3. Oak Canopy Micro-Shade & Moss Defense

The Heights’ famous “tree tunnels” create a permanent micro-shade environment. This prevents morning dew from evaporating, keeping your roof damp for hours longer than homes in open suburbs.

• The Conflict: This constant moisture fosters the growth of moss and Gloeocapsa magma (black algae), which trap water and rot the shingle’s asphalt mat from the top down.

• The Achilles Solution: We install Copper-Infused Algae Resistant shingles. These release copper ions during every rain cycle to neutralize algae spores before they can take root in your roof’s surface.

4. High-Pitch & Victorian Transition Flashing

Queen Anne and Craftsman bungalows in the Heights feature steep gables, complex dormers, and intricate “valleys” that are notorious leak points.

• The Conflict: Mass-market flashing techniques fail at the sharp angles and decorative transitions of historic Heights rooflines.

• The Achilles Solution: Using high-gauge metal valley flashing and custom-soldered lead boots, we mechanically seal every transition point. This ensures a waterproof barrier that protects your vintage plaster ceilings and hardwood floors.

The Achilles 5-Year Workmanship Warranty

We prioritize intellectual honesty. In an area with high tree-fall risks and century-old structures, we don’t make unrealistic or overly promising guarantees. Instead, we provide a solid 5-year workmanship warranty on all labor. If there is an issue with our installation, we fix it—no excuses. This is the transparent, professional protection the Houston Heights deserves.

Houston Heights Site FAQ

• Q: Do you handle permitting for historic districts?

  • A: Yes. We handle all City of Houston permitting and ensure your project adheres to specific historic district (HAHC) guidelines and COA requirements.

• Q: How do you protect my vintage porch and gardens?

  • A: We use a specialized protection system—including debris-catching nets and reinforced tarps—to ensure your historic porch railings and mature landscaping remain free of debris and nails.