Prestige 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.

House roof on fire because the roof was not made of fire resistant roofing materials

Best Fire Resistant Roofing Materials

The dry climate in Southern California and Southern Nevada along with the strong winds make the entire region highly prone to wildfires. When building, renovating or re-roofing a home in these areas be sure you and your builder select quality, fire-resistant materials, especially for your roof. The roof plays an important role in maintaining the structural integrity of your home, so it’s important to keep it safe and intact. Of course, due to its large surface area, a roof is highly vulnerable in the event of a fire. Burning embers can easily blow over and settle on rooftops. Radiant heat from large fires can cause roof materials to hit their flash point, or a temperature at which they self-ignite. Your roof might also come into contact with open flame if a fire moves into your area. Using quality fire-resistant roofing materials gives the entire structure a better chance of surviving a fire.

Roofing Fire Ratings 101

Roofing materials go through strenuous testing to determine a fire rating. This includes checking if the material is combustible, whether it will splinter and generate flying firebrands (i.e. burning pieces of debris), and if flames can spread across its surface. Class A roofing materials are typically non-combustible, can withstand severe fire exposure, and don’t produce firebrands. Class B roofing is made of combustible materials that are treated with chemicals to make them more fire retardant. Class C roofing is made up of things like untreated wood shakes and shingles, which will only survive light fire damage. Many communities in fire-prone areas ban Class B and Class C roofing materials for safety reasons.

What Are the Most Fire-Resistant Roofing Materials?

A fire-resistant roof includes the entire roofing system, including the deck, insulation, underlayment, and even the roof incline. The roof sheathing material plays a large role in preventing ignition and slowing the spread of fire to other parts of the building.Here are some popular roofing materials to provide Class A protection for your home.

Good Fire Resistant Roofing Materials

New gray slate roof in Las Vegas view from atop roof installed by Prestige Roofing

Slate

This natural stone tile is beautiful, durable, and non-combustible. However, slate is also an extremely heavy material, so you have to make sure your roof can support the weight. Additionally, slate tile is expensive and requires specialized knowledge for proper installation.

Clay Tile

Clay tile is another non-combustible option. It’s a popular choice for Southwestern, mission, or Spanish-style architecture. However, for optimal fire protection, it does require a bit of upkeep, particularly the barrel-shaped tiles, as there can be gaps between the underlayment and the tile sheathing. If these gaps aren’t plugged, embers can get blown in, bypassing the Class A protection of the tiles, and spread to the structural support beams.

Concrete Tiles

Concrete tiles, like clay, are non-combustible. They can be a good choice in terms of durability, fire-resistance, and cost-effectiveness. Today’s concrete tiles come in many colors, finishes and shapes for an attractive look to your roof. Like clay tiles, a concrete tile roof must be installed correctly. LIke clay, regular inspection by your roofer for misplaced tiles or other problems will help it retain its maximum fire resistance.

Asphalt Shingles

Fiberglass-based asphalt shingles provide good fire protection when they’re installed with a fire-resistant underlayment. They’re relatively inexpensive, but also require more upkeep than other options.

Best Fire Resistant Roofing

Two roofing materials, in particular, combine Class A fire-resistance, style, low maintenance and durability.

Metal

Luxury home at night with beautiful fire resistant copper roof

Metal roofing is non-combustible and offers Class A protection in combination with a fire-resistant underlayment. It’s lightweight, won’t corrode, and requires little maintenance. Metal roofing can be made from copper, zinc and steel, as well as various alloys, and comes in a variety of finishes, colors, and designs. Even better, most types of metal roofing are heat reflective and meet Energy Star efficiency requirements — making them a great option for the Las Vegas desert climate.

CeDUR

Vintage Las Vegas home restored with CeDUR shake roofing

Natural wood shakes are a popular roofing choice for their natural look and beauty, but are prohibited in many fire-prone communities for safety concerns. Fortunately, there is now a synthetic option on the market called CeDUR which replicates the look of natural cedar shakes and tiles but is designed with high fire resistance. CeDUR tiles self-extinguish and create minimal heat transfer, which helps prevent the spread of flames across the surface of the roof.

