One of the benefits of hiring roofers from a local roofing company is that we know what’s best for roofs in the area. Serving the Portland and Vancouver area, IBEX Roof has seen it all when it comes to Pacific Northwest roofing. All of our advice and recommendations to our customers come from knowledge and experience of roofing in the PNW region, ensuring that your roof can stand up to the ever-changing climate around here. Here are three common problems PNW roofs experience and how you can be proactive and ensure a long-lasting roof.
You’ve probably noticed, but we sure do get a lot of rain out here! Heavy rainfall can wear down a roof over time. Even when the rain isn’t heavy, though, constant moisture from misty days can seep into any cracks or openings in your roof, leading to rot or damage. This is why it’s super important to get repairs done as soon as you find them!
Another common problem you’ve probably experienced on your PNW roof is algae and moss. Both of these plants spread through the air, especially in a humid climate such as ours. If you see one roof with moss growth on a neighboring house, it’s very likely it could travel onto yours, too!
The good news is that neither of these plant growths is a dangerous health risk to your family. They also won’t cause major damage to your roof right away. This doesn’t mean you should wait too long to get your roof cleaned — otherwise, you might see a little forest of moss take over your roof! Any moss or algae can be cleaned off your roof within a day, or you can speak to our friendly staff about how to treat your roof to prevent such growth from happening at all.
One of the best ways to keep your roof in its best shape is by keeping it clean. One of the biggest debris culprits that you might not expect to harm your roof is pine needles. If you have a pine tree over your roof, it’s important to clear away those pine needles if you want your roof to last a long time. Pine needs are acidic and can eat away at your shingles. Sappy tree branches can also wear down your shingles more quickly.
While roofing problems are not exclusive to just these three issues, these are what’s common in Pacific Northwest roofing. They’re easy to fix but leaving them alone for too long can end up damaging your roof. Stay on top of your roof’s care by teaming up with IBEX Roof. The best way to ensure a long-lasting roof is with proper care and maintenance and we’ll be happy to help get your roof on a routine inspection and maintenance plan!
If your roof is approaching its end of service life, we can help with that, too. Give our friendly office staff a call at 360-218-3194 to schedule an inspection. Once we assess your roof, we’ll be able to give you a personalized plan to best care for your roof.
Did you know that IBEX Roof is a Certified Malarkey and CertainTeed installer? We strive to serve the roofing needs of our customers and being certified roofers is one of the key reasons customers trust us.
When hiring a roofer, always make sure they are licensed, bonded, and insured. After that, check out their certifications. Here is why you should consider a certified roofer instead of a non-certified contractor.
Our team members go through many training sessions in order to become certified. These training periods help us stay on top of the latest technology in the roofing industry. We also learn the most up-to-date best practices as roofing methods improve over time. We learn how to properly install, repair, and replace the appropriate roofing materials straight from the manufacturer.
You can’t become a certified roofer without having installed some roofs and having roofing experience! The certification process is a great investment our team makes so that we can improve our craft and better serve our customers. It includes many courses that go over every type of roofing material we might use, not just the shingles, and how to best use them in a roofing installation. Being certified is our promise to you that we will never cut corners.
Have you ever gotten a roofing estimate, only to pay way more than you expected for the completed job? Fortunately, that will never happen with IBEX Roof. As one of the qualifications for certification is roofing experience, our team has a combined total of 215 years of experience! Because of this, we know exactly what we’re talking about when it comes to taking care of your roof, including how much your roofing project will cost and how much time it will take to complete. We dedicate ourselves to always being honest and upfront with our customers with no secrets and no surprises!
Did you know that you also benefit from IBEX Roof being certified roofers? Our certification allows us to offer longer warranties to our customers. These warranties are as secure as your new roof because they are not just back by us, but directly by the manufacturer. In short, this means they are very confident in our workmanship!
Our goal at IBEX Roof has always been to be a positive change in the roofing industry. This means providing the best service and helping our customers understand our process.
