Common Roofing Issues: Incompatible Roof Materials
Work With the Best Roofing Contractors in Central Texas


Quality is at the heart of our Austin roofing company in every project we take on. Contact our experienced Central Texas roofers for a same-day, pressure-free inspection. Call 512-375-3654 to book your free inspection.
If you need a new roof installed, LOA is the roofing company to call! Our roofing experts are known for providing quality workmanship at a fair price. If you own a house or business in Central Texas you can't afford to work with another roofer.
Find out how much roof replacement will cost in Austin, Texas and the surrounding areas.
What to Do When Roofing System Materials Aren't Compatible
Incompatible roofing materials are a clear sign of a poor installation that didn't take long-term performance into consideration. The roofing materials you choose are really important in terms of structural integrity, maintenance and longevity. The truth is, not all materials are appropriate for every roof. If you choose the wrong materials you are sure to run into roof problems.
Common roofing problems connected with incompatible materials include:
- Roof leaks
- Movement
- Structural problems
- Clogged gutters
- Poor ventilation
Material incompatibility could be a roofing issue that impacts the entire roof or a certain aspect of it. Either way, when roofing materials are incompatible the problem needs to be corrected before it causes serious damage.
Worried your roof materials aren't compatible?
Contact LOA and One of Our Expert Roofers Can Take a Look!
Issues With Incompatible Roofing Materials
It might seem like any roofing material can be used on any roof, but that isn't the case. Roofing materials can be incompatible in a number of ways, and no matter the reason it's always a problem.
-
The Roofing Material is Too Heavy for the Structure
This is one of the most common incompatibility issues for roofing systems. Roofing materials can have substantially different weights. For example, aluminum metal panels are going to be much lighter than clay tiles. And while clay tiles may create an extremely durable roof, they could cause structural issues if the building isn't constructed to support their weight.
-
The Roofing Material Isn't Appropriate For the Pitch of the Roof
The pitch of the roof also makes a difference. Flat roofs are a great example. Common materials like corrugated metal roofing and asphalt shingle roofing aren't appropriate for this type of roof system. To avoid a leaking roof you have to select a material like TPO, modified bitumen or EPDM.
-
The Materials Aren't Compatible For the Local Environment
UV rays, high winds, hail, humidity, extreme temperatures - environmental factors can determine whether a material is compatible for a roof in many areas of the country. These factors also influence how the roofing system is designed in terms of the pitch, roof vents, overhang and more.
- If you live in an area with high humidity, any metal components need to be resistant to corrosion or they could cause issues.
- Areas with frequent hail storms must have durable materials or a sudden roof leak could occur.
- When temperatures drop and rise frequently it can cause roof shrinkage that will be worse with some types of materials and underlayment.
The property is also influential. Are there tree branches hanging over the roof's edge? Does the entire roof get hit with sunlight all day long?
All of these environmental factors determine what roofing materials are going to be the most compatible.
-
Incompatible Flashing Failures
Sometimes it's the components of the roofing system that are incompatible. Incompatible flashing is a common issue. When the wrong type of flashing is paired with a roofing material it significantly increases the risk of leaks around roof penetrations.

What to Do If Roofing Material Isn't Compatible With the Structure
When materials are compatible roof repair is needed to correct the situation. Here's what to do:
Consult With a Qualified Roofing Contractor
Calling a professional roofing company to inspect your roof is highly beneficial. At LOA we offer free roof inspections so there's really no reason not to consult with a qualified roofer before choosing a roof material.
Consider Your Roofing Material Options
After consulting with the roofer you'll have a better idea of what materials will work best for your roof. Now it's time to decide which option is going to work best for your budget and aesthetic preferences.
One reason asphalt shingles are so popular is they work for virtually any roofing system except flat roofs. That being said, other factors come into play with their compatibility. For instance, here in Central Texas homeowners that prioritize energy efficiency above all else may want to go with a different material that will be better at reducing heat transfer in the summer. Or if asphalt shingles are preferred, you'll want to opt for materials that have a cool roof coating to block UV rays and absorb less heat.
Take your time to consider the pros and cons of each appropriate roofing material as well as the recommended roof repairs to avoid incompatibility issues down the road.
Schedule Roof Repairs or a Roof Replacement
Once you have selected your roofing material, roof repair or roof replacement is the next step. In addition to the roofing material, make sure all of the components are compatible if you're replacing the roof. The flashing, fasteners, gutters - everything needs to work together seamlessly to reduce the chance of roof leaks, movement and other roofing problems that can result from incompatible materials.
Once compatible roofing materials are installed you'll want to practice regular roof maintenance. Ask your roofer for advice on the best ways to keep the materials you selected in perfect condition.
If you live in the Austin, TX area and would like to consult with a professional roofer, give us a call at 512-375-3654. LOA offers a huge range of roofing services as well as general construction services that will ensure your property is safe and secure.