CeDUR tiles are also rated for impact and high winds, and won’t rot or split — unlike natural wood or asphalt shingles.

Other Tips for Reducing the Risk of a Roof Fire

Simple maintenance can go a long way to help mitigate the risk of a roof fire. Periodically inspect the condition of your roof, checking for gaps in the tiles, areas where shingles have fallen away, or where the surface is damaged. Also, make sure to remove wind-blown debris, such as leaves and pine needles that accumulate on your roof and in gutters.It’s important to have a fire-resistant roof when living in a fire-prone area like Las Vegas. By choosing Class A roofing materials and keeping up with maintenance, you can help prevent fires from destroying your home. If you have any questions, contact the experts at Prestige Roofing. We will help you find the right option to match your style and budget.

Huge luxury home with new tile roof in Henderson, Nevada

Clay or Concrete Tile Roofing for your Las Vegas Home?

There are quite a few reasons for the enduring popularity of tile roofs. When properly installed, you get a potent combination of energy savings, durability, beauty and protection that many other roofing materials can’t match. The two most popular types of tile roofing are concrete and clay tiles. But which one suits your home if you’re looking to build a new home or reroof your existing home? How well does each version hold up under various seasonal weather conditions, particularly here in Las Vegas? Let’s look at how clay and concrete roof tiles compare in some important categories.

Weight of Roof Tiles

Your home must be able to bear the weight of your roofing materials, which is why we’re looking at this category first. The weight of concrete tiles can be anywhere from 820 to 1,100 pounds per square foot. Compare that to clay, which comes to only 600-650 pounds per square foot. That means concrete tiles can weight up to 40% more than clay tiles.If you’re considering going with clay or concrete tiles for your new or existing roof, and you have not previously cleared it for tile roofing, have the frame of your home inspected by a qualified roofing engineer. This will make sure the integrity of your home isn’t compromised. You may have to add additional support to handle the extra weight of the tiles.

Water Absorption

Clay roof tiles on a gently sloped roof brown and aged

Las Vegas experiences its own “monsoon season” which brings heavy rainstorms and even hail to the area. Both concrete and clay tiles have a high resistance to heavy winds and hail. However, clay tiles have an advantage when it comes to heavy rains. They only absorb around 6% of water, lowering the chances of mildewing and other water damage. Certain varieties of tiles come with ceramic finishes, reducing water retention rates and mildew concerns to nearly zero. Concrete tiles, on the other hand, have a water absorption rate of up to 13%, twice that of clay. While most homes are built to handle normal precipitation, you may have concerns the changing climate may bring instances of unusually heavy rainfall. Talk to your roofing engineer about the best way to protect your roof and home from damage in that situation.

Durability

Southwest style tile roof home and garden with new tile roof and roof fixtures

Both clay and concrete tiles leave most other roofing materials in the dust when it comes to longevity. Still, clay is king when it comes to endurance, capable of lasting through several generations of homeowners. Many clay roofs look fantastic decades after installation, with a lifespan of 60-100 years. Concrete tiles are highly durable as well, lasting 50 or more years. Even though Las Vegas generally has relatively mild winters, we do have occasional snowfalls and freezes. Clay may shatter under extreme freeze-and-thaw conditions, while concrete tiles don’t have the same vulnerability.

Ease of Maintenance

If you have a tile roof, you are not off the hook for general roof maintenance. Remember the underlayment of your roof, including the membrane that keeps moisture from entering your home, may need repair or replacement before the tiles themselves have to be replaced. Have your roof inspected regularly to catch problems or wear-and-tear early. 

Appearance

Multicolor concrete roof tiles on sloped roof

Since it’s a natural material, clay tiles coated with the right finish can maintain their brightness for decades. The color-thru technology used to give concrete tiles their appearance can wear off over time, causing them to fade. The porousness of the material makes concrete tiles more prone to absorbing stains than clay tiles. Talk to your roofer about how your tiles will age before you decide so you have a good idea of what to expect. Concrete tiles are available in many colors and designs, including tiles that look like wood, clay, slate, and stone. That gives you a few more options over you choices in clay tiles. You can also give your roof a unique look by blending several different concrete tile colors and varieties.For a unique, classic look, you may even decide to use antique or reclaimed tiles for your roof project. These tiles may be sourced from Europe or other places to provide a classic look to your home. Reclaimed tiles can enhance the beauty and value of your home and, properly prepared and installed, will provide the same protection as new tiles.

