What Does a Roofer Do?

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Construction workers Fixing roof tiles, with roofing tools, electric drills used on roofs in safety kits for safety.

We’ve all seen roofers at work on homes and businesses, but did you ever wonder what it takes to be a roofer? Perhaps you’re thinking of a career in roofing. Or, maybe you are a homeowner ready to hire a roofer for your roof project and want to know what to look for and expect from them. Here’s some information to know about roofers.

Skills That Roofers Need

Roofing is not for everyone, but it can be a rewarding career that provides a chance to develop skills and use initiative to meet project goals and deadlines. A roofing career can also provide a good living.

What does it take to be a roofer? Roofers first of all must be comfortable working at heights for long periods of time. They must have good balance and stamina, and the strength to climb ladders, carry equipment and materials, and work on different kinds of roofs, some sloped.

Roofers use many different hand tools, such as a roofing hammer, nail gun, hammer tacker stapler, air compressor and circular saw, to name a few. An experienced roofer will be familiar with a range of roofing tools, materials and roof components. On the job, they need to be able to identify and report obvious defects in any materials they are installing. They will need to read and follow drawings and specs that are a guide to the project they are completing.

You can see a good roofer is a good multitasker. Along with passing a safety training course, the roofer knows and applies safety rules and operates equipment safely. Roofers will have a good understanding of roofing standards, and be sure their work meets roofing code. And, as with all workers where teamwork is important for both a good project result and the safety of others, the roofer works well with his team and is ready to help where he’s needed to get the job done.

What Kind Of Things Does A Roofer Do?

Roofers doing roof contracting on a roof, presumably in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Roofers have to make sure that the roof they install is going to last and provide reliable protection for the homeowner or business owner for years to come. This means the roof has to be properly installed, waterproof and stable, so that the home is protected from weather events like wind, rain, snow or ice. Roofers build and install a variety of roofs, working with materials like asphalt or wood shingles, tile, slate or metal.

When providing roof repair services, the roofer will estimate the time and materials needed to fix the problem. In some cases, if damage is widespread and the roof is failing, he may recommend a roof replacement.

There are a lot of steps to completing a roofing job, where planning, experience, and the right tools and materials are important to doing it right.  Here are some basic steps in building a new roof:

  1. Remove the old roof and underlayment and inspect for any structural damage or other issues before beginning the new installation.
  2. Install the new underlayment and attach it to the roof. This will provide the waterproof barrier under the roof materials and help prevent leaks. If the area is prone to freezes, an ice barrier may also be installed to prevent ice damming.
  3. Install vents, pipes and other fixtures that need to be under the roof tiles to protect from water penetration.
  4. Begin installing the roof tiles or shingles. Starting from the bottom up, the shingles are nailed in place in a repeated pattern. Proper alignment and adherence to the nail line is key, so that the roof will be tight and uniform to give the best protection from water penetration as well as look great from the ground.
  5. Install and secure flashing around chimneys, vents and fixtures to close any gaps that could let moisture in.
  6. Install the ridge caps at the top of the roof and any gables. A ridge vent may also be installed at this point to provide a source of ventilation along the top line of the attic.
  7. Finishing the roof includes inspecting the work and going through a checklist to be sure all steps are completed. There may be gutters that need to be installed or reconnected and some painting of fixtures or other parts to match the home’s colors.
  8. Lastly, the roofers will clean up and transport away any debris so there is no sign of the project left behind except the brand new roof.

