As with any major home repair or renovation, it’s important to make sure everything is done correctly. That means following building codes and, if necessary, pulling the right permits for your project. A new roof permit may not always be at the forefront of your mind when you suddenly need to re-roof your home, but it’s always a good idea to double-check your local building requirements in case you need one.
A roof replacement permit is a legal document that grants permission to replace an existing roof. In many jurisdictions, a permit is necessary when undertaking any major construction project, including replacing a roof.
This permit ensures that the new roof will comply with local building codes and regulations. By obtaining a roof permit, homeowners can be confident that their new roof meets safety standards and will not cause any potential hazards. Additionally, the permit will likely require inspections throughout the process to ensure that the roof installation is being performed correctly and according to code.
It is important to note that not obtaining a roof replacement permit may result in fines or other consequences. However, in some cases where the roof replacement is minor, a permit may not be necessary, such as when only a small repair is being done. Ultimately, it is always recommended to contact local authorities or building departments to determine whether a permit is required for a roof replacement project.
When it comes to getting your roof repaired or replaced, you may be wondering if you need a permit. The answer depends on various factors, such as the extent of the repair or replacement and the local building codes.
In many cases, a permit is required for major roof repairs or replacements. This is because roof work can affect the overall structural integrity of the building and impact safety standards.
Getting a permit ensures that the work is done by a licensed roofing contractor who follows the necessary guidelines and regulations. Additionally, a building permit allows local authorities to inspect the roofing project to ensure it meets the necessary standards. However, minor repairs such as fixing a few shingles may not require a permit.
It is always best to check with your local building department to determine if you need a permit for your roof repair or replacement. Failing to get a permit when one is required may lead to penalties or complications in the future. So, before starting your new roof project, it is crucial to get a permit if necessary.
Getting a permit, specifically a building permit, is crucial for numerous reasons. Firstly, it ensures that the construction or renovation plans comply with the local building codes and regulations. By obtaining a permit, one is guaranteeing that the project adheres to the required safety standards, whether it relates to electrical wiring, plumbing, or structural integrity.
This serves to protect both the occupants and nearby structures from potential hazards. Secondly, getting a permit is vital in maintaining the value of the property. When the time comes to sell or refinance, having all the necessary permits provides assurance to potential buyers or lenders that the work was done properly and legally.
Failure to obtain a permit could result in penalties, fines, or even having to undo the work entirely, which can be costly and time-consuming. In conclusion, obtaining a permit demonstrates a commitment to ensuring the safety, legality, and quality of the construction or renovation project and serves as a valuable asset in the long run.
Every state, city, and township is different when it comes to building codes. For example, California building codes require homeowners to install “cool roofs” for their homes. Some states might have fire retardant requirements, and others may have specific rules about the slope of a roof. Even if your local building authority does not require a permit, you always need to make sure to follow local building codes. Otherwise, you’ll have to spend even more money to undo and redo the work.
The permit application process may vary depending on your location, but generally, it involves the following steps:
Including detailed roofing plans and drawings is essential to showcase the scope of the project and ensure it complies with regulations.
Many jurisdictions require contractors to have liability insurance, which protects you and your property in case of accidents or damages during the project.
To prove that you own the property, you may need to provide documentation such as a property deed or title.
Just like building codes, the permit process can vary down to the local level. Even small towns of several thousand people will have their own rules, inspection policies, and permit process. Most areas do not require a permit if you just need a small repair. However, you will likely require a permit if you are changing the structure of your roof. This could mean adding to your home or changing the slope of your roof.
In Portland, OR, you will need a building permit if you are replacing a roof on a home that’s located in a wildfire hazard zone. You will also need a building permit if you are replacing a roof and need to remove and replace more than 15% of your existing roof sheathing.
Ultimately, it’s important to speak with your local contractor, city, or county to see where your home falls on the map and what the permit requirements are. Local roofing contractors should know the laws of your area and whether or not you’ll need to follow certain rules. While some permit processes may seem tedious, it is meant to benefit you as a homeowner. Making sure your home’s construction is done correctly will save you a lot of trouble in the long run!
If you are in the Vancouver, WA, or Portland, OR area, IBEX Roofing has you covered! We would be happy to go over your roofing project with you and can help guide you through the permit process if required.
Preparing your home for exterior renovation is something you definitely must plan for ahead of time. Whether it’s a roof repair or replacement to siding and gutter installations, being properly prepared makes the work much easier on you and the professionals you hire to do the job.
As you prepare for roof repairs or replacement, you might want to remove wall décor if at all possible. If not, you risk the vibrations from having the work done, causing pictures or artwork to fall and get damaged.