Consult a Las Vegas Roofing Professional

Tile roofing is a great solution for many homeowners. A tile roof provides you with a long-lasting, beautiful roof that is well-suited to our strong suns and southwest architectural styles. The cost of tile roofing is reasonable, providing good value over time due to its durability and protective qualities. And there are many color and design options that make tile an exciting choice so you can build the roof that fits your taste and needs. Both clay and concrete tiles are great options for any Las Vegas home.For the best results of your roofing project, consult an experienced and qualified roofing professional before making a roofing material decision. A professional roofer can evaluate the state of your home and provide you with the choices that will best suit your needs. For more information on how to select a new tile roof in Las Vegas, call Prestige Roofing today at 702-646-7536.

New tile roof on large suburban home in Henderson Nevada aerial shot

Whether you’ve been in your home a while, or you just bought an existing home, your home will probably need a roof replacement sooner or later. Facing such a large project can be confusing and time-consuming, not to mention expensive. The process is made much simpler when you know what to expect. You’ll be able to make decisions and choices with more confidence, ask better questions and get a better roof for your investment.

If your roof is older and looking a bit worn, start preparing for a roof replacement now. No matter how far away the replacement is, it’s always good to start a roofing budget with a little money set aside each month. This will make this one time project easier to afford and let you be ready when it’s time to buy the right roof for your home and not have to settle for something that might not be up to the job of protecting your home. Read up on the reroofing process and learn about types of roofing materials you will be able to choose from.  Like most things in life, the project will go a lot better if you plan ahead.

Here are the basics you should know before you start obtaining bids from roofing contractors and beginning the process of roof replacement.

Why a Timely Roof Replacement is a Smart Move

old tile roof on Las Vegas home ready for roof replacement

A sound roof protects your home’s interior, including insulation, walls, HVAC, electrical system, window frames and doors, kitchen cabinetry and flooring, even your belongings, like furniture, electronics and artwork. Ongoing roof problems due to wear and tear or other damage, can sometimes result in disaster. Waiting until it’s too late and a flood or other failure occurs, will only increase the cost of replacing the roof and restoring your home, including extra work to repair structural damage below the roof, including the layers beneath the roof.

In addition to protecting and securing your home against storm damage, water leaks, mold or other costly damage, the benefits of a new roof can help pay for the roof installation itself. A new roof will look great and enhance the curb appeal and sales value of your home. Your home will be easier to sell as potential buyers will know that a roof replacement is not in their near future.  You may be eligible for an insurance discount on you homeowners’ policy (check with your agent). And, a new roof may help you achieve greater energy efficiency, lowering utility bills and increasing the comfort of your home for years to come.

The Roof Replacement Process

Here are the steps of the process of planning and executing your Las Vegas roof replacement project:

1. Hiring a Qualified Roofing Contractor

Validate the contractor’s credentials before you agree to any work. Contact your state’s licensing board or check their website to confirm that the contractor you choose is licensed and properly insured. Also, check the Better Business Bureau record for comments, complaints, legal actions and reviews. You can also check online reviews to see what your neighbors are saying.

2. Roofing Bid Process

Roofing contractors will inspect your existing roof, take measurements, and assess any detectable damage. The roofing quote should include:

  • A breakdown of all estimated charges
  • A description, quantity and per unit price of materials
  • Pictures of problem areas of your roof, if any
  • Estimated start date and completion date
  • Roofer’s license and contact information

Ask the contractors about additional charges that may not appear on the estimate, such as dumpster rental fees, clean up and debris removal, checking the property for dropped nails, or other costs not included in their bids. Roofer should also readily provide his insurance information.

The contractor should provide you with materials samples and roofing prices factoring various materials options you are considering.