Training and Licensing for Roofers

roofer construction roof maintenance rope security worker

While many roofers learn their fundamental skills on the job, professional roofers have qualifications that are important to making sure that the new roof is built to the highest standards and meets local building codes as well as the manufacturer’s specifications. To get the most for your roofing project look for a roofer that has the following:

  1. Licensed with the state or local government. Licensed roofers have proven skills and experience to be able to deliver professional results. They will understand and adhere to building codes, making sure your new roof is safe and will perform as expected. They will offer you a written contract and provide a warranty for your project.
  2. Insurance. Your licensed roofing contractor will carry insurance that protects his crew and the client in case of an injury or other accident on site. This includes liability and worker’s compensation insurance coverage.
  3. Manufacturers’ Certifications. Most roofers carry materials from manufacturers they trust for quality and selection. Manufacturers usually have specific instructions for properly installing and maintaining those products. The best roofers will have obtained training and certification in some of these that they may specialize in. This lets them offer the best service and also helps them meet warranty requirements. The roofer undergoes training and must meet all requirements for certification.
  4. OSHA Safety Compliance. Professional, licensed roofers are trained in safety protocols and use specialized fall prevention safety equipment. They comply with OSHA safety and safety training requirements for roofers, protecting the workers from harm and also protecting the property and safety of their clients. 

When It Comes to Roofing, Experience Counts

Roofer doing his job, most likely on a roof, I would imagine.

Providing quality roofing services requires knowledge, experience and training, as well as a work crew who work as a team to get the job done right and deliver on time. At Prestige Roofing we take pride in our experienced and dedicated crew. Each one of the team is an important part in our ability to build and deliver beautiful roofing to our clients in the Las Vegas area. From shingles and cement tile roofs, to custom roofing with reclaimed European tiles or custom copper or zinc designs, our talented team delivers top quality roofing for our clients. Visit our photo galleries to see some of our projects over the years, or give us a call at 702-646-7536 for more information.

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What to do if Your Roof is Leaking

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a leaking roof

You spot a stain or bulge on the ceiling. Maybe there’s a dripping sound, or you see water. You have a roof leak. What do you do now?

The best thing to do when you suspect your roof is leaking, is to take action right away to prevent further damage. This may save your roof, attic, ceiling and personal property, and acting quickly will save you money in the end. No matter your handyman skills, there are simple ways to reduce the risk of major damage, even before your roofer can get out to do repairs for you.

Locate the Source of the Leak

Open the closest ceiling panel and look into the attic space with a flashlight at the spot where the water is coming through. Trace the path of water. It likely is coming from a higher point in the rafters. You will see a dark line where water has been draining and spreading, or you may even see mold or rot if the problem has been developing for a while. Count the rafters from the top to where the leak is happening as this will help you and your roofer pinpoint the damage point on the roof.

If water is pooling in the attic and causing the ceiling to bulge or buckle, grab a screwdriver and poke a hole in your ceiling at the low point of the bulge. This will let water drip down and out to reduce pooling and the resulting damage to your ceiling and walls. Place a bucket on the floor to catch the dripping water. Take this time to move any personal possessions out of the way to avoid them being damaged.

Take pictures of the damage and as close to the source of the leak as you can see, both inside and outside the home. These will help your roofer, and can be used for insurance purposes, if that applies.

Stop the Water

roof home covered with a tarp waiting for the roofing company to fix after thunderstorm

Once you have gotten an idea where the leak is happening from inside and once any stormy weather has subsided, inspect your roof from the ground or from a ladder, if you are comfortable with using one. It’s best not to attempt to walk on your roof. Leave that to the trained professionals who also have safety equipment. You may see some damage, even from a distance, such as broken shingles or loose or broken metal flashing around vents and skylights that have created an opening for water to get under and into the roof layers.

As a temporary shield against more water damage, if possible, lay a tarp over the damaged area. Depending on the area of damage, the tarp should be at least 4-5 feet in length and 6mm thick so you can get good coverage and have a tarp that will not tear or blow away easily. The tarp should go up to the peak of the roof to prevent water from rolling down and under it. If the roof peak is not safely reachable, the tarp can be tucked under shingles to hold it in place and keep water away.

If you can’t place a tarp on your own, you can still use it to help stop damage on the interior. Lay it out in the attic under the leak if possible to protect your ceiling. Other things you will need are buckets, towels or whatever can help you capture, soak up or redirect water into a container and not let it flow onto your ceiling, carpet or floor.