You also want to prevent damage to your vehicle, so you’ll want to move it out of the way. By clearing the driveway, it’s also possible for the workers to get around your home without your car in the way. It’s a win-win.
Remove any antennas or satellite dishes ahead of time, so they don’t get damaged. If needed, roofers can also help remove them, and if they need to be disposed of, they will often be willing to help with that.
One of the things that often gets forgotten when preparing for siding installation is whatever you have leaning up against your house. Typically, this is a shelf or storage shed. These need to be moved before the work begins.
Like roofing preparations, you’ll also want to move your car out of the way and remove anything on the walls. Doing so prevents damages to your belongings. Store your things in a safe place while the work is being done.
You may also want to ensure there’s no power to any outdoor outlets. If you do this, you’ll prevent the possibility of a shock to the workers. If you’re not sure that it needs to be done, ask them before the work starts so you can help them stay safe.
Gutter installation requires a few special preparations to make before you get the job started. Check for any existing water damage before the new gutters are installed. Any rotting or damaged wood needs to be repaired before gutters are put on the house.
You’ll also want to think about the drainage. Will you be harvesting rainwater? Or will you be directing the water away from your home? You might also want to direct rainwater towards a garden. This all needs to be decided before getting your gutters installed.
Lastly, if you’ve been thinking about repainting your home, it’s a good idea to get it done before the gutters get installed. Gutter installation can cause chips in old paint while they’re being installed. If you can get the painting done beforehand, it will stand up to the installation while giving your home a fresh look.
Kids and pets can easily get overwhelmed when any of these jobs are being done, so you’ll want to consider them. Talk to the kids and let your pets stay elsewhere while the work is being done.
Something else to think about is making sure shrubbery and trees are all trimmed appropriately for these types of home projects. Doing so makes it easier for the workers to get the job done right.
Don’t forget to let your neighbors know that people will be over at your home working on these various projects. They’ll appreciate the heads up, so they’re prepared for the noise that comes with doing jobs of this scale.
While some of these things may be an inconvenience, remember that they won’t last forever. Once the job is done, you’ll be grateful you did everything you needed to do to ensure a smooth process all the way around.
Christmas is right around the corner, so you want to make sure your roof is ready for Santa’s upcoming visit! The question is, how do you know if your shingles are strong enough to hold the weight of him, his sleigh, and his reindeer?
If a roofer can stand on your house and work on it, then it’s resistant to anyone getting up there, including Santa. Materials make a difference, so you need to ensure that the best options are chosen for your roof. That means making sure the materials are suitable for our Pacific Northwest climate!
For example, if your roof is flat, you’re going to want the materials that work for a flat roof instead of a traditional roof. You wouldn’t put typical asphalt shingles on a flat roof. Likewise, you wouldn’t use slate shingles on a home that couldn’t support the weight. Materials and design go hand-in-hand when making sure your roof is strong enough.
To keep your roof Santa-ready, you want to make sure it’s cleaned regularly throughout the year. You also want to keep up with inspections and repairs to keep your roof in top shape. That means cleaning gutters, inspecting adjacent structures, and keeping an eye out for potential cracks. You want to catch those cracks as soon as possible so you can prevent any significant damage.
If there’s snow in the wintertime, you may want to call someone to shovel the snow from your roof. Santa will appreciate it because it means he won’t have to wade through the snow and your roof will be able to take on the cold wintery weather like a champ. Because snow is slippery, always call a pro to shovel snow off of your roof so you don’t risk a fall!
When getting your roof inspected, ask your roofer to keep an eye out for curled or missing shingles. The occasional shingle is easy to replace, and professionals can get it done quickly for you. If there is a large area showing significant damage, you may be facing a complete roof replacement.
Stay on top of things, though, and your roof will be ready when it’s finally time for Santa to land his sleigh on your rooftop. Plus, you and your children will sleep soundly knowing that he’ll be safe up there.
Freezing temperatures, snow, and ice can cause significant problems to our roofs. Even if we don’t experience these types of weather conditions as often as other regions, it’s still important to stay on top of your roof’s health before damage occurs. You never want to be caught unaware with any emergency roofing problems!
If your roof isn’t installed correctly, you’ll have major problems when winter weather hits. You need to catch the issues before the cold arrives. Some of the more common errors include:
When measurements aren’t correct, you’re left with gaps between your roof and home. These gaps can lead to leaks from the rain or as the ice and snow melts. Not having correct measurements can also result in getting the wrong materials or not enough of what you need.
