Reno’s High Desert Climate and the Roofing Problems it Brings
Roof wear setting in ahead of schedule? Cracked shingles, leaks with no apparent cause or a good deal of fading? It is not uncommon to ask yourself why a roof in Reno does not last as long as one would in a more clement part of the country.
We are fielding such questions on a daily basis here at Joe’s Roofing, LLC. As a family run operation in the Reno-Sparks Metro Area and Carson City we have an intimate knowledge of what this high desert climate can do to a roof. For a candid assessment of your own, put us on the phone at (775) 369-1919.
There is no denying that while you may enjoy living in Reno, the climate puts roofing materials through their paces. The dry mountain air, temperature extremes and the sun will take their toll on a roof before most homeowners are aware of it.
The Hardships of the High Desert
With its elevation and strong sunshine for much of the year, Reno has low humidity and a host of stresses not found in cooler, wetter climes.
On any given day these are some of the things working against your roof:
- Ultraviolet rays of the sun breaking down materials
- The disparity between a hot afternoon and a cold night
- Shingles and sealants being desiccated by the lack of humidity
- Winter snow and ice
- Winds to lift and loosen what is on the roof
- Hail from the odd spring or summer storm
In isolation they can be damaging; in concert they will hasten the demise of an older roof left to its own devices.
UV and Sun Damage
Then there is the matter of our sun. Asphalt shingles in particular are subject to UV rays that will leach the oils from them, making the shingle brittle and prone to cracking. You might see the edges curl or the colour fade, or find granules in the gutter. Those are the shingle’s protective coating and when they are gone the rest of the material follows suit in short order.
Thermal Expansion and Contraction
Reno has a way of swinging from one end of the thermometer to the other in the course of a day. The roof bakes in the afternoon and cools off fast after dark. All that expansion and contraction puts stress on the seals and flashing. In time nails are worked loose, small gaps open up and you have a weak spot for water to make its way in.
When Sealants Dry Out and Crack
Your comfort is not affected by the low humidity but the flexible materials that make a roof watertight are. The caulking and sealant about your chimneys, vents and flashing can dry out. A failed seal is all it takes for moisture to get in and cause interior damage.
Storms and Wind
You do not need extreme winds in the Reno-Sparks area to have trouble; they are enough to raise a shingle and leave the underlayment exposed. Hail in a summer or spring storm can bruise and crack a shingle without it being evident from vantage of the ground.
Winter’s Snow and Ice
For all the dryness of our climate, we still have our share of snow and ice in the winter. Ice dams can develop where the snow melts and refreezes at the eaves, forcing water under the shingles. With materials already compromised it is a surefire way to have a leak.
Putting an End to the Problem
Most of what we have outlined is easily put right if one is on top of it. Some homeowners will put off repairs until there is water in the living room, and that invariably runs you to greater expense. We prefer to see regular inspections and prompt attention to a missing shingle so a full replacement is not called for.
A case in point is to have your gutters clear for proper drainage, or to put in quality materials suited to the climate.
As a GAF Master Elite and President’s Club contractor we put in GAF products and stand behind them with a 100 per cent satisfaction guarantee. On select roofs we are able to provide extended warranties of 30 to 50 years and a 5-year workmanship warranty on manufactured ones.
If you are seeing any of the above, let us have a look before the issue gets any bigger. Give Joe’s Roofing, LLC a ring at (775) 369-1919 for a free estimate. We are at your service Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm, for families in Carson City and throughout the Reno-Sparks Metro.