3. Roof Replacement Permit and Inspection

You may need a building permit before starting the project. The roofer should be willing to assist in this process and guarantee the roof will satisfy the requirements of the permit. Whether you or your contractor is the party responsible for obtaining a permit for the roofing project, an inspection by your local municipality or county building construction authority will be conducted after your new roof is installed. The inspector will determine whether or not the new roof is in compliance with local building codes.. Be sure to save your approval after the roof inspection in case it is requested when you sell your home later.

The Roofing Project

Showcase Las Vegas home with luxury pool and metal roof

Change Orders

Change orders can occur due to discoveries made after the roofing work begins, such as:

Underlying Damage — The contractor’s initial inspection may not discover all the underlying problems. After the existing roofing material has been removed, hidden damage is sometimes found and the cost of roof replacement can increase. Examples of damage that may be discovered after the roofing work begins can include things like rotten wood threatening the stability of beams or roof decking or leaks around a chimney or roof vents.

Elective Repairs — A decision you may make during the project to allow replacement of worn gutters, soffit repairs or replacements, etc.

Your contractor should provide a written quote for any change orders and get your approval before doing the work.

Occupant Safety during a Roofing Project

On the day work is scheduled to begin and throughout the roofing project, follow safety procedures by keeping children and pets inside or off of the property entirely while roofing work is being done. An experienced roofing contractor will have a safety procedure in place and sufficient supervision to help ensure that everyone involved remains safe throughout the project.

Roofing Materials Options

tile roof ventilation fixture

Your selection of roofing materials can depend on various factors. For example, in some regions, Spanish-style clay tile roofs are popular, while in other areas metal roofing is a smart choice due to its fire resistant advantage and aesthetic appeal. Some roofs have a steep pitch, which allows for the option to use wooden shakes, while shakes are not a practical choice if your roof has a lower pitch.

The most popular options for residential roofing materials include:

  • Asphalt composite shingles
  • Metal roofing
  • Clay or ceramic tile
  • Wood shakes or shingles
  • Synthetic shakes or shingles
  • Slate roofing
  • Composite slate

Tear Off vs. Adding a Second Roof Layer

In some cases, it may make sense to add a second roof on top of an existing one to save time and money. However, even in areas where layering is permitted, you should carefully consider the potential consequences of applying a new layer of roofing material over the old one. Obtain the necessary assurances from local experts regarding the potential for excessive weight, and for repeating (compounding) some of the surface irregularities that may already be present and can cause problems later.

Roofing Cost Factors

Factors in the cost of a roof replacement include your choice of roofing materials (ranging upward from the inexpensive asphalt shingles, to the most expensive natural slate roofing tiles) or adding custom features. Also, the pitch (steepness) of your roof, its square footage, and the contractor you choose are factors in the roof replacement cost. In general, roof replacements generally cost between $8,000-30,000, again depending on the many factors involved.

In many regions of the U.S. the roofing season runs from late spring through early fall. Here in the Southwest, seasonality is less of an issue, even with the heat of summer, but spring and fall are usually busier as people clean up from winter storms in spring, or prepare for the next winter season by getting roof repairs and replacements done in the fall.  Seasonality can affect how long it takes to complete the project as well as influence the price. If you are not in an emergency replacement situation, be sure to ask your roofer about the best time to have your roof replacement done.

The Roofing Process

Hands of roofer laying tile on the roof. Installing natural red tile. Roof with mansard windows.

The overall process of removing and replacing a roof involves these general steps:

  1. Remove existing shingles and place them in a dumpster for disposal. (The contractor should protect your plants and shrubs during tear-off.)
  2. Make minor repairs to the underlying layers of the roof, if it is found in good enough condition. Or, if necessary, replace deteriorated or damaged wood sheathing.
  3. Install ice guard (a synthetic waterproof barrier membrane) in areas vulnerable to water damage.
  4. Lay asphalt roofing paper over sheathing, as a water barrier.
  5. Add metal drip edging around the roof perimeter on eave and gable sides.
  6. Install new flashing in valleys where roof planes meet, if applicable.
  7. Lay tab shingles. Install roof vents as shingle installation progresses toward the roof peak, if applicable.
  8. Apply flashing around areas where leak prevention is necessary—against the chimney, around skylights and stack vents, etc. Or, this may be done as rows of shingles are installed.
  9. Place the ridge vent along the roof peak, or install other types of roof or gable vents, to enable air circulation in the attic.
  10. Finish the final site cleanup, and haul away all debris. (Workers should use magnetic tools to pick up dropped nails and other small bits of roofing metals from the ground around your home.)
  11. Have the new roof inspected and get approval by the local building inspector.