In addition to being Malarkey and CertainTeed certified installers, we have other accreditations that speak to our reputation:
If it’s about time for your roof to get some TLC, or if you are unsure about a specific roofing problem, schedule a free inspection with IBEX Roof today! Give us a call at 360-218-3134 or fill out our contact form to get started. Remember, there is no roofing job too big or too small for the IBEX Roof team to handle — we’re on top of it!
Last week we talked about common roofing mistakes we often see and are hired to fix. This week, we’re going to talk about how to spot a bad roof installation. Your roof is one of your home’s biggest investments and it’s important to make sure it’s done right. You can pay for a brand new roof only to have to pay for another one a year later if the first installation wasn’t done correctly. So how can you tell if your roof wasn’t properly installed?
The most obvious way to tell if your roof was badly installed is if it just plain looks bad. A brand new roof is supposed to add curb appeal, not take away from it! If you notice misaligned shingles, exposed nails, improper nail placement, or something else that’s obviously off, then let your roofer know. If they won’t fix it, get a second opinion from another roofer.
Is there damage to your gutters, landscape, or other areas surrounding your home? This might be a red flag. Roofs have many parts and layers and attention to detail is important — you don’t want someone who rushed through the job! Some signs to look out for include dirt or footprints on your roof, damages around the foundation of your home, and interior damage in your attic.
One of the main purposes of your roof, besides staying secure over your head, is to properly shed water away from your home. If you notice water dripping or leaking around your roof’s eaves, edges, chimneys, and other areas, then something isn’t right. Make sure to get these problems fixed as soon as you see them, or else they can lead to bigger issues.
A mess left in your yard doesn’t necessarily mean your roof was badly installed. However, it is definitely a red flag about your roofer’s workmanship. Most roofers will include a final cleanup and trash haul in your contract; and failure to do so can be dangerous to the homeowner. At IBEX Roof, cleanup is just as important of a step as any other part of a roofing job. We make sure to do a twice-over the surrounding areas of your home so that we get as much debris and trash as we possibly can so that you and your family stay safe.
If you’re not feeling confident about your last roofing job, give IBEX Roof a call. Our team has seen it all! We are dedicated to helping our customers stay safe and feel secure in their home. There is no roofing issue too big or too small — we’re on top of it! Give us a call today at 360-218-3104.
Your roof is probably one of the biggest investments you make for your home. It’s an important investment that keeps you and your family safe and sound. That’s why it’s crucial to get your roof done right from the get-go. Not only that but having an improperly installed roof can also mean having to pay for another brand new roof way sooner than you’d expect. Here are some roofing mistakes IBEX Roof has had to fix!
Nails are what help keep your shingles in place. There is a “nailing zone” that ensures your shingles are securely fastened to your roof. When nails are placed in the wrong area, they can create holes in the other parts of your roof that can’t be seen. These damages will lead to leaks and, over time, can turn into an even worse problem. This is one of the more common roofing mistakes that can be avoided by hiring an experienced roofer!
The ridge cap is where the two sides of your roof meet at the top of your home. Because it’s basically one large seam, it is an area of your roof that is more vulnerable to leaks. That’s why it’s super important for this seam to be properly covered. You can’t see it from the ground, but you will certainly be able to tell sooner than later if this part of your roof is improperly installed.
Pressure washing always seems like a good idea, but it’s actually one of the worst things you can do to your asphalt roof! The granules that are on your asphalt roof are what help your roof stay protected from UV rays and extreme weather conditions. They help offer an extra layer of protection for your roof. There are better and more effective ways to clean your roof without jeopardizing its quality and longevity.
Poor workmanship doesn’t just mean an ugly roof — it can also mean a leaky one. It does not matter how new your roof is. If it is not properly installed, then your home is at risk for leaks and other foundational damages. This can mean badly installed shingles, using low-quality material, or simply not having enough roofing experience and knowledge. Always make sure to look at your local roofer’s reviews and make sure they are not subcontracting out their projects to ensure a well-installed roof!
Roofs are more than just shingles. They are a complex system of layers that ultimately keep your home safe and secure. If you are not a roofer, DIY routes can leave you with not only a bad roof, but damage to your walls, attic, and electrical systems. Basically, you will end up with more problems, and more expenses.
