(702) 646-7536Prestige RoofingPrestige 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.
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.
Sometimes we may delay making roof repairs or improvements, or having roof replacement work done on our house until suddenly we realize it can’t wait. Maybe an event like a storm or fire, or the discovery of an underlying problem happens suddenly needs attention right away. Winter, in many parts of the country, may seem like a bad time to build a new roof or get a roof repaired, but it can’t always be avoided. And, it doesn’t have to be.
The truth is, you can have your roof repaired and even replaced in the winter with little risk to your project or your pocketbook. While the work can be more challenging for roofers, there are many ways they adapt their work to the weather. In some ways, roofing in the winter may even have advantages to the homeowner, and the roofer as well.
There is little need to delay getting your roof replaced or repaired just because it is winter. One good reason to complete your winter roofing project is that if your roof is leaking or is not energy efficient, the quicker you fix the problem, the less damage your house will sustain and the faster you can stop wasting money.
Some homeowners may find that scheduling roofing work in the winter is easier and may even cost less. In some areas, building slows down in winter. Roofers have more availability and can schedule the job faster, which means your work is done sooner. You can take advantage of the slower winter months to get more quotes from more contractors and find the best and most reliable company. Roofing companies appreciate your business in winter because they can keep their roofers working year round.
The ability to complete winter roofing in cold climates can be impacted by the weather, as well as things like the pitch of your roof and the type of roofing or roof materials. Areas of heavy snows and frigid temperatures will be the most challenging. Roofers are aware of the characteristics and limitations of the materials they use. They may make adjustments to the schedule or suggest different materials if the weather is extremely cold.
The pitch of your roof matters. Flat roofs, which are used for many commercial roof systems, will accumulate more snow and may be harder to access in winter. One common flat roofing material, EPDM rubber roofing, must be installed at 40 degrees or warmer. Colder than that and the adhesive that is used to seal the roof won’t bond correctly. Modified bitumen roofing, a type of asphalt roofing system, is a tried and true system whose seams are sealed using hot air, so the ambient temperature is not as important. Single layer flat roofing systems, such as KEE roofing membranes, are high strength and very durable. These roofs perform very well in cold weather and under snow loads. For repairs, your roofer will be able to determine the type of flat roof and how the work can go forward during the winter months.
Most roofs are sloped to allow for water runoff and snow shed. The angle of the roof can affect how fast it sheds snow. It also impacts worker safety, especially if ice is a possibility. A high sloped roof will be harder to work on in snowy and icy conditions than one that is gently sloped. There are many choices for sloped roof materials, and they also may be impacted by winter weather. Here are some considerations about materials and winter roofing.
Asphalt Shingles
In most areas of the country, the most common roofing material for a sloped roof is asphalt shingles. The most important thing to consider when installing these shingles is the thermometer. The lowest temperature recommended for installing most asphalt shingles is 40 degrees, or the shingles will not bond well. Asphalt shingles may be affected by cold temperatures. In warm weather, the shingles are flexible and pliable. In cold weather, they become brittle and may chip and break, wasting shingles and therefore wasting money. Asphalt shingles awaiting installation should be stored indoors if the weather will approach 40 degrees or lower. When they are out of storage, they must be kept flat or they may break.
Concrete tile roofing handles large temperature swings, like those in Las Vegas and the Desert Southwest, very well. Concrete has air pockets that allow it to breathe and not crack in extreme temperatures. Concrete tile roofing can be installed year round although not at below freezing temperatures to allow the sealants to dry properly.
Another good roofing material for sloped roofs is a metal roof. Copper, aluminum, zinc or steel, a metal roof won’t crack or split no matter how cold it gets. Metal roofs are ideal to install during the winter since there is no need for a bond that has to cure and seal. Instead, installers put a breathable underlayment down on the roof which is intended to prevent moisture from getting between the metal and the roof. Since metal contracts with cold and expands in heat, installers may prefer not to install when temperatures are below freezing so as to avoid the chance of any warping of the metal as the weather warms up.
Once your roofer is ready to start, he will watch the weather carefully. Snow and ice can be dangerous and cause workers to slip, so work may be delayed or stopped temporarily to wait for safer conditions. Workers are always equipped and trained to use OSHA approved safety equipment to prevent slips and falls. A good roofer will keep an eye on weather forecasts and build extra time into the project schedule to allow for bad weather interference.
