The roof on your home is one of the top features that keep you safe from the elements. It blocks out the wind and hail that can occur in Reno, NV and also keeps the rain from getting inside. A simple leak can occur that worsens when left untreated, but there are other types of damage you might see, too. Take a look below at some of the common causes of roof damage in Nevada, and then speak to a roofer.

Snow and Ice

Though Reno experiences high temperatures in the summer, the snowy months run from November through March. The city gets around one inch of snow per month but can see more than three inches fall in January. Snow does a lot of damage due to the freeze and thaw cycle. The snow often melts during the day and freezes at night, which leaves behind ice dams. Ice dams can pull off your gutters and damage your shingles.

Poor Construction

Poor construction and installation of your roof can also cause some damage. The most common example is damage caused by untrained roofers. They can spend a lot of time on repairs to your roof and crack shingles when they walk on them. You may have some minor damage that occurred when you first installed the roof or when you paid for a repair from another company. The damage can affect both the underlayment and the shingles.

Cheap Materials

Many Reno homes use asphalt shingles, but some houses also use natural stone shingles or clay tiles. Though you may want to save money on repairs and use some cheaper materials, keep in mind that those materials don’t last that long and will require repairs later. A simple asphalt roof will usually last for around a decade. Cheaper shingles don’t have the weight needed to stay on your roof during a windstorm and can slide off when the ice gets below them.

Heat

When the temperature in Reno rises, don’t be surprised if you see some signs of damage. Heat damage often occurs in the desert due to the sun beating down on the roof. Shingles become cracked and split when exposed to heat, especially during longer heatwaves. Some Reno homes have plastic flashing, but plastic isn’t strong enough to stand up to the high temperatures, so it can crack. Shingles can become so hot that they blister and pull away from both the nails that hold them to the roof and the roof itself.

Thanks to roof repairs, you can easily take care of damaged shingles and any other problems that cause leaks and serious issues. Call Joe’s Roofing in Reno, NV today to find out what damaged your roof and see what options are available to repair that damage.