When you need it
Signs the roof is near the end
Age matters, but the roof's condition decides. Shingles in this climate often wear before their rated life.
Curling and cracking
Edges lift, shingles crack or lose granules, and the roof looks bare in patches.
Granules in the gutters
Sand-like grit in the gutters means the shingle surface is wearing off.
Stains or daylight in the attic
Dark stains on the deck or light coming through are signs of a leak.
Repairs that keep returning
When repairs would cost half of a replacement, replacing usually makes sense.
Age near the end of life
Most asphalt roofs are rated for 25 to 30 years; the sun here can shorten that.
Plans for solar
If panels are coming and the roof has under about ten years left, replace first.
What we install
Two roofs, with the life each one is rated for
Ranges come from manufacturers and trade guides; your estimate states the figure for your product.
- Most common
Architectural asphalt shingles
The usual re-roof: layered shingles, good value, many colors.
Rated 25 to 30 years
Class A fire rating on many products
Fits solar mounts well
- Longest life
Standing-seam metal
Long panels with hidden fasteners; sheds snow and takes clamp-on solar mounts.
Rated 40 to 70 years
Costs more up front
Clamps on without roof holes
How the job runs
The roof, day by day
A typical home takes one to three days; yours is written into the estimate.
- Day 0
Step 1: Before the crew arrives
You move cars, take fragile items off walls and cover attic items. We set the dumpster and protect plants and the driveway.
- Day 1
Step 2: Tear-off and deck check
Old roofing comes off, the deck is walked and bad sheets are marked and priced as written.
- Day 1
Step 3: Dry-in and edge metal
Underlayment, ice barrier at the eaves and drip edge go on the same day, so the house is covered at night.
- Day 2
Step 4: Shingles, flashing and vents
Shingles, flashing, vents and the ridge go on, with mounts flashed if panels are part of the job.
- Last day
Step 5: Cleanup and walk-through
We sweep the yard with a magnet for nails, then walk the roof with you and photograph every flashing.
Built for this climate
Sun, snow and fire season
High-desert roofs take strong UV, big temperature swings, winter freeze and thaw, and dry summers. Each shapes what goes on yours.
Ice barrier at the eaves, where meltwater backs up
Balanced attic ventilation against summer heat
Fire-rated products and ember-resistant vents, where your area asks for them
Fasteners and flashing matched to wind exposure
Questions
Questions homeowners ask
How long does a roof last in Reno?
Architectural asphalt shingles are commonly rated for 25 to 30 years. Strong sun, big temperature swings and winter freeze and thaw can shorten that. Your estimate states the expected life of the product on your roof.
How long does a replacement take?
Most homes take one to three days. Large, steep or complicated roofs take longer, and we write the number of days into your estimate.
Do I need a permit?
Almost always for a full replacement. We file the roof permit with the city or county, and the fee is a line on your estimate.
Why does attic ventilation matter?
Balanced intake and exhaust keeps the attic cooler in summer and drier in winter. Poor ventilation shortens a roof's life and can void some warranties, so we check it at every inspection.
Want the roof written up?
We inspect, then send a written estimate with every line.