Timeframe for Completing a Roofing Project

The timeframe for completing any roofing project depends on the roof size and configuration, and the type of material being installed. On average, a roof replacement project takes a few days, usually less than a week, but more complex projects, such as custom roofing or very large homes, can take longer.  Keep in mind, too, that unforeseen issues, such as previously hidden damage that requires repair, or inclement weather can prolong the project.

Prestige Roofing, Las Vegas NV

Prestige Roofing team photo in front of their North Las Vegas, NV building

If you are in Las Vegas or Henderson, the professional and experienced team at Prestige Roofing can help with your roof replacement.  Our roofing project representative will make sure you understand the roof replacement process, complete a roof inspection, help you select the right roofing material for your home, work with your budget and schedule, and keep you fully informed throughout the process. We have built our reputation as one of the best roofing companies in Southern Nevada on customer service and high quality results.

For more information on a roof replacement, contact Prestige Roofing, Las Vegas NV, by calling (702) 646-7536 to schedule an appointment for your roof inspection and estimate.

New shingle roof or tile roof on one story ranch home by Prestige Roofing Las Vegas

Selecting the right type of roofing materials for your new roof may seem like a daunting task. Installing a new roof is a big investment and an important decision, not only due to the cost of the new roof, but because your roof has a big impact. A new roof can increase your home’s resale value. It protects your home against the elements and helps you reduce energy use. The new roof should add beauty to your home and be functional, durable and aesthetically pleasing. In order to make the right choice, homeowners faced with budgeting for a roof replacement or a new roof should understand some simple fundamentals about different kinds of roofs.

3 Things to Consider When Choosing Type of Roofing Material

Reclaimed tile roofing on two story home with high pitch roof in Las Vegas

There are a number of things to consider when deciding on what kind of roof material to choose. Here are some of the things that may impact the choice of roof for your home.

Climate

Your roof material should be compatible with the climate where you live. Here in the Southwest, tile is the dominant material. Cement or clay tiles are very durable and hold up to the very strong sun and heat of desert summers. Asphalt shingles, the most common low cost roofing used throughout the country, are used in the desert, but the high heat and sometimes rapid cooling, such as a summer rainstorm, may cause them to shrink, crack or warp. Metal roofs do very well in hot climates as they are durable and reflect solar rays away from the home, adding a cooling effect.

Metal and slate are good materials for cold and snowy areas, when combined with a pitched roof, as both shed snow well and resist damage. In areas with heavy winds, a flat roof can be a good solution. It must be installed by a professional roofer to make sure it’s properly laid out and secured so it isn’t subject to lifting and being torn away. For this reason, the best roofs in high wind areas will be of a material that is continuous without seams, such as a metal roof.

For a very environmentally-friendly roof, cool roofing has been developed over the last few decades to help homes and businesses reduce their CO2 emissions and cut heating and cooling costs. Cool roofs may just be roofs painted with white reflective coatings to reflect the sun. This category also includes solar roofs for energy efficient buildings, and green roofs that feature live plants that absorb and use the sun’s heat to improve the environment.

Slope or Pitch

High slope or high pitch roofs are used in heavy snow areas in order to help the roof shed snow rapidly. They also tend to be very attractive to the eye and can be selected for design reasons. They tend to be a bit more expensive to maintain, as access is of course more difficult. Tile, shake and slate are good choices for higher pitch roofs.

Metal roofing works well with low pitched roofing as it drains rainwater very well. Conventional shingles are not desirable for very low pitch or flat roofs because rainwater will tend to pool and permeate the shingles, causing damage to the home beneath.