Underlayment materials can also cause problems if they’re not up to code in your area. Once a roof is installed, you also want to ensure the flashing is installed correctly before the cold weather hits. You may face leaks and cracks where the joints meet your roof if it’s old or improperly installed.
Cracks in your shingles might not seem like a big deal, but when it’s raining or you’ve got snow melting on them, they can cause major problems. Get your roof inspected ahead of time for crumbling or curling shingles and get them replaced as soon as possible. As always, it’s best to hire a professional to take care of your roofing issues, especially in the winter.
Ice dams occur when water accumulates under shingles between thaws. Snow or ice melt and then refreeze as it flows down the roof. Water can then get trapped behind the ice and work its way through the roof joints. If that happens, you’re looking at the possibility of significant structural damage.
To avoid damages, you need to check your existing roof ventilation system. You also need to make sure any existing cracks are sealed to keep water from getting in. Also, remember to remove snow and ice regularly during the winter to prevent the chance for accumulation.
A couple of other things to remember have to do with making sure your gutters are clear and trimming any overhanging tree branches. Clogged gutters can keep water from going where it’s supposed to, and tree branches can fall on your home, causing damage to your roof.
Whatever you do, you want to prevent damage and major roofing problems as much as possible, whether it’s checking for shingle damage or pruning branches to keep them from falling. Being proactive can keep your roof in check and prevent roofing issues in the new year.
Have you scheduled your fall inspection yet? If not, now is a great time to do so before winter gets colder and the holidays occupy our minds. If you are planning on decorating the exterior of your home with Christmas lights and other decorations, an inspection can also be really crucial in ensuring your roof is ready to get dressed up!
Most roofs don’t need to be inspected more than once a year. But it’s still an easy task to put off when you’re not thinking about it. However, these inspections can be crucial in detecting small problems with your roof before they turn costly and expensive. When we can tackle roof repairs proactively, you can extend your roof’s lifespan at least a few years. And, if there’s nothing wrong with your roof? You can at least have peace of mind that your roof is still strong and reliable!
Another way to motivate yourself to schedule an inspection is by taking a look at your roof. If you haven’t maintained your roof in a while and it’s not brand new, it’s possible your roof may have some debris or even moss and algae on it. If that’s the case, you know it’s time to call the IBEX Roof team and schedule a roof cleaning. Again, this can help you prolong the life of your roof so that you won’t be due for a replacement any time soon! If you notice any missing or broken shingles, sagging in your roof, or anything that doesn’t look quite right, that is also a telltale sign to call your local roofer.
We always encourage homeowners to keep an eye on their roofs. If something looks off, give the IBEX Roof team a call! However, we NEVER recommend climbing your own roof to perform your own inspection. Our team of experts is trained to detect vulnerable areas of your roof that are hard to see with the untrained eye. Your roof is more than your shingles; if there is wood rot underneath, it’s possible for you to fall through with the wrong step. Additionally, our roof inspectors are properly insured and have the right safety equipment to perform a thorough evaluation of your roof.
Is it time to schedule your annual inspection? Give our friendly office staff a call today and we’ll be happy to help!
If you haven’t prepared your roof for the rainy season, you could face significant damage to your roof. What starts as a small leak can become a much larger issue that can cause major damage to the structure, the foundation, and whatever you have inside. You must take the right precautions to get your roof ready, so it can handle the rains without being affected by the rainwater.
You always start prepping by beginning with a roof inspection. Call your local roofing professional so that they can walk around and look for signs of leaks or damage. You’ll also want to ask them to clear debris if there are piles of anything lying around. NEVER walk on your roof on your own!
Once a roofer comes out to inspect your roof, they’ll be able to tell if any shingles need repair or replacement. Getting these fixed is vital to keeping your roof leak-free.
Your roofer will look for signs like small cracks or tears that can possibly let water in. Depending on the extent of the damage, your roofer will quote you on what the repair will cost you. If your roof is looking particularly rough, it might be time to simply have new shingles installed.
Flashing is the metal pieces covering areas where there are seams, like where the chimney meets the rooftop. It’s typically pretty durable, but it can still get damaged over time. Your roofer will also check for holes, rust, or cracks that could signal potential leak issues.
If it’s left unchecked, the results could be catastrophic when water gets through. Roofers can replace it as necessary, but if you’re concerned, make sure you ask your roofer to double-check the flashing.
You need to make sure you also check your gutters before the rainy season hits. If they’re clogged, you’re in for a world of trouble because as the water pools, it will seep into your roof instead of draining like it’s supposed to. Check for blockages or places where debris can get stuck. It’s best to do regular maintenance to prevent major issues, but you at least want to get it done before the rainy season hits.
