(702) 646-7536Learn all about roofers and what being a roofing contractor really means.
Tom Romney has been working in the roofing industry for over 25 years. He is the co-founder of Prestige Roofing in North Las Vegas, providing luxury custom roofing services for homes and businesses in Southern Nevada, Utah and Arizona.
We’re all familiar with flat roofs, which are found on all types of buildings. But, is a flat roof the right choice for your building? Flat roofs are different from the more decorative sloped roofs found on homes and small buildings, but they have a lot of advantages in particular situations and may be the right solution for a new building. When a flat roof is the right choice, or when replacing an old flat roof, there are different types of flat roofing materials available to meet the needs of building owners and managers.
Flat roofs have a number of advantages that make them the best choice for specific types of buildings. Larger buildings and ones that need to have regular activity on the rooftop are ideal for flat roofs that are lighter, generally less costly to install and provide easy access.
One important factor to understand is that flat roofs are not completely flat. They are usually slightly sloped to allow for precipitation to drain off. Still, with drainage slower than on a higher slope roof, most flat roofs have to be regularly maintained in order to be sure that the roof material is kept watertight and sealed to prevent leaks and damage to the building below. Flat roofs should have a thorough annual inspection to look for problems and reseal surfaces damaged by UV rays or moisture.
Flat roofs are familiar to most of us on commercial buildings where convenience, accessibility, safety and cost are factors in choosing a flat roof solution. Most flat roof materials are lighter and less expensive than the materials used on more decorative sloped roofs. For large buildings, flat roofing is a much more practical solution, avoiding excessive weight on the building’s frame, and also lowering construction costs. Industrial, warehouse, retail, hotels and similar commercial buildings often have multiple HVAC and other systems installed on the roof where maintenance personnel must have quick access, day or night. Having a flat roof makes it much easier to access these roof elements for maintenance and repairs. Air conditioners and other systems may be placed on the roof, saving valuable space within the building. And, for roofers and other workers accessing the roof, a flat roof means less chance of worker injury from a slip on a sloped roof.
Of course, flat roofs are also commonly used for high rise residential and office buildings in urban settings, where service access is also important. And, from a design and space optimization point of view, urban building roof space is cherished as outdoor space where occupants and guests enjoy access to sunlight and fresh air. High rise apartments, condos and hotels may even build out their roofs to include rooftop gardens, adding attractive lighting, eating areas and even areas for sports activities or a swimming pool. With a flat roof, design options are only limited by the imagination.
Flat roofs are also found in single family homes and other small buildings where climate, style, design and budget make them the right option. They tend to be most practical in areas like the dry southwest where there will be little rain and no snow load for the roof to handle. Flat roofs may be part of a green energy efficient home solution, with accommodation for solar panels or a green roof covered in living plants.
Now that we know where a flat roof makes sense, let’s examine the differences between the four types of flat roofs that are commonly used.
Both flexible and easily-customizable, a PVC membrane flat roof is constructed from what is known as a scrim, which is basically a flexible, heavy duty, non-woven polyester fabric that creates a bonded seal and is also fire retardant. The scrim is laminated in a UV-resistant PVC thermoplastic.
Lightweight in nature, a PVC roof will not add weight to the existing structure. As a result, PVC can be installed directly over an existing system. This means there is less material that needs to be dumped into a landfill.
PVC roofing is durable and highly reliable. It has the ability to resist high temperatures, dirt and strong winds.
The Built-up Roof, or (BUR) is a roof made essentially of hot tar and gravel. Layers of hot tar are applied between at least 3 layers of waterproof ply sheets. On top of this, a layer of smooth river stones or gravel are applied.
Ideal for commercial buildings, the biggest advantage of a BUR roof is that it is very affordable. Another plus is that a BUR roof is able to meet higher fire ratings than other roofing materials, as gravel is naturally fire-retardant.
Unfortunately, there are drawbacks to a BUR flat roof. The first is the telltale smell of asphalt, which many find undesirable. Messy to install, a BUR roof is also very difficult to remove. Tar and gravel make this type of roof very heavy in nature, which will put extra stress on the structure of a building.