If your roofer is not coming out right away, you may be able to get a local service to help you lay a tarp on the roof. Flood damage restoration companies usually offer this service.

Long Term Leaks

Swelling leaking of whitewash and plaster on ceiling of dwelling due to penetration of water from the top floor or roof, selective focus.

If your leak has been happening for a while, you will likely have damage to the insulation in your attic. You could also experience loss of heating and cooling through the area that has been weakened, increasing exposure to the outdoors. Mold and mildew may grow in the wet conditions. Mold is a serious health hazard. Over time, it can get into your HVAC system and spread throughout the house. Roof leaks can also be a fire hazard if electrical wires are in the vicinity. And of course, the damage will lead to weakened and rotting roof components, rafters, ceilings and drywall.

For these reasons, once you discover a roof leak, it’s important to get it cleaned up as soon as possible. The sooner you deal with the leak, the less it will cost for cleanup, repair and restoration of the damaged area.

Call your Roofer

Now that you’ve identified the roof problem and made adjustments to minimize further damage, call your roofer and schedule them to come out to inspect the damage and take care of anything that may be critical, such as a ceiling failure or electrical issue. Even if you think you can repair the damage yourself, at least get a roofer to inspect it. As an experienced pro, he will recognize problems that you may miss.

A professional roofer will give you a written plan and estimate of the repairs. He will also be sure to check over the entire roof for other problems so you can avoid further damage and expense due to leaks.

Check your Insurance

If your roof damage was due to a major storm, such as from high winds, your repairs may be covered by your homeowners’ insurance. Your agent may have suggestions on who to call to get help with temporary repairs. Of course, if there was no major storm and your roof damage is just because it is old or not maintained, that is probably not something that insurance will cover. Call your agent to find out if your policy will cover any of the leak repairs. Keep in mind, old roof shingles lose the grit that helps them repel water, making an aging roof something to address with a roofer before leaks happen. 

Hire a Professional Roofer

Framing contractor installing roof sheeting over rafters on a new commercial residential construction project

When making repairs to your roof, whether they are emergency repairs or scheduled ones, it’s important to hire a licensed professional roofer to help you. Be aware that, particularly following a major storm, a lot of “roofers” appear, ready to help. These may not be trained, licensed and established roofers and some may be scammers. Before hiring anyone to fix your roof, check their license status with your state, look at the BBB reports and check online reviews. Make sure anyone you hire is insured.

It’s always good to establish a relationship with a roofer before problems occur. Regular roof inspections are easy and either free or inexpensive. They may help you avoid that leak in the first place. If damage does occur, your roofer will be ready to help. Your roofer can estimate the condition of your roof and when to plan and budget for a roof replacement before your roof develops problems that can damage your home.

Prestige Roofing in Las Vegas has been serving Clark County for over 25 years. We offer free estimates, roof repairs, roof replacements and new roof construction to customers throughout the Las Vegas Valley.








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Rebuilding the Roof of Notre Dame Cathedral

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An Epic Roof Replacement for Notre Dame Cathedral

a photo of notre dame of paris, france on the water

Paris, France, Notre Dame de Paris facade

At Prestige Roofing, we do a lot of roof replacements. Roofs age and reach a point where they risk leaks, mold or other problems from roof elements that have deteriorated or that are broken or missing. Some roofs we replace are due to damage by storms, wind or falling tree branches. We work with lots of materials, including shingles, ceramic and cement tiles, slate, and metal roofs. We build roof fixtures like chimneys, vents, sunroofs, cupolas, and more. Making beautiful roofs is what we do. So when we saw the epic roof replacement going on in Paris, France on Notre Dame Cathedral, we were curious to take a closer look.

A Cathedral Built to Last

Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France, is a beautiful example of gothic architecture dating back over 900 years. Construction was started in 1163 and it took almost 200 years to complete!  “Our Lady of Paris” has stood as one of the most iconic and beloved landmarks in the center of Paris for centuries. When it was consumed by fire in 2019, the city and the world mourned.