Which Color Roof is Right for Your Home?

New gray tile roof by Prestige Roofing on single story rural luxury home in Las Vegas against natural mountain backdrop

Color and shading play an important role in choosing your new roof. By choosing the right color you not only create the style and look you want for your home, but you also help your home stay cooler during the hot summer months. Some things to remember when choosing the color and shade of your roof are:

  • Choose a complementing color to the exterior paint of your home, not one that matches.
  • If you are trying to achieve a traditional look, you can pair a gray or black roof with a home that has white exterior.
  • Make sure you check the color of shingles or roofing materials next to the exterior color of your home. Seeing colors in brochures will not look the same as when they are put next to each other.
  • It is always good to view your home as a buyer would when choosing your colors. Choose a color that provides your home with the best appeal to a range of potential buyers, usually a neutral color.
  • Consider your location and sun exposure. The rule of thumb is that the darker your roof color, the more it will attract the heat. Lighter colors tend to reflect heat and can help keep your home a few degrees cooler.

Looking to Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency?

The hot summers and cold winters in Las Vegas and in many areas of the country can certainly increase your energy bills, so improving the energy efficiency of your roof may play a vital part in your decision-making process.

Metal roofs are a good choice for hot locales because they reflect the heat away from the home very efficiently. Clay and concrete tiles tend not to get hot themselves, so they are another good choice for hot areas. They can also be painted with a reflective coating to better block the sun. Popular asphalt shingles are the least efficient as the dark asphalt tends to absorb heat and radiate it into the home.

Other keys to energy efficiency are proper design and installation of your roofing system. Your new roof installation should include a layer of insulation with no gaps that might allow the transfer of heat into or out of the home. Generally, your new roof system should include a 1-inch layer of insulation and roof sheathing. Proper ventilation is necessary for insulation under your roof to remain effective, so make sure roof ventilation is ample and not blocked.

How Long Do You Expect Your New Roof to Last?

Custom copper roofing design elevated over luxury las vegas home

Two additional considerations when making an investment in a new roof are longevity and the amount of maintenance it will require over the years. Different roof materials have different qualities and lifespans:

  • Asphalt or Composition Shingles – Asphalt shingles are usually lowest in cost. Shingles come in a wide range of quality and colors allowing you to create your desired look. Although in the past, asphalt shingles generally lasted about 20-25 years in the desert heat, improvements in manufacturing have produced many shingle lines that will last in excess of 45 years.
  • Wood Shingles and Shakes – While they cost more than asphalt shingles, these are easy to install and lightweight. Wood shingles may last 15 to 25 years before they will need to be replaced. Shakes, such as the advanced material CeDur shakes that replicate the look of wood with more durability, may last as long as 50 years. CeDur shakes are also fire resistant and handle tough climates better than natural wood.

Vintage Las Vegas home restored with CeDUR shake roofing

  • Slate – Slate and slate alternatives are a great way to give your home a unique appearance. This option can be higher cost, but they provide for better durability, lasting 50-125 years or more. Slate has a Class A fire rating and also resists insects, rotting, and mildew which can lower the amount of maintenance and repairs that you may need to perform throughout the life of your roof.
  • Clay and Concrete Tiles – These types of roofs are most popular on Mediterranean-style homes. Tiles can be more costly than other options, and they are heavy so the roof structure must be appropriate for them. However, they have the same Class A fire safety rating and share the natural repellent properties of slate tiles.  Best of all, a well-built tile roof can last 50-100 years and generally require little maintenance.
  • Metal – Metal roofing, including copper, zinc and aluminum, is commonly chosen by those looking for a modern or custom design. They are prized for their all-weather qualities and energy efficiency, as well as for their durability. These type of roofs, while more costly, require little maintenance, are fire, rot and mildew resistant and will last between 30-100 years or more.

When you are ready to choose your new roof, Prestige Roofing can help you find the right solution to fit your home. We have been providing quality custom roofing to Las Vegas and Southern Nevada for over 20 years.  Contact Prestige Roofing to schedule your free consultation.