The 15-Year Milestone: Why Your New Braunfels Roof is Entering the
If your home was built between 2008 and 2012, your roof may be celebrating a milestone you might not want to toast to: its 15th birthday. In the Texas Hill Country, 15 years isn't just a number—it’s the "Magic Threshold" where many insurance policies shift from being your best friend to your biggest financial risk.
At Klaus Roofing Systems of Texas Hill Country, we are seeing a massive trend in neighborhoods like Oak Run, Southbank, and Vintage Oaks where homeowners are being caught off guard by the "15-Year Rule." Here is what you need to know to protect your equity.
The "Texas Heat" Factor: Why 15 is the new 30
Many asphalt shingles come with a "30-year" label, but the reality of living in New Braunfels is much harsher. Between our triple-digit summer heat, high UV exposure, and rapid temperature swings, shingles expand and contract violently.
By year 15, the chemical oils that keep shingles flexible have often evaporated, leaving them brittle. This is why you may notice:
Granule Loss: Seeing "sand" or pebbles in your gutters after a rain.
Brittle Shingles: Corners that snap off rather than bend.
Seal Failure: Shingles that no longer "stick" down, making them easy targets for Hill Country wind.
The Insurance "Depreciation Cliff"
The biggest risk isn't just a leak; it's how your insurance carrier views your roof's age. Many Texas policies include a "15-Year Trigger" that changes your coverage in two dangerous ways:
RCV vs. ACV: Your policy may shift from Replacement Cost Value (paying for a brand-new roof) to Actual Cash Value (paying only what your old, 15-year-old roof is worth). This can leave you responsible for thousands of dollars out-of-pocket if a storm hits.
The Non-Renewal Audit: Insurance companies are increasingly auditing older neighborhoods. If your roof hits 15–20 years and shows signs of wear, you may receive a notice that your entire homeowners' policy will not be renewed until the roof is replaced.
What Should You Do Now?
Waiting for a leak is the most expensive way to manage a 15-year-old roof. If a leak causes interior damage, insurance may deny the claim, citing "lack of maintenance" on an aged system.
1. Audit Your Policy: Look for "Age of Roof" exclusions or ACV triggers. 2. Get a Professional Baseline: Request a Free 15-Year Roof Health Check. We provide high-resolution photo documentation that acts as a "physical" for your home. 3. Document Before the Storm: Having proof that your roof was in good condition before a hailstorm makes the claims process significantly smoother.
Put a Klaus on Your House
At Klaus Roofing, we don't just "patch" roofs. We install a complete Klaus Roofing System backed by an industry-leading 50-year warranty. We are locally owned and operated in New Braunfels, and we specialize in helping our neighbors navigate the 15-year milestone with honesty and expertise.
Is your roof turning 15? Click to schedule your Free 15-Point Health Audit or call us at 1-830-214-0441.