One of the best ways to avoid an improperly installed or repaired roof is by hiring an experienced roofing contractor. Make sure to do your research and ask for references! Our crew at IBEX Roof has tons of 5-star reviews. We are also certified CertainTeed ShingleMasters, meaning we are qualified straight from the shingle manufacturers.
If you suspect that your last roofer has made one or more of these roofing mistakes, don’t wait until you have an emergency to call us! Our friendly staff is happy to answer any of your questions, as well as walk you through the best roofing options for your home and for your budget. Give us a call today at 360-218-3104.
There are many reasons why you may need to replace your roof. Maybe there is damage from a storm, or maybe it’s just from regular wear and tear. But if only part of your roof is worn, can you get away with a partial roof replacement? Or must you replace the entire thing? Read on to learn more.
Partial roof replacements can mean a few different things and usually refer to fixing just a small portion of your roof. Sometimes, it’s as simple as replacing a few missing or damaged shingles. If the underlayment of your roof is still intact, then there is nothing else to fix. This is when it’s useful to have any leftover shingles saved from your last roof replacement; otherwise, your roofer may have to color match your shingles.
Other times, a partial roof replacement requires patching if the underlayment or decking of your roof is damaged. This could be from a fallen tree, a hailstorm, or wood rot. Sometimes, you may not even be able to see the damage below your shingles, which is why we recommend getting an annual roof inspection. If there’s damage below your shingles, your roofer will check for any water damage in your attic. Then, they will let you know the best course of action to patch your roof.
When there is damage on more than half your roof, you are probably better off getting a full roof replacement. Partially replacing half a roof can risk the integrity of your roof and there are no promises it will increase your roof’s lifespan. Even if the initial cost of a partial roof replacement is less than a full replacement, you will ultimately be paying less in the long-term by opting for a complete re-roofing.
Whether your roof needs partial reshingling or a little extra care, IBEX Roof is here for you. Keep our number handy on your fridge or on your phone so that it will be there when you need us. Or give us a call today at 360-218-3194 to schedule a roof inspection and we’ll make sure your roof is ready to go for the winter!
Did you know that your roof can be damaged simply from the good ol’ sunshine? More specifically, the sun causes damage in two ways – UV radiation and thermal damage. Before you start to get too worried, the granules on your asphalt shingles are designed to scatter light and reflect heat. They are made to last for years, which is why many shingles come with manufacture warranties of 10-15 years. However, over time, these granules will wear away, fall off, or get swept away from the wind, water, and sun. It is normal wear-and-tear you can expect to see on a roof and we always recommend keeping an eye on the state of your roof. Here’s how to tell when there is sun damage on a roof!
UV rays rain down on rooftops, but we can’t see them. They are the same rays that cause skin damage if your skin is exposed without protection. Sunburns? Yep – a result of excessive UV radiation on your skin.
As ultraviolet radiation hits the roof, deterioration takes place. The reaction is not extreme or quick, but over time, the damage slowly increases. Eventually, the oily material over your asphalt shingles will evaporate, leaving them less water-repellant and flexible. As more evaporates, your shingles get brittle and likely to crack. When they break, that’s when you’ll start to experience minor or major roof problems.
If you leave something out in the heat, it’s going to warm up and get hot. It sounds obvious, but your roof can get extremely hot as it reflects the sun as it shines. Shingles absorb energy as the UV light hits them. When they cool, the shingles will contract. They are in a constant cycle of expansion and contraction as the temperatures change around them. When shingles contract quickly, they can go into what is called thermal shock.
Thermal shock leads to cause a separation in the materials that make up a shingle. This separation can also lead to cracks and breaks in your roof. Metal roofs are especially susceptible to extreme heat as they become brittle over time. Drastic changes in temperature result in even more damage that will lead to mold growth, leaks, or possible frame rot, depending on how bad it gets.