If you have trees next to your house, you want to make sure you keep them maintained. If they break or drop branches during a storm, it could cause significant damage to your gutters and possibly your home. Hire a tree trimmer or landscaper to make sure you trim your trees correctly so they’re ready to stand tall against the rainy season.
Some roofs have unique features that need to also be checked for proper sealant or drainage. For example, if your roof has skylights, they need to be sealed correctly to prevent leaks. Something else to remember is if you have a flat roof, you’ll also need to make sure your roof is ready to handle the drainage that will result.
There’s almost nothing worse than finding a leak when you can’t do anything about it right then and there. Preparing correctly for the rainy season can prevent significant problems to your roof, home, and belongings. If you need help or need a professional, contact us, and we’ll help you prepare your roof so you can face the rain head-on without any worries.
Our team at IBEX Roof is ready to help you get your roof ready for the rainy season. Give us a call today at one of our offices. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.
It’s easier to tell there’s a problem with your roof when shingles are missing, cracked, or crooked. However, damaged shingles are not the only reason why a roof may be considered damaged. Your roof is made up of a lot more than just its shingles, in fact. Another major part of your roof is the roof decking or sheathing underneath. These are thin boards of wood underneath your shingles that provide the structure of your roof. Because these boards sit underneath your roof, is it harder to see when there is damage and, the dreaded word, ROT.
When your roof is working properly, it should be shedding water away from your home, into your gutters, and out the downspout. When you have damaged shingles or vulnerable areas in your roof, though, water can seep underneath the shingles and onto your roof decking. Because your roof decking is made out of wood, it will start to deteriorate over time, especially if it doesn’t properly dry out. When there is constant moisture underneath your roof, it’s only a matter of time that will start to decay and, eventually, rot.
Because your roof decking sits underneath your shingles, it’s difficult to tell when there is wood rot or damage outside of a professional inspection. As a note, we NEVER recommend homeowners climb their own roofs to check for wood rot because those rotted areas can easily break under your step.
There are two types of wood rot: wet rot and dry rot. Some signs of wood rot include:
If you suspect your roof has experienced wood rot, call our team at IBEX Roof. We will schedule you for a roof inspection as soon as possible! If wood is rotting, it is likely there is an underlying leak that needs to be repaired; the longer you wait, the more damage you risk on your roof. Being as proactive as possible will make it less likely you will need to replace your entire roof.
Our goal is to make sure your roof lasts as long as possible. The best way to do so is by scheduling annual roof inspections to stay ahead of your roof’s upkeep. At IBEX Roof, we pride ourselves on being fully transparent with our customers: no secrets, no surprises, and no uncertainty! We will never sell you any services you don’t need because we are here for you for the long haul. Give us a call today and let’s make sure to stay on top of your roof’s health!
If you’ve ever gotten your roof replaced, you may remember the process. It usually includes an inspection, tearing off old shingles, installing the new ones, and then cleaning up. The entire process of replacing a roof usually doesn’t take too long. In fact, many houses can be done in about a day or two. However, sometimes homeowners will ask if we can install the new shingles over their existing shingles. You may think this saves time or add extra protection to your roof. But adding multiple layers of shingles on top of your home may actually do more harm than good. Here’s why.
Your roofer should be familiar with your local building codes, and most building codes only allow a maximum of two layers of shingles. Outside of shingles, your roof is also made up of decking and underlayment. When you layer new shingles on top of old ones, you aren’t able to see what’s going on underneath the foundation of your roof. So if the layers underneath your old shingles are old and rotten, we won’t be able to see it or fix it.
Even if your roofer DOES allow for more than two layers of shingles, your house or building may not be designed to hold the extra weight of multiple roof layers. Ultimately, having too many layers of shingles could negatively impact the integrity of your roof, causing it to sag over time.
So how many layers of shingles are too many? Two layers are the recommended maximum. But it also depends on other factors, such as the state of your roof and what types of shingles you choose. In some cases, it’s best to stick with just one layer of shingles. The best way to find out is to have your roofer perform an inspection prior to your roof replacement.
Our IBEX Roof experts can help answer all of your questions about getting your roof replaced and how to do it right. Our goal is to make sure your roof lasts as long as possible; we would never want to jeopardize the integrity of your roof. The last thing anyone wants is to replace their roof sooner rather than later! Give us a call today at 360-218-3194 with any questions you may have and we’ll be happy to answer them. Don’t forget to also ask about our roof specials so that you can save on your next roof!
