quality roofing Las Vegas Archives - Page 3 of 6

Clay vs. Concrete Roof Tiles

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.

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.

July 22, 2019/by Prestige Roofing

Types of Flat Roofing

Blog, Commercial Roofing, Roof Tips

Custom copper roofing design elevated over luxury las vegas home

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.

Why Flat Roofs?

Flat roof with skylight and hydro insulation membranes

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.

Commercial Flat Roofs

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.

High Rise Buildings

built up high rise flat roof with garden and tiled walkways — sky garden on rooftop of condominium with blue sky

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.

Top 4 Flat Roof Materials

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.

PVC Membrane

PVC flat roof installation with roofer in hard hat cutting the PVC waterproofing material — Waterproofing and insulation at construction site waterproofing membrane preventing water penetration. Exterior vapor barrier for foundations and basements.

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.

Built-Up Roof (BUR)

Tar and grvel built up flat roof with skylights and HVAC systems — Flat Roof With Gravel and Skylight Windoows

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.

Rubber Membrane

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 Roof

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.

Low Slope Metal Roofing

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.

Prestige Offers Flat Roofing in Las Vegas

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

Tom Romney is the co-founder of Prestige Roofing and has worked in the roofing industry for over 30 years. Based in North Las Vegas, he has overseen roofing projects across Southern Nevada ranging from residential repairs to landmark commercial properties including the Nevada Supreme Court cupola, Queensridge Towers, and Tivoli Village. Prestige Roofing holds Nevada Roofing Contractor License #41270A and is a TRI (Tile Roofing Institute) certified installer. Tom personally reviews all estimates and stands behind every repair the company makes.

www.prestigeroofinglv.com

May 31, 2019/by Tom Romney

Roof Replacement Tips for Homeowners

Blog, Hiring A Roofer, Roof Replacement, Roof Tips

Learn how to replace your roof in Las Vegas with expert tips on materials, costs, and contractors.

Optimal Roof Installation for Long-Term Performance

Blog, Commercial Roofing, Roof Replacement, Roof Tips

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.

Choosing the Right Roofing Material: 3 Key Considerations

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?

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?

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.

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.