Roofing and Sun Damage

, , ,

Does the Sun Damage Your Roof?

roofing and how the sun effects or damages it

Most of the time, we worry about storm damage to our roofs, but hot and persistent sun on a roof can also be a big issue, especially in areas with year-round sunshine and warm weather. Besides climate, the type of roof materials and how well it is constructed and maintained also play a big role in how well your roof holds up to the heat of the sun. Knowing how your roof is holding up on sunny days will also help ensure that your roof keeps protecting your home during the winter months when roof damage can result in leaks and mold that can damage your home.

Index

Signs of Roof Damage from the Sun

damaged roof in need of roofing repair

Ultraviolet radiation makes up about 10% of the rays we get from the sun. You can’t see UV radiation, but these rays can damage your roof. In the case of asphalt shingles, the most popular roofing material, UV radiation causes the protective coating on the shingles to break down. Asphalt shingles are a petroleum product that degrades with long-term sun exposure. The shingles dry out, fade, and warp. If not dealt with, the damage leads to the possibility of water getting into and under the roof, and then into the attic and home.

How do you know if your roof has been damaged by the sun? The best way is to have a roofer inspect your roof annually as part of routine maintenance. A roofer will recognize damage you may miss, and they’ll be able to check areas that are hard for a homeowner to access.
Here are things to look out for:

Lost Coating

Asphalt shingles are coated with granules that protect the shingles from the weather, including UV radiation, and also provide fire resistance. Over time, with exposure to UV radiation, heat, and other weather conditions, the coating breaks away, leaving the smooth surface of the shingle exposed and without protection from the weather.

Fading

Exposure to the sun causes some roof shingles or tiles to fade or bleach. The appearance of the roof degrades as the most exposed areas become lighter in color than shaded areas.

Warping

Shingles that have been dried out by the sun’s rays may warp and crack. The edges of the tiles begin to curl. When tiles can no longer lay flat on the roof, everything under them is exposed to the elements. Rain can flow into the openings. Wind may lift warped tiles and move or even blow them away, causing further damage. Warping can also create gaps around flashing, chimneys, or skylight enclosures, providing further opportunities for roof leaks.

Moisture

If moisture seeps into gaps created by warping and cracking, the moisture will be heated as the sun beats down, further warping the roof and resulting in the growth of mold under the roof’s surface. The roof rafters and other areas of the home may also be damaged.

Thermal Shock

Your roof is not only bombarded by UV radiation, but it also receives UV light rays that heat up the roof. As they warm, shingles expand. Then, when night comes, the roof cools, and the tiles contract. This cycle of expansion and contraction can cause thermal shock that causes the roof materials to begin to break down. The result will be cracked and broken shingles. This effect is also seen on plastic and metal components, such as brackets and flashing. Years of exposure to these cycles without repairs will lead to leaks, mold, and potential frame damage.

Quality Construction

If your roof is not properly installed, leaving loose shingles, gaps, or poor protection under the roof tiles, damage may be quicker and more severe. A poor roofer may fail to nail materials down correctly, causing them to warp and buckle. If flashing is not secured, damage occurs around that area, making roof failure in extreme temperatures more likely.

There are a lot of unlicensed contractors who may offer to build or repair a roof for less, but they don’t have the training and experience to do the work correctly. It’s important to use a licensed and insured roofer for any roof work. Professional roofers are trained in proper techniques, have the right tools, follow manufacturer guidelines and safety protocols, help you choose materials that best fit your locale and climate, and warranty their work and are insured.

Best Roofing Materials to Reduce Sun Damage

metal roof done by professional roofing contractors

For homeowners in sunny climates, there are good choices for roofs that are well-suited to handle the heat and UV radiation. Asphalt tiles are the most popular choice in America, but they are generally less well-suited to sunny areas. As asphalt roofs age, the tiles are subject to the damage we discussed above. With recent advances in roof tile materials, many higher-end shingles have good coatings that resist UV radiation longer and will hold up better. Be sure to check with your roofer for the best choice for your area.

There are other choices for roofing materials in hot climates that handle the sun well and also offer beauty and durability. Most of these have been used in some form for centuries, and many of them last for decades or longer, even in the toughest climates. Here are a few roof materials that work well in hot climates, like here in Las Vegas:

Cement Tiles

cement tiles on a roof

Cement tiles are extremely resilient to heat. While they are a heavy roofing material, they are also tough and durable, making them resistant to most weather conditions, including sun and heat. In addition, cement tiles absorb the heat of the sun, which helps keep it from going through into the home, so the interior stays cooler. Available in many colors and styles, these tiles will not generally show damage from the sun, so they will look good for a long time. Correctly installed, they can last for many decades.

Clay Tiles

clay tiles on a roof

Clay tiles, also known as terracotta tiles, are made from natural materials and have been used for centuries to protect homes in warm climates. They may be glazed or unglazed. Similar to concrete tiles, they are very dense and resistant to moisture and heat. They help regulate temperature inside the home year-round. They generally come in traditional colors. They are not quite as durable as cement tiles but create a beautiful, traditional look for the home.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is one of the best materials to reflect back UV rays and the heat of the sun. This makes a metal roof one of the most energy-efficient roofing choices. Properly installed, metal roofs, including zinc, copper, and steel, hold up well to the sun and provide many decades of service. They are also beautiful and add value to the home.

Cool Roofing

Cool roofing includes a number of roof types that emphasize energy efficiency and hold up well in the sun. Choices include solar roofing and green roofing. Cool roofing also includes painting roofs white or lighter colors. This allows the roof to reflect back the UV rays and heat of the sun. The roof absorbs fewer damaging rays, and the home stays cooler inside. Cool roofing technology is becoming more popular and widespread for its energy efficiency qualities.

Annual Roof Inspection

Whatever kind of roof you have, being proactive in caring for it will help your roof last longer and reduce the risk of costly repairs. Having your roofer do an annual inspection of your roof will catch small issues early and keep your roof in its best condition to handle all types of weather.

If you’ve noticed any roof damage or have an aging roof, be sure your roof will be ready for summer in Las Vegas. Give Prestige Roofing a call at 702-646-7536 for a free roof inspection.

/by

What to do if Your Roof is Leaking

,

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.








/by

Rebuilding the Roof of Notre Dame Cathedral

, , ,

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.

 

/by

Wind Damage to Your Roof

, , , , ,

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.

Read more
/by

When is it Time to Replace Your Roof?

, , , ,

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.

Read more
/by