There are a few telltale signs that your roof needs some repair. You might see discoloration on your shingles. Warping is also a common thing to see. Shingles will start to curl at the edges signaling that they need some attention. When you begin to see this, it’s a good idea to call your local roofer. They may tell you only a few tiles need to be replaced, which is just part of good maintenance.
Crumbling roof tiles are a definite sign that you need to pay attention to your roof. Not only does it mean that the wind took some of the tiles off if it’s a windy day, but it also means that your roof may not be as strong as it once was. It is a common issue in older roof tiles and can easily be replaced as needed.
By maintaining your roof, you will ensure that your roof will live a longer life. If you are not sure where your roof stands, call your local roofer for an inspection. Many will offer a free assessment just to let you know what you can expect for any necessary repairs, and if it’s not free, the cost is much lower than having to repair an entire roof because you went too long without an inspection.
Maintaining your roof to protect your house from the elements is critical in caring for your home. Ideally, you should have your roof inspected annually, which you can schedule by calling IBEX Roof’s friendly office staff at 360-218-3134.
You see your roof every time you drive up to your home, but how often do you actually notice your roof? You know it’s there, but did you stop and think there might be roof damage from wind after a storm? Once a storm has passed, have you thought about needing to get it checked?
The next time there are high winds or a windy storm, take a look at y our roof. It might surprise you but wind can cause damage to your roof. You can get a full assessment of your roof by calling your favorite IBEX Roofers today for a roof inspection! We will come out and let you know exactly how your roof is doing.
Think about how much damage high winds can cause. It can topple trees, even uprooting some, and that is no small feat of strength. If these same winds blow across your roof, you can quickly lose a few shingles. When speeds are exceptionally fast, seeing patches of shingles gone in the aftermath is not surprising. Shingles are going to naturally loosen with time because of temperature changes as they expand and contract. If a strong wind gets under them, these shingles could easily be ripped up, causing further loose shingles. After a lot of wind damage, you could end up with roof leaks, too.
You might think roof damage from wind only happens with hurricane-force winds, but that is not true. Wind speeds between 47-63 mph are the first responsible for bringing down tree branches and blowing off shingles that are already loose. If wind speeds get higher and closer to 75 miles per hour, that’s where you start seeing more significant damage. It would not be surprising to see trees torn down or new shingles ripped off a roof. As wind speeds get closer to 90, you will see even more severe damage, and if winds get over 90 miles per hour, let’s say you will probably be calling your homeowner’s insurance to see if you can file a claim.
When it gets windy outside, pay attention to the wind speeds. If your roof has been exposed to wind that is over 45 miles per hour, you will want to consider getting it checked out, at least to see if you have any missing shingles. In addition to blowing tiles off your roof, you may also be missing granules from shingles. Granules will fall off the shingles with time due to exposure and blow off completely in strong winds. Having a professional inspect your roof is the way to go because even if you don’t see missing shingles, they might see some that should be replaced.
Aside from keeping an eye on wind speeds, there are definite signs to notice when you’re deciding whether to call a pro to come out and take a look at your roof. For example, if debris has landed on your roof, it is a good idea to have it checked.
If you see shingles in your front or back yard, give IBEX Roof a call at 360-218-3108. If any other major weather events occurred alongside the wind like rain, hail, or snow, that’s an even greater reason to get your roof assessed. When in doubt, always call a professional — we are always happy to lend a helping hand!
Roof damage is a common concern when your roof is continuously exposed to the elements. After all, our roofs are the first line of defense when it comes to our home’s protection! So it’s a good idea to know what types of damage to look out for in certain weather conditions. Read on to learn more.
We deal with a lot of rain out here in the Pacific Northwest. It’s a typical weather event, which makes homeowners pay less attention to the possible effects unless there is a severe storm. However, if your roof has a leak, heavy rain can turn into an emergency problem. Water tends to take the path of least resistance and if you have any weak spots in your roof, the rain will find it. Regular inspections can ensure that the water is not getting into places where it shouldn’t be, especially after a storm.
