Updated
Not as a Texas law. The rule people quote word for word comes from the Florida Building Code. In Texas, building rules are set city by city. Around Baytown, only Pasadena uses a 25 percent figure, and there it decides whether you need a permit, not whether your roof has to come off.
Where does the 25 percent rule come from?
The wording you will find online is: "Not more than 25 percent of the total roof area or roof section of any existing building or structure shall be repaired, replaced or recovered in any 12-month period" unless the whole roof covering is done. That sentence is from the Florida Building Code (Existing Building, section 706.1.1). It is a Florida rule. We have not found a statewide Texas rule like it. Pages that say "Texas building code" requires it don't name a Texas law, so ask anyone who quotes it to show you the code section.
Is there a 25% rule in Baytown?
No. Baytown's rule depends on the type of work, not on a percentage. Repairing shingles only does not need a city permit. Repairing the roof decking (the wood under the shingles) or any structural part does. Baytown permits follow the 2015 International Residential Code, with a 150 mph design wind speed. If you are not sure, call Baytown Building Services at 281-420-6537.
What about Pasadena, Deer Park, La Porte and Channelview?
- Pasadena: a permit is needed for roof repairs over 25 percent of each roof. The city lists the residential roofing permit at 40 dollars per structure. This is the only local 25 percent rule we found.
- Deer Park: the city lists roof work among jobs that need a building permit. Call 281-478-7270 to check your job.
- La Porte and the part of Pasadena east of SH 146: the Texas Department of Insurance windstorm rules apply. Repairs under 100 square feet that don't touch the decking don't need a windstorm inspection; bigger repairs may.
- Channelview: it is not a city, so there is no city permit office. Harris County handles permits there.
Why do you hear about it after a storm?
The 25 percent rule gets repeated after hail and wind storms, often by people knocking on doors. Some homeowners say a roofer used it to push a much bigger job than the damage needed. Your insurance company decides what your policy pays for, based on the damage and your policy, not on a 25 percent rule. If you were told a law forces a bigger job, ask which law, then check with your city.
What should you do if part of your roof is damaged?
- Stop the water first. If the roof is open, get it tarped. See emergency repair and tarping.
- Take photos of the roof and any stains inside.
- Find out what the damage is and how big the area is.
- Check your city's permit rule for that kind of work (above).
- Get the repair done properly, with shingles matched to the rest of the roof. See storm damage repair.
More answers: Does home insurance cover a roof leak in Texas? · How do you know if a roofer is good?. Or go back to roof repair in Baytown.