The Craftsmanship of Notre Dame

If you haven’t had the chance to visit a massive and lovingly detailed cathedral like Notre Dame, the experience is hard to explain in just words. The goal of the original architects was to lift the worshippers inside skyward toward heaven, so the cathedral was built with soaring interior walls, vaulting and ribbed arches to emphasize their height. The many tall windows are filled with hand-crafted stained glass images that add beauty and bring light into the interior.

 

But it’s the exterior that interests us the most. The building features two tall towers, a magnificent spire and flying buttresses. Along with rows of stone-carved old testament kings and saints, bizarre gargoyles extend from the roof and walls to both help direct rain water from the roof and to keep worshippers aware of the creatures they might encounter in the afterlife if they didn’t honor the teachings of the church. This amazing building stood for nearly a thousand years and burned in a matter of hours. But the Cathedral is coming back with the help of dedicated experts and craftsmen who are carefully rebuilding it, piece by piece.

The Notre Dame Cathedral Fire of 2019

a photo of notre dame's reconstruction from the 2019 fire

Scaffolding covers much of the exterior of the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris after the fire in 2019 destroyed the roof.

On April 15, 2019 a terrible fire broke out on the roof of the cathedral. The fire was seen across Paris and consumed a large portion of the roof, destroying the spire and damaging parts of the interior as the roof melted and debris fell onto artwork and fixtures inside.

 

Despite the extensive damage and age of the building, the French people and worldwide fans immediately set out to rebuild their beloved cathedral. A project is now ongoing to restore it to its former beauty. Fans around the world can follow the progress of the restoration online. The work will be completed in 2024, when the Cathedral will finally be reopened to the public.

 

The goal of the restoration is to rebuild using the same design and in many cases, same artisanal methods as the original structure almost a thousand years ago. The team has hired experts, artists and craftsmen who bring very specialized skills for everything from glasswork to restoring the organ.

Restoring the Roof

notre dame's roof reconstruction 2019

Reconstruction and restoration of Notre-Dame de Paris after fire

The roof of Notre Dame Cathedral was supported by ancient oak beams first installed in 1220-1240, one of the oldest wooden structure frames in the world. These beams were destroyed in the fire. But they will be replaced with the same strong, durable oak beams from nearby woods that were carefully harvested to minimize environmental impact and preserve the best of the wood. The work will be done by skilled artisans, carpenters who have mastered the traditional art of hand-hewn wood beams, a technique that dates back centuries and was used in the building of the cathedral. This technique means that each beam is hand-crafted from a single piece of wood. This gives the wood extraordinary strength and resistance, the same that held up those original beams in the Cathedral for many centuries. The restoration project has even engaged a team from the United States who have been training in these ancient woodworking techniques to help complete part of the project. The lost spire, that toppled and burned in the fire, will be rebuilt to the same specifications as the original, including a wooden frame.

 

Six hundred tons and 300 foot high scaffolding has been erected over the top of the building and replacement and restoration is now underway. This is quite a roofing job that we plan to follow as the rebuilt Cathedral roof will literally rise from the ashes over the next two years. We can’t wait to see the new roof, a brand new spire and its statues and fixtures fully restored.

Roof Replacement in Las Vegas

prestige roofing of las vegas roof restoration and construction

We found the Notre Dame project so fascinating because at Prestige we take great pride in our craftsmanship, too. While we may not use medieval woodworking techniques, we have built a strong team of roofers who bring decades of training, experience and knowledge to build, repair, or replace your old roof to the highest quality standards.

metal roofing by prestige roofing

Prestige has built a reputation as a quality custom roofer, adding beautiful custom metal, slate and tile roofs to some of the finest homes in the Las Vegas Valley. As part of our custom and specialty roofing, we have also built a highly skilled and creative team of metal work specialists who cut, shape and form the metal to the design specs, whether it’s roof panels, a cupola, an arch, a decorative roof fixture, or to beautify the interior of a home with a copper fireplace, wall panels, or other fixtures. There really is no limit to the creative ways copper and zinc can be used to beautify your home. And, like Notre Dame, a copper or zinc roof is durable and can last over a century.