It should be of no surprise that your roof gets exposed to ultraviolet radiation every single day. This constant exposure is going to lead to shingles becoming brittle. Extreme heat can also cause your roofing material to expand and contract. While roofs typically have sun and heat-resistant coating, over time, that coating degrades. As the coating evaporates, it makes roof shingles more susceptible to damage. Regular inspections help keep heat damage at bay allowing for replacing shingles as necessary instead of an entire roof that has gone unchecked.
Gale force winds will cause your shingles to get loose the more often your roof gets exposed. Even if you do not live in a hurricane-prone area, you can still experience strong winds. Strong winds will blow shingles off the roof, leaving areas vulnerable. Missing a few isn’t a problem if you catch it early. More than that, and you could be looking at a bigger problem. It is a good idea to get these replaced when you notice them missing or at inspection time. Not only is this cost-effective in your roof maintenance, but it is also a proactive way to increase the longevity of your roof.
Whether it is just a few inches of snow or more, snow can cause problems. If your roof happens to be flat, you can expect even more complications. Snow is tricky – it looks like it is melting off your roof, but it will find the most minor cracks and enter your roof. Ice acts the same way. While it looks like it’s melting and flowing off your roof, if there are cracks, it will enter those tiny cracks and could cause big problems like mold or rot. You also don’t want to use a shovel or salt to attempt to de-ice your roof, as that could cause more damage to shingles that are already dealing with extreme temperatures.
Ideally, you could get your roof checked twice a year, preferably before or after extreme temperatures. Checking your roof means you will be aware of any needed repairs before they get out of hand. Taking the time to protect your roof is better for your roof, wallet, and most importantly, your home. Schedule your next roof inspection with our friendly IBEX Roof staff by calling 360-218-3108 today!
When people think of roofing materials, they usually think of shingles first. Not many think of the other hero that keeps our roofs safe and sound: the roofing nails! Roofing nails are just as important, if not more so, than every other part of the roof. Did you know that a nail that’s not properly nailed into your roof can actually cause a leak? Yikes! Today, we’re going to go over the different types of roofing nails and why the quality of your nails matter.
These nails come in a special shape where the nails are attached to each other in coils, which can be fed through a nail gun. Because a single shingle is attached with at least 4 nails to your roof, this makes a roofer’s job a lot faster and more efficient!
These are the most common types of roofing nails, as well as the most inexpensive. These nails are protected by a zinc coating, which slows down the rusting process.
While a galvanized nail has a smooth surface, ring shank nails have ridges, similar to a screw. This allows more resistance when installing shingles. Although they’re a bit more expensive, they’re worth the upgrade.
The most expensive of roofing nails, stainless steel nails are top of the line. They are usually used in areas that have higher moisture. You will never need to worry about them rusting.
Sometimes we’ll need to use special nails in different areas of your roof. Here are some common specialty nails you might see our roofers use.
Aluminum nails are most commonly used for metal roofing. One thing to note is salty air can cause these nails to rust easily, making them less suitable for coastal areas. A better alternative to this would be stainless steel nails.
You can’t mix and match different metals, so copper nails are necessary when your roof has other copper accessories. These nails are also very commonly used in slate roofing.
Plastic cap nails help better secure certain roofing materials, such as underlayment, base sheets, and vapor barriers. When used properly, they will also help against leaks and water intrusion.
These are just some of the common types of roofing nails you might see in a roofer’s inventory, but just as important as using the right type of nail on your roof is the application. When your roof isn’t properly nailed, your home becomes more susceptible to leaks, missing shingles, and other types of damage that could be otherwise unavoidable!
Our roofers at IBEX Roof are committed to installing high-quality roofs to all our customers. We never subcontract so that you can feel confident that a true professional is working on your roof. Give us a call today for your next roofing project!
Finding the right roofer for your home is like choosing a babysitter for your children: you want to find someone who is trustworthy, reliable, and pays attention to detail! If you’re not familiar with roof work, it can be difficult to think of the right questions to ask when scoping out different contractors. Here are some important questions to ask before signing a roofing contract.