It’s important not to delay roof work any time of year, especially in winter. Even a slightly damaged roof can suddenly become a big (and more expensive) problem if it’s hit with heavy snow, rain or high winds. Winter is a slower time for builders and roofers, so it’s a great time to get an inspection, repair or roof replacement taken care of quickly.
Living in Southern Nevada offers homeowners advantages when it comes to scheduling roof repair and roof replacement. We have the pleasure of clear and sunny days pretty much year round. However, with colder, shorter days in winter and sometimes gusty winds, winter roof repair and replacement can still be a challenge.
At Prestige Roofing, with over 25 years of service to the Las Vegas Valley, we’re experienced with year round roofing. We work around our infrequent weather disruptions and keep your project on track. If overnight lows have made it dangerous to work early in the morning or if early sunset means shorter work days, we work around those delays to keep your job on track.
Let Prestige Roofing put our winter roofing experience to work for you. If you need roof repairs or a new roof in Las Vegas or anywhere in Southern Nevada, contact Prestige Roofing at 702-646-7536 to find out how we can help you—winter, spring, summer or fall.
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.
In Las Vegas or anywhere in the Southwest, the combined effects of the desert summer heat, dust, and monsoon rains and winds can take a toll on our roads, buildings and vehicles. Over time, harsh summer weather may crack asphalt, damage paint, tear away window screens and damage other vulnerable parts of our homes. Even our cars experience the effects of direct sun and prolonged dry heat on rubber tires, trim and other components. At home, our roofs can also feel the effects of our summer weather. Roofs need a little extra attention to help them cope with the scorching heat and monsoon storms to make sure they continue to protect our homes, year after year.
Daytime temperatures in Las Vegas consistency average in the low 100s during the summer months, usually with clear skies that allow the white hot sunlight to beat down on everything below. Older roofs that haven’t been maintained can experience damage after years of absorbing the effects of the hot desert sun. Persistent exposure to the Las Vegas sun’s intense UV rays weakens the roof and strips it of flexibility. That can cause it to go through thermal shock, meaning the roof starts expanding and contracting depending on the weather. If this continues, the roof can split, causing extensive damage and requiring costly repairs.
Asphalt shingle roofs can be vulnerable to sun damage. In general, shingles reflect only around 30% of the sun’s rays. The tiles absorb much of the sun’s heat, some of which enters your home, raising energy costs. The solar rays, in the form of UV radiation, react with the asphalt roofing, causing what used to be gleaming, strong shingles to become brittle and dry. That means the roof is losing its waterproofing abilities as the oils are dissolved by the sun’s rays. This can lead to water seeping under the shingles and leaking into the structure, causing damage to the home.
Many newer types of asphalt tiles are more energy efficient and resilient to heat and the effects of solar radiation, so be sure to discuss the weather resistance and energy efficiency qualities of asphalt shingle roofing you are considering with your roofer before deciding.
Tile is the go-to material in many sunny, hot climates, including Las Vegas. A correctly-installed, quality concrete or clay tile roof will last many decades if it is properly maintained. The material is naturally insulating and energy efficient, keeping your home cooler in summer. It is highly resistant to solar rays and, if not weakened or damaged, holds up well to monsoon rains and winds.
Metal roofs also do very well in hot areas as they naturally reflect most of the sun’s heat so your home interior stays cooler. They are highly durable and damage-resistant. When there is a problem with metal roofing, such as buckling in high winds or water leaks, it is due to improper installation. Always choose a roofer who is qualified and experienced in installing metal roofing – or whatever type of roofing you have chosen – to avoid future costly repairs due to use of the wrong materials or techniques during installation.
Roof ventilation is an essential component of good roof design and construction. When it gets hot, heat needs some way to escape from the home. An improperly ventilated roof causes hot air to remain trapped in the attic and forces the air conditioner to work harder to cool the home.
In winter, poor ventilation allows moisture to build up in the roof material in the attic, where rot and mold may develop. When temperatures fall below freezing, warm inside air trapped in the attic may cause snow or ice along the edges of the roof to melt and run into the gutter and refreeze. That could eventually lead to a dangerous ice situation around the home.
Have your roofer make sure that your roof ventilation system is properly installed and working well. This will help keep your energy costs down and allow your roof to better handle weather extremes and avoid damage due to poor ventilation.