Historically popular, a rubber membrane, also known as EPDM, flat roof is both durable and lightweight. However, it should be noted that EPDM tends to be less puncture resistant than PVC. With that being said, the recyclability of both options is about the same.
One disadvantage of using a rubber membrane roof in a warmer climate is that it is naturally dark in color, making this choice more prone to absorbing heat.
TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefinis) is a blend of two different types of rubber. It is white in color, giving it an energy saving advantage as it reflects sunlight. This translates into dollars saved in cooling costs.
Very easy to install, a TPO roof can either be fully adhered or mechanically-attached to the deck of a roof. Extremely flexible, TPO’s versatility surpasses other roofing materials, without it losing its durability.
For beauty, quality and design, none of these choices can approach metal roofing, a durable and decorative alternative to traditional flat roof materials. Metal roofing is highly durable and needs little maintenance. The beauty of copper, zinc and aluminum roofs is undeniable, and they all are highly weather resistant. They are also energy efficient, reflecting the rays of the sun for a cooler interior, and of course they are recyclable. Metal roofs are popular on homes and business looking to increase the beauty and value of the property. Metal can be formed into shapes to create unique, custom and beautiful roofs, roofing or standalone fixtures, overhangs, gutters and other elements that make your home stand out from the crowd.
No matter which type of flat or other roof you are considering, don’t trust just anyone to do the work for you. Find a reliable and trained professional roofer to help make sure your new roof is the right one for your building, and that it is installed correctly using the right materials to avoid costly damage down the road. For the best residential and commercial roofing services in Las Vegas, contact Prestige Roofing today for a free estimate.
Tom Romney has been working in the roofing industry for over 25 years. He is the co-founder of Prestige Roofing in North Las Vegas, providing luxury custom roofing services for homes and businesses in Southern Nevada, Utah and Arizona.
A roof is more than a cover for your commercial property. The commercial roof that covers your building is its first line of defense against the elements, from wind and rain, to damaging UV solar radiation and freezing ice and snow. The most cost-effective way to help your roof last longer, and make sure it’s doing its job protecting your investment in the building and what’s inside it, is by taking a proactive approach with preventive maintenance. Here are some basic steps you or your maintenance crew can take to help spot and avoid roof problems:
Ask your maintenance guy to check on things such as:
Because of the region’s extreme heat and winds, engineers recommend professional commercial roof inspections twice every year in Las Vegas. Ideally, the semi-annual roof inspections should be performed in the spring and fall after the end of the harsh weather seasons.
A roofing professional will inspect the roof for any gaps in the flashing. He will check on the condition of your gutters and downspouts. He will be able to give you maintenance tips and recommendations so your staff can be proactive in spotting and preventing problems. Your roof inspector will also point out any damage to your roof and recommend a solution. It is advisable to have a professional inspect your roof after a severe hailstorm or wind even though it appears unscathed.
Simple repairs such as sealing of cracks could be performed in the course of the inspection. Other complex repairs or complete commercial roof replacement need to be scheduled in advance. Don’t neglect damage found during an inspection. Repairing minor issues right away will prevent them from developing into much costlier and more extensive damage over time. Broken seals or loose flashing, for example, can lead to long term leaks, mold, or ripping of roof materials so that large sections need to be replaced.
In addition to basic repairs, applying a reflective coating to your commercial roof helps withstand damages from the elements. White solar reflective coatings can help lower energy costs in the building as well as help protect the roof from UV damage. High-quality coatings are UV-resistant and can withstand Las Vegas’ extreme summer heat. A coating that has a significant amount of aluminum gives your roof a silver finish and also maximizes its reflective properties. Or, just a fresh coat of coat of liquid bitumen will help renew the roof’s waterproofing and UV protection. While some of this work can be done by your maintenance crew, consult with your roofer for the best solution for your roof’s particular needs.
While you may have been prudent in maintaining the roof of your commercial building, there are instances where you urgently need to call in a professional.
If you notice excess granules on your gutters and downspouts, it could mean that your roof has reached the end of its life cycle. Granule build-up implies that the roof has lost its texture and sturdiness, and might fold in or tear should there be a huge storm. If you notice the roof is sagging, it’s time to engage a professional.
Water stains on the ceiling could be as a result of an undetected leak. In such a case, a professional will be able to identify and remedy the situation.
