Nobody thinks about their roof until there’s a problem. That’s human nature—roofs are literally over our heads, out of sight and out of mind. But this “ignore it until it fails” approach is expensive. Small problems that could be fixed for a few hundred dollars become thousands-dollar disasters when they’re neglected for years. The question…
Mills Roofing News
Roofing Insights & Articles
Does a New Roof Lower Your Energy Bills? What Reno Homeowners Should Know
When you’re spending $12,000-$20,000 on a new roof, you want every possible benefit. Beyond the obvious—keeping water out and protecting your home—can a new roof actually lower your energy bills? The short answer is yes, but the long answer is more interesting and depends on several factors specific to your situation and Reno’s unique climate.…
Why Spring is the Best Time to Schedule a Roof Replacement
Timing matters when you’re replacing your roof. Sure, you can technically install a new roof almost any time of year in Reno—we don’t get the brutal winters that shut down roofing in places like Minnesota or Vermont. But “can be done” and “should be done” are different questions. Spring offers a perfect combination of weather…
When to Replace vs. Repair: A Cost-Benefit Analysis
You’ve got a roofing problem. Maybe it’s leaking, maybe shingles are missing, maybe you just know your roof is getting old. Now you’re facing the question every homeowner dreads: do I repair this or replace the whole thing? Repair seems cheaper and easier. Replacement seems like overkill if the problem is small. But what if…
What Does Homeowners Insurance Actually Cover for Roof Damage?
You pay homeowners insurance every month assuming it’ll cover major problems like roof damage. Then your roof actually gets damaged and you discover insurance coverage is way more complicated than you thought. What’s covered, what’s excluded, whether you get full replacement or depreciated value, whether your claim will be approved or denied—none of it’s as…
Asphalt vs. Metal Roofing in Reno: Which Lasts Longer?
When you’re facing a roof replacement, the asphalt versus metal decision feels huge—because it is. You’re choosing what protects your home for the next 20, 30, maybe 50 years. You’re making a financial decision that impacts your budget today and your home’s value tomorrow. And you’re doing it in Reno’s unique climate where we get…
Ice Dam Prevention: Why Your Attic Insulation Matters
Most homeowners think ice dams are a roof problem. They’re not—they’re an attic problem that shows up on your roof. Those picturesque icicles hanging off your eaves and the thick ridges of ice along your roof edge aren’t caused by snow or cold weather. They’re caused by heat escaping from your living space into your…
Emergency Roof Repair: What to Do While You Wait for the Contractor
It’s 10 PM on a Saturday. You hear dripping. You look up and there’s water coming through your ceiling, or you walk outside and see a massive tree branch sitting on your roof, or the wind just ripped a section of shingles off and rain is pouring in. Your heart drops because you know this…
Should You Remove Snow From Your Roof? When DIY Becomes Dangerous
Every winter, the same question comes up in Reno neighborhoods after a big storm: should I get that snow off my roof? You look up at the accumulation, think about the weight, worry about damage, and consider grabbing a ladder or roof rake. Before you do, let’s have an honest conversation about when snow removal…
How Snow Load Affects Your Roof (And What Reno Homeowners Need to Know)
Snow looks light and fluffy when it’s falling, but once it piles up on your roof, it becomes surprisingly heavy. A foot of light, powdery snow weighs about 5 pounds per square foot. That same foot of wet, packed snow? Closer to 20 pounds per square foot. Ice weighs even more—about 60 pounds per cubic…