 

No matter what roof material you choose, a quality roof replacement means your home will have decades of reliable protection from the elements and add value to your home. And, it will look great, too. If you need a roof replacement or have a new custom roof in mind, contact Prestige Roofing at (702) 646-7536 for a free quote.

 

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Plan your Roofing Project

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What we cover in this post:

sturdy roof shingles

Looking at a roof replacement or a new roof for a building project? Planning for your roofing project should start early and include a number of factors that will help you manage within your budget and get the best results, an attractive new roof that will give your home many years of protection. Here are a few guidelines to help you plan your roofing project.

First Steps: Identify Quality Roofers and Gather Quotes

Once you know you will need a roof replacement due to an aging roof, storm, or other damage, home restoration, or building a new home, it’s important to have a plan. Set your budget early and determine how you will pay for the project. This will help you set realistic financial expectations. If you will need financing, many roofers work with home improvement financing companies, or you may have a lender at your bank or mortgage company who can help. Get a good idea of what you can afford and pay for, then begin your search for the right roofer.

 

Roofers generally work in the months when the weather is mildest, usually late spring, summer, and early fall. Overall, winter is a great time to contact and meet with potential roofers for a roof inspection and a quote for your project. This lets you get access to their spring or summer calendar and may help you avoid price increases that may come during the busier season.

Choosing your Roofer

construction workers shaking hands

Engineer contractor shaking hands at the breakdown house construction site working architecture planning in sunny weather day.

Select a minimum of two or three local roofers to meet with and discuss your project. Select roofers who are licensed (you can check license status online with your state), located locally with an actual facility, and have a good reputation. Check their reviews online. Ask your roofer candidates about their insurance coverage. You do not want to be liable if one of their workers has an accident, or if your home is damaged inadvertently during work.

 

Once you’ve qualified a few professionals, talk with them and narrow down the selection. Make sure you and your roofer communicate well since there are many details you will want to be able to discuss with them as the project goes forward. You should meet with them in person, get satisfactory answers to your questions and be able to reach them easily by phone, text, or email. A new roof is a big project and a significant investment, so it’s fine to keep looking for the right roofer.

Avoid Roofing Scam Artists


If a roofer has no local office address that you can drive by, he may be a fly-by-night contractor and is best avoided. If a roofer you are vetting quotes a very low price, it’s likely he is not a quality roofer. Even if he completes the work, he may skimp on training, safety, and labor costs. Materials may be low quality or not show up at all. If a roofer asks for his full fee upfront, avoid doing business with him. He may be a scam artist who takes the money and then disappears.

Understand your Roofing Quote

Roofing projects involve many elements. Your roofing quote should reflect that and contain detailed information. You should not just receive a dollar estimate, but a full written quote that details what the work will include. Your quote should contain information about these proposed items:

 

  • Type and quantity of materials and their cost (including brand)
  • Labor cost
  • Estimated start and completion dates
  • Method of installation and any special requirements
  • Total cost and payment requirements
  • Warranty details
  • Contact information, contractor license

 

You should not choose your roofer only by the lowest quote. Read all the details on the quote for a full picture of the project your roofer will deliver and choose the one that will give you the best result for your roof project budget.

Materials and Design Choices

red and tan roof

Before you buy, it’s important to get a clear understanding of your materials and design options. Different materials have different characteristics, lifespans, and costs. If you want a roof that will last a long time, concrete tiles or metal roofing are good choices, highly durable and hold up well to heat, cold, and wind. Asphalt tiles last 15-40 years, require minimal maintenance, and are an affordable choice. Be sure to understand any HOA requirements, and accommodate your home’s style and roof type, as well as your local climate and neighborhood aesthetics. For many roofing materials choices, there are many styles and colors available for you to choose from.

 

When selecting materials, don’t focus only on the cost. Quality materials made by reputable brands will last longer and generally require less repair and maintenance, giving you long-term value for the slightly higher price. Take time to do your research online and work with your roofer until you are comfortable with your choices.

