Fun Facts on Roofing in Northern Nevada’s High Desert
What is it about this part of the country that makes a roof put in its years quicker than you would expect? One has to be curious as to how the shingles above you stand up to the extremes of a scorching afternoon followed by a night below zero. Or the way the sun is all the more potent at our elevation.
We at Joe’s Roofing, LLC have been out on the rooftops of Northern Nevada for some time now and have learned a thing or two in the process about the idiosyncrasies of the high desert climate. As a family run and owned operation we are your roofing company for the Reno-Sparks Metro Area and Carson City, NV. Should you have any questions concerning your home, do not hesitate to call (775) 369-1919.
For now though, here are some facts to enjoy.
You Would Be Surprised How High Up We Are in Northern Nevada
Reno is around 4,500 feet up from sea level; Carson City is even higher. Most homeowners do not give enough weight to what that means. With the atmosphere getting thinner the further you ascend comes an increase in the ultraviolet radiation your roof is subjected to on a daily basis.
The UV alone can put the works on roofing materials up here. Then again, the shingles of today are made to withstand it much better than what was available a few decades back.
A Roof Has to Put Up with the Desert Sun
There is no shortage of sun in Northern Nevada. It is ideal for a day on the bike or at Lake Tahoe but not so much for your roofing.
The sun will make itself known in a number of ways:
- Asphalt shingle binders are slowly broken down by the UV
- A dark roof will take in the heat and eventually warp or crack
- You will find the sealant on your vents and flashing dry up and shrink
- Older stock or sub-par materials age faster under the heat
- Shaded slopes will see less wear than those to the south or west
In cloudier climes one might not think twice about roofing choices, but in a high desert with this much sun it warrants consideration.
Then There Are the Temperature Swings
This is a fact that tends to come as a surprise. The stress on a roof is not from the heat alone, it is the swing in temperature from day to day.
Take a summer day in the high desert: blazing in the afternoon and cool and crisp once the sun goes down. The material expands and contracts in response to such a marked change. Repeatedly. Fasteners get loose, sealant is cracked and a good roof is worn down by the motion of it all. It is a quiet process and the reason regular inspections are a good idea for a roof in our neck of the woods.
Winter Comes to the Desert as Well
It is easy to overlook that we are a desert that has its share of winter, the nearer you get to the mountains. Freezing temperatures, ice and snow are to be expected.
Melting snow can refreeze into ice dams and push water where it should not be. Toss in some wind off the Sierra and you have a climate that does not let a roof rest for the year.
Wind and Dust Have a Way of Wearing Things Down
If you have been in Reno on a blustery afternoon you know how the valley can howl. The gusts bring fine dust from the desert to settle in every nook and cranny. Debris in the wind will abrade surfaces and shingle edges can be lifted.
A roof that has been properly sealed and fastened for our conditions will not be bothered by it like one where corners were cut in the installation.
Material Selection Is Important for a Reason
All of the above is why what you put on your roof counts. Being a GAF Master Elite and President’s Club contractor, Joe’s Roofing can put 30, 40 or 50-year extended warranties on certain GAF products. On top of that we stand behind our work on manufactured roofs with a 5-year workmanship warranty and a guarantee of 100 per cent satisfaction.
We like to point to another fun fact about our company as well. Under our “Roofs of Hope” programme we will replace a roof at no cost for a family who needs it. We consider it one of the finer things we do to give something back to the community.
Your High Desert Roof Any Questions?
Home or commercial, if you are in the Reno-Sparks or Carson City area, the first order of business is to understand what this climate does to your roof. We can help you plan ahead with free estimates for re-roofing, siding, repair or replacement.
Our team is at your disposal from 7am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Give us a ring at (775) 369-1919 and we can discuss what it takes to keep your roof in shape in the high desert.
