Snow loads depend on where you live
Washoe County doesn't use a single snow load for every house. Ground snow loads are set per site from the county's table or the ASCE Hazard Tool, because they change with elevation. A home on the valley floor and a home in the foothills can have very different design requirements. If you're replacing a roof with a heavier material, such as tile, or adding a roof over a patio or addition, the contractor should check that the structure is designed for the snow load at your address. That may involve a permit review or an engineer.
Freeze, thaw and sun
NOAA's engineering weather data for the Reno airport records an average of about 123 freeze-thaw cycles a year. Water that gets under a lifted shingle or into a cracked flashing freezes overnight and pries the gap wider, so small defects grow quickly here. At the same time, Reno's high-desert sun is intense at altitude, and the large swings between daytime and nighttime temperatures expand and contract roofing materials every day. Sealants around vents and flashings dry out and crack sooner than in milder climates, so check them during every inspection.
Ice at the eaves
When snow sits on a roof and heat escapes from the attic, meltwater can refreeze at the eaves and form ice dams. Ice and water barrier along the eaves helps protect against leaks, and good attic insulation and ventilation help prevent ice dams from forming in the first place. If you see icicles forming every winter along the same stretch of roof, ask a roofer or insulation contractor to look at the attic above it.
Wind
Reno sees strong winds, especially ahead of storms. Wind-lifted shingles lose their seal and become vulnerable in the next storm. Shingle manufacturers rate products for wind resistance, and many require specific nailing patterns to meet those ratings. Ask the contractor which shingle and nailing pattern they'll use, and whether starter strips and ridge caps are rated to match.
Fire considerations
Parts of the Reno area sit near wildland vegetation. If your home is in or near such an area, ask about fire-rated roofing assemblies, ember-resistant vents and keeping gutters free of dry debris. Your local building department can tell you whether specific requirements apply at your address.
Before you hire
Ask Reno roofers how they account for the snow load at your address, which ice and water barrier they install, how they nail for wind, and whether the permit is included. Get the scope and warranty in writing.