Schedule the Work

roofer working on roof

Framing contractor installing roof sheeting over rafters on a new commercial residential construction project

Your project schedule may be affected by your roofer’s backlog of projects. This is one reason to plan many months ahead. Most projects must be completed in dry, warmer weather, which means only a few months of the year, and roofers’ capacity fills up quickly. Scheduling may also be affected by crew availability as teams may be committed to other projects, sometimes including emergency repair projects.

 

Another reason your project may be delayed is the availability of materials, especially with supply chain interruptions in recent years. Find out if there are any issues related to delivery when you are choosing your materials. That way, you can either adjust your timing expectations or choose something different that is not on backorder.

Contingency Planning

As a contingency, have a backup plan to relocate temporarily in case that becomes necessary. Your roofer will let you know if there’s any planned reason the home should be vacated. In most cases, work can be carried out without interrupting your use of the home.

 

Ask your roofer how they handle weather events. Do they have a tarp or other protection to lay over any exposed areas of the home in case of a rainstorm? Are they able to reschedule and complete the project after weather delays or will they have scheduling conflicts that may leave your project unfinished for longer than you expected? Knowing ahead of time how bad weather will impact your project will help you with planning your own schedule and with setting expectations with your roofer.

Prepare the Worksite

Help keep your project on track by preparing your home for the arrival of your roofing team. Trim back trees or tall bushes that overhang the roof so the work area is fully available. Be sure to remove items that are close to the outside of the house, such as lawn furniture or gardening tools, to allow roofers to move around, lay out their materials and equipment, and easily access the roof. Plan to keep pets inside as much as possible during the roofers’ work hours.

 

Your roofer should remove any debris from the worksite to keep it accessible and safe for you and your family. They may locate a dumpster at the site to contain the debris that will be hauled away at the end of the project.

Inspect your Roofer’s Work

palm tree in front of luxurious brick building

Congratulations! Your project has been completed. As a last step, schedule a roof inspection of the completed work with your roofer. Walk around the entire roof and look for anything that looks wrong such as loose, missing or out of place parts. Check that flashing, rain gutters and other roof elements are firmly and correctly placed so they will perform as required in the next rainstorm. The roof should slope smoothly in all directions to drain water away, with no areas where water can pool and cause damage to your home. Ask any questions you have, including maintenance requirements for your new roof. This is your chance to be sure the work has been done to your satisfaction, so take your time with your roof inspection.

Understand your Roof Warranty

Take time to read through and understand your roof warranty. Your roof materials will generally be warranted by the manufacturer for 10-30 years, longer for some materials. The warranty may stipulate that you perform proper roof maintenance, so read and understand those requirements as well.

 

Your contractor warranty may cover labor for 1 or more years after installation. Understand that coverage as it is different from your materials-only warranty.

 

A full roofing system warranty covers flashing and other accessories or decorative roof elements (not covered in your roof tiles or shingles warranty) and may or may not be included.

 

Inspect your warranty carefully so you know what is covered and what is not. Direct any questions to your roofer so that you are comfortable with your coverage.

Stay Organized

Getting a new roof doesn’t have to be stressful. Read and keep your quote, contract, and warranty on hand and you’ll be set in case any questions come up on your new roof. Best of all, you’ll feel great when the project is done and your home is protected with a quality new roof that looks great and will last for decades.

Prestige Roofing

exterior view of Prestige Roofing

Prestige Roofing has been providing quality roofing to homes and businesses in Southern Nevada for over 25 years. Our trained and experienced team members are here to help you with your roofing project. Give us a call for a free quote on your roofing project today.

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Roofing Fixtures: Spires, Turrets, Cupolas and Gargoyles

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Prestige Roofing Prestige Roofing’s work ranges from service and repair work,  re-roofing  and new construction work, commercial and residential work. They have also done work for ultra-custom projects around the Las Vegas Valley.

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