Knowing your roof’s age helps you discern when it’s due for replacement. Most roofs are designed to last between 20 to 25 years. Keep an eye on its condition as it approaches this age, and prepare to replace it.
At Prestige Roofing, we will conduct a full assessment of your commercial, civic building, or residential roof in Las Vegas Valley, including a report on our findings. We can work with your team to come up with a preventive maintenance plan. When it’s time for a replacement roof, Prestige is an experienced commercial roofer who can help you make the right choices for a new roof for your building. Contact us today at 702-646-7536 for a free estimate.
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.
When you need a new roof, the fastest or cheapest choice is not always the best. You want to ensure the job is done correctly the first time to avoid future problems and more costly roof repairs due to inferior roof work. At Prestige, we are dedicated to the best workmanship and professionalism we can deliver on all our roofing projects. From paperwork to workmanship to customer service, we hold ourselves to high standards in everything we do. So, we’d like to share what we think are 10 important questions you should ask before hiring any roofing company.
A: In Nevada, any business or individual who alters any building, including roofing contractors, must be licensed by the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB). All licensees must demonstrate detailed knowledge and experience in the field they’re licensed and pass required exams. To keep their license active, the NSCB also requires contractors to have a license bond issued by a surety bond company with 
an “A” rating or higher. In Clark County, your roofer should provide proof of a Class C-15 Roofing & Siding license and you can verify the license and bond are current.
A: A roofing contractor should carry both workers’ compensation insurance and liability insurance to protect you in the event of an accident. Workers’ compensation insurance covers any injuries to workers on the job and protects you from being held responsible for their medical expenses. Liability insurance protects your property in case it’s damaged during the process. Contractors should carry proof of this insurance and you have the right to request to see it.
A: Roofing contractors should be able to provide names, addresses and phone numbers of previous customers. Then, you can do a drive-by inspection of previous job sites to see their work. Check to see if shingles line up without any gaps and are neatly trimmed at the edges. You can also call references and ask them important questions, like whether they would use the roofer again and if there were any leaks or problems after the work was complete. Ask for references from both recent customers and customers from several years ago to see how the roofs are holding up.
A: If a subcontractor is used for any part of the job, the contractor should provide the name, contact information, proof of insurance, certification and references for this person, as well. You’ll also want to 
know who’s going to be in charge on the jobsite.
A: Reputable roofing contractors offer warranties on their workmanship. This warranty is different from the manufacturer’s warranty on the materials. It covers any issues that occur due to installation. You’ll want to know how long each type of warranty lasts and what’s covered under each. You should get a copy of the manufacturer’s warranty to ensure you don’t do anything to void it.
A: Although it’s cheaper in the short-term to put new shingles over your old shingles (called a recover), it’s not always the best investment. If you have multiple layers of old shingles, then you shouldn’t even consider a recover. Even if you have a single layer of shingles, your roof may be in too bad of a condition to recover. Your roofing contractor should walk the roof to determine if any soft spots or decay should be addressed. The best course is to do a complete tear-off, so your roof deck can be thoroughly inspected and damaged sections replaced. Tearing off the old shingles and doing a full replacement typically outlasts a recover by several years.
A: There will be a lot of refuse from the old roof. Your roofing contractor should bring a container to 
hold this trash and handle disposal. This should never be your responsibility. He should also run a magnet over your yard to ensure there aren’t any nails hidden in your lawn or bushes.
A: Clear skies can suddenly bring rain, which can be a major crisis, if it happens during your roof replacement. Your roofing contractor ensures the interior of your home is protected and kept dry by placing plastic sheeting over your roof. If a sudden storm turns into extended rainy days, the roofing company should send someone out periodically to ensure the covering is keeping the home dry and will come out to further secure it, if the storm brings high winds.
A: Your contractor should provide you with a timeline of how long it’ll take to complete your roofing job. He should also tell you about contingencies, if there are rain or other weather-related delays.
A: If you have any problems with your new roof, it’s easier to contact your contractor at their permanent local office. You should be wary of companies who come into your neighborhood after big storms that don’t have a local office or physical business address.
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.
License #41270A
Insured & Bonded
TRI Certified Installers