The cumulative damage caused by the sun may leave your roof vulnerable when Las Vegas’ monsoon season arrives. The desert Southwest experiences heavy downpours and even hail during this time. Roofs are more exposed to water damage if the roof has lost its waterproofing abilities. In addition, any damaged or warped roof shingles may allow the roof to leak. And, damaged, loose shingles may not be able to stand up to a heavy round of wind or a severe hailstorm.
A monsoon season dust storm at sunset near Las Vegas over some tract homes in the desert
The dust storms capable of inspiring beautiful desert photography can cause some much less attractive damage to your roof. These swirling storms bring with them heavy winds carrying dust and grime, coating everything and potentially destabilizing or ripping away parts of your roof structure already left vulnerable by the sun and rain.
Dust storms are a part of life in much of the Southwest. A well-maintained and well-insulated roof that does not leak will help avoid damage and keep flying dust from entering your attic and home.
Regular roof inspections give homeowners a chance to fix small problems before they become costly. A good inspector will go over the entire roof and recommend any roof repairs that are needed to make sure your roof is ready for the summer season. If you’re in the market for a new roof, your roofer can help you make the right roof material selection that holds up best in your local climate. Using the right roof materials will also help keep your home interior more comfortable and energy costs down by properly managing the transfer of heat and cold.
A good roofer will look over your entire roof and inspect for things such as:
Make sure you give your roof a once-over after a period of intense heat or after a lot of rain. Call in a professional if you think there’s a bigger issue going on. Prestige Roofing has over 25 years of experience with all kinds of roofing, keeping Southern Nevada homes cozy, dry and comfortable year round. Give us a call for more information.
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.
A beautiful copper roof will last many decades and should need only minimal care. Strong and durable, copper has a natural lifecycle that takes it from a shiny copper glow to a rich, distinctive patina, one that is recognizable worldwide as seen in many historic buildings, some hundreds of years old. To achieve that distinguished maturity, most homeowners look forward to or even accelerate the maturation of their copper roof to its ultimate patina. But no matter what stage your copper roof is in, there are still things you should know to help your roof look and perform its very best for a very long time to come.
The patina color on a copper roof is a sign that the copper is maturing and actually strengthening as it ages. When a copper roof is exposed to moisture and air contaminants, the oxidation process begins. A thin layer begins to form, which is the patina, sometimes called verdigris. As the years go by, the patina will grow thicker and it will change color. The color may vary, depending on the location of the roof. For example, urban copper roofs may have a bluish patina, due to the copper sulfate that forms from deposits from urban pollution. A copper roof on a building near the coast may have a greenish tint as the salt air forms copper chloride in the patina. It’s important to remember that this is a long, natural process. You can expect it to take even longer if you live in a dry climate that doesn’t get much rain or humidity. Plus, the patina will probably mature unevenly. Different parts of the roof may receive more or less sunlight, and other factors can also give it an uneven appearance. This is normal and eventually the entire roof will take on the same brilliant color. The process itself can be fascinating to follow over the years and can usually be allowed to progress naturally. That does not mean that the roof, like any other roof, should not be monitored for any problems, damage or debris.
Normally, simple debris removal is all that’s needed to keep your roof in good condition. Some homeowners, however, may be tempted to manage the coloration of the roof and want to preserve the “shiny” phase of the copper. This is probably not the best route, as the thin layer of patina actually helps protect the copper beneath it and adds to the life of the copper roof. And, removing the patina can scar or damage the copper. It’s important to avoid harsh chemical cleaners as their use to remove the protective patina opens the possibility the roof will become pitted. Cleaning the roof with any type of soap is not recommended.
Another thing to avoid is using a chemical sealant on the roof. Use of a sealant creates a need for regular monitoring and maintenance and it has to be done meticulously to avoid damage. Missing a spot, uneven application or other mistakes can cause drastic unevenness in the patina and ruin the look of the roof for years until the sealant wears away. Remember, the patina itself is the only sealant that is required to have a beautiful, natural, long-lived copper roof.
If you live in Las Vegas, or any dry environment, you may wish to speed up the patina formation. This is usually best left to professionals as many of the chemicals and products marketed for this purpose can damage your roof. At Prestige we can treat the copper after installation with a safe and effective coating to help begin the aging process so your roof will more quickly form a natural, even patina pattern for the look you want. See below for a gentle, natural way to help the patina formation.