When looking for a professional roofer, it’s vital to find someone who is not just located near you but has a business license for the state you live in. IBEX Roof serves cities in both Washington and Oregon, which means we have separate business licenses for each state. Never just accept someone’s word for it, either! Always ask for proof of paperwork.
Once again, it’s crucial to ask for proof of insurance when hiring a roofer. First, ask for proof of a roofer’s worker’s compensation certificate. This protects you, the homeowner, in case one of your roofers is hurt on the job. Furthermore, your roofer should have worker’s comp for all employees. Second, ask for proof of bond and liability insurance. This will protect you in case your roofer doesn’t complete the job. It also protects you if there is damage to your home during roof work. Every state has different requirements but should always show the amount of the bond. Never pay a roofer a down payment that is larger than their bond before they start a job!
This goes hand in hand with ensuring that everyone is qualified and insured to work on your roof. Some roofers may hire subcontractors to help with a roofing job. However, this is dangerous for the homeowner, because subcontractors are outside hires that are not necessarily covered by the roofer you hired. That means they may not be insured or have the proper licenses to work on your home. Again, always ask for proof of worker’s comp for everyone who will be working on your home.
In the internet age, it’s pretty easy to look up reviews for everyone. It’s also appropriate to ask potential roofing contractors to provide their own references. IBEX Roof has a list of both professional and customer references. You can also find reviews about our work on a variety of third-party websites, including Yelp, HomeAdvisor, Houzz, and Facebook. While you don’t need to ask everyone in your network for a reference, having a couple of referrals before signing a roofing contract always helps with peace of mind!
Permits are not always required depending on the type of roof work you’re getting. However, your roofer should know local laws and requirements for certain jobs. If your area or county requires it, IBEX Roof will handle the permitting.
It’s standard to receive an estimated quote of your roof work before signing a contract. In fact, some homeowners might shop around to get different quotes from different contractors. We will estimate the cost of materials and labors to get your roof work done after we inspect your roof. Occasionally, there might be some rot damage that we were unable to see during the initial inspection. If we have to replace additional plywood underneath your roof, then your estimate might change, although not dramatically. Another reason your estimated quote might slightly change is to include tax.
A new roof is a big investment that sometimes homeowners are not fully prepared to pay when they need it. Many roofers will offer financing options if you are unable to pay in full. As mentioned above, always ask your roofer for proof of bond and never pay a down payment that is larger than their bond. IBEX Roof offers different financing specials, so please ask us what your options are so we can accommodate your budget! For customers who do decide to pay in full, we ask for three separate payments: a down payment, a percentage the day we start, and the rest upon completion.
Warranties will vary between different roofers, so don’t forget to ask what your warranty covers before signing a contract! Your warranty will also vary based on the materials on your roof and the work being done. If you have any issues at all with an IBEX Roof, please call us at the office and we will be happy to help!
Make sure you know what happens after your roof work is done before signing a roofing contract. Most roofers will take on the responsibility of properly disposing of old material and trash from your roof. Feel free to ask about a roofer’s cleanup process like how they protect your landscaping or what tools they use to sweep for stray nails. IBEX Roof believes that cleanup is a huge part of the roofing process. We do our best to stay proactive during every project to ensure the surroundings of your home so that it stays safe and looks neat. Instead of a big, metal dumpster, we opt to use a dumpster trailer to protect your driveway from getting scratched up. At the end of every project, we use two different types of metal sweepers to catch any other nails and metal pieces. If a space is too small for our metal sweepers to reach, we’ll go in with our own hands to double-check!
Lastly, you can ask your roofer if there’s anything you should do in preparation for a roofing project. If you are getting a full-on roof replacement, you may want to clear your driveway, make arrangements for pets and kids, and protect any belongings in your attic. We may also ask you to point out accessible electrical outlets in case we need to plug-in any tools.
There are many questions you can and should ask a roofer before signing a roofing contract. IBEX Roof strives to be upfront and on the same page as our customers because we don’t want your roof to feel like a hassle or a chore. Feel free to call our office at 360-218-3108 to ask us any questions you have. And to get a free estimate for your next roofing project, fill out our online form today!