Have you scheduled your fall roof inspection yet? October and November are opportune times for your annual roof inspection before the weather gets too cold and rainy. In fact, the occasional rainfall now is also the right time to check your attic for leaks and moisture to ensure that your roof is prepared for the winter ahead. At IBEX Roof, we aim to provide quality roofs for our customers, and that includes prolonging the life of your existing roof! Read on to learn about why roof inspections are one of the best ways for a longer-lasting roof.
Most people don’t often think about the roof over their heads, not until something goes wrong, that is. But waiting too long to inspect or repair your roof can have major consequences. A few missing shingles can turn into cracks or openings in your roof, which can then lead to water leaks, pests, or even mold. Preventing these things from happening is always the easiest way to keep your home safe and sound.
You can either be reactive or proactive when it comes to roof problems – guess which one method ends up being the most expensive? The best thing that can happen from a roof inspection is that your roof is in great shape. Sometimes, a roof inspection will uncover a small area of damage that would otherwise become worse and more costly over time. But catching these things sooner than later means they are less expensive to fix and less likely to turn into a major roofing emergency.
Your roof is a lot more than just the shingles that lay on top; not every part of your roof can be seen with the naked eye. Gutters, skylights, chimneys, underlayment, and even inside your attic, are all part of your roofing system! So while your shingles may look like they are in good shape, a roof inspection will ensure that every part of your roof is accounted for. A roofing professional will know all the places to inspect and how to properly assess for damage.
Did you know that simply clearing away excess debris on your roof can prolong the life of your roof? At IBEX Roof, our cleaning services include a methodical roof evaluation so that all your bases are covered. Your pristine roof will improve curb appeal and impress passerbyers while you feel confident that your roof will last for years to come.
Roof inspections are a simple and painless way to make sure your roof is in good shape. It takes little time to do! IBEX Roof also offers free inspections for our customers, so scheduling your inspection should be a no-brainer. By just setting aside an hour of your day for us to take a look at your roof, you can get peace of mind that your roof is in good shape.
Schedule your annual roof inspection or cleaning today by giving our office a call at 360-218-3134.
A leaky roof is one of the last things you’d want to deal with, much less during a rainy season. Unfortunately, we often don’t realize there’s a leak until it…well, starts raining! Urgent roof leak repair is crucial to preventing further damage to your home. Here are some tips on how to stop a roof leak in the rain so that you can minimize the damage to your roof and home.
Portland, Vancouver, and the rest of the Pacific Northwest are well-known to have quite rainy seasons. It’s best to be proactive before those rainy seasons hit! The best way to prevent a leak is to prevent possibilities of damage to your roof and gutters. Keep your roof clear of debris and trim back any overhanging trees. Make sure your gutters are clean so that water can properly flow away from your home. Many homeowners will install gutter guards to help keep their gutters clear of debris.
Check for existing leaks by looking in your attic to see if there are any wet or moldy areas. If you suspect a leak and it hasn’t rained in a while, spray the top of your roof with a hose and check your attic for any wet areas. If there are, then it’s time to call a roofing contractor to fix the problem right away.
Finding a leak in your home during a rainy week (or month) is not ideal, and figuring out how to stop a roof leak in the rain is even less pleasant. Going on top of your roof while it’s raining is very dangerous and NOT recommended. However, there are other steps you can take to deal with a roof leak while it’s still raining.
Drain the walls: If you notice a wet bulge in your ceiling or wall, it’s probably a pocket of water from the leak. Use a screwdriver to poke a hole to drain the water out (make sure to have a bucket to catch the wate) to avoid further damage to your walls.
Protect your belongings: Drop cloths and tarp are helpful items to protect your floors from a leak, and you can use buckets or pots and pans to catch water. Move around your furniture that are near the leak to protect them from getting damaged by water or falling debris.
Find the source of the leak: Usually, roof leaks will start in the attic; once a leak has formed a puddle, it will find its way and start leaking through open areas. Vents, light fixtures, heating registers, and ceiling joints are all possible passage ways for a leak. When you find the source of your leak, wipe up any excess water and clear away wet insulation. Use a bucket to catch leaking water; lay a large baking sheet across the joists and under the bucket to protect your ceiling tile and drywall from breaking underneath.
Other temporary fixes: If you’re still waiting to repair a roof leak while it’s raining, you may want to cover the top of your home with tarp to help minimize the damage. Again, it’s very dangerous to going on your roof without taking the proper safety precautions. It’s best to get a roofer to help, especially if they can’t fix it right away.
Protect your home from damage and leaks by maintaining your roof regularly and fixing small repairs as soon as possible. Not sure where to start? Call IBEX Roof! We are here to make sure homeowners get the most out of their roof. Call for an inspection today and see how we can help keep your roof safe from leaks.