If properly installed by professionals trained as copper roofing specialists, your copper roof will basically be maintenance free. It’s still important to remove debris that may accumulate over the winter or after a rainstorm, so at least an annual inspection or post-storm inspection is in order. Removing debris will assure there is no damage under the debris from falling branches or other objects and it also allows the patina formation process to proceed evenly across the roof.
Occasionally, if debris has been present for some time, or if the roofer did a poor job of installing your roof (such as using steel nails that may rust instead of copper nails), you may see streaks or stains on the roof and want to remove them. If you are a do-it-yourselfer, here is a simple method you can use to lightly clean your roof. This wash will also help speed up the oxidation process in our dry climate. Be sure to do this when there is no rain in the forecast:
Remember, a well-designed and properly installed copper roof will not normally have problems. However, if you notice anything that worries you, have your roofer take a look. To preserve the beauty and value of your unique copper roof and avoid unintentional damage, be sure to consult with your roofer before applying any cleaning or other roof treatments.
A thing of uncommon beauty, a copper roof can last a century or longer. You will enjoy years of beauty and find that your roof requires little maintenance compared to other types of roofs. At Prestige Roofing we are copper roofing experts, so in addition to crafting and installing your roof, we’re ready to take care of any cleaning or maintenance issues that come up. We hope you will get in touch with us for all your roofing needs.
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.
Brace yourself, El Niño is back. And with it will come some intense, often unpredictable weather. The effects of this recurring weather pattern may be felt throughout Las Vegas in the form of thunderstorms, rain, hail and flooding. Homeowners should take time this fall to prepare their homes for the possible effects of the heavy storms and fierce winds that we’ve seen before, especially in an El Niño winter like the one heading our way this year.
El Niño, along with it’s opposite, La Niña, is a condition that occurs in cycles every few years in the Pacific Ocean. The two conditions reflect temperature fluctuations between the ocean and the atmosphere near the equator. The result of these oscillations is changed weather patterns all around the world, particularly in the Western United States.
With an El Niño event, the temperature of the ocean surface warms, rising by a few degrees (with La Niña, the surface is cooler than normal). This warming leads to warmer and wetter atmospheric conditions over a large area, and especially along the West Coast. Since this year is expected to be a heavy El Niño year, California may be hit with many large rainstorms, and Las Vegas, not far away, could certainly see a lot of that same weather. Already Los Angeles has seen flooding and mudslides in October, and Las Vegas has experienced its own NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) flood warnings and has had localized flooding from the same storms. With winter approaching fast, it’s time to make sure your home is ready for whatever weather lies ahead.
Fall is a great time to prepare your home for winter. A little preventive work will go a long way to saving you from trouble down the road due to water damage. Once storms hit, leaks from weak, clogged or damaged parts of your home or roofing system can be made worse by the forces of driving winds and heavy rain. This can result in costly repairs to you, and even loss of personal property inside the home or loss of use of your home while repairs are made.
So, when you have a little time on a sunny day this fall, take a quick tour of your home inside and out.
Your roof is your home’s main defense against the elements. It protects you and your belongings from summer sun, wind, rain, dust, snow and ice. With our dry climate, we sometimes forget to think about the possibility of leaks from even minor damage that can happen over time to a roof that we may not even think about for years. But, now that what promises to be a pretty big El Niño winter is on the way, pay special attention and take time to inspect your roof carefully for the following:
Checking the health of your roof is a bit harder to do on your own since it’s pretty inaccessible and is made up of a number of components and layers most familiar to an experienced roofer. While replacing tiles may look easy, roof repairs can be dangerous and are usually best left to the experts. If you do find any damage, it’s a good idea to let a roofer take a look and make the repairs for you.
Regular roof maintenance is a good way to make sure your roof is ready for any weather. A good rule of thumb is to have your roofing contractor do an annual inspection, and fall is a great time to do that so the roof is in its best shape for the winter weather. Just like a medical checkup, your roofer will be able to spot early signs of wear and tear, or damage from trees or other impact, that, caught early, will be quick and inexpensive to repair. But if a stray loose tile or shingle, or a bent flashing is left to the high winds of an El Niño storm, the damage could be much worse and more expensive to repair. A little preventive maintenance goes a long way toward preserving the value of your home and your peace of mind as we enter the rainy season.
For help preparing your roof for what could be a rough winter ahead, give Prestige Roofing a call today. Our friendly roof maintenance staff can help you make sure your roof is in great shape for the sure-to-be interesting winter weather ahead.
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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