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!
“Can’t wait for this afternoon when I’m cleaning out gutters” is rarely a phrase homeowners will say with much enthusiasm. But gutters do a lot to help protect our roofs and it’s important to keep them clean! Without a good gutter system, water could collect underneath roof shingles, get into the siding of your home, or soak into your home’s foundation, causing major rot and damage. Gutters are important in keeping our homes in good shape, so it’s important to take time and give them a little TLC!
Most homeowners only need to clean their gutters once or twice a year. A great opportunity to get it done is during the fall when you are working through your winterizing checklist! If you’re thinking of cleaning out gutters on your own, it’s easier to do so when they’re dry.
The safest way to clean gutters is with a ladder, rather than from the rooftop. Start near the downspout of your gutter and work your way back. Clear away any large pieces of debris, including leaves, branches, twigs, and anything else that may clog the downspout. Wear gloves and scoop out the debris by hand, or use a garden trowel. Lay out tarp to catch the debris on the ground, or collect it in a bucket to dispose of later. Split up the work into sections and move the ladder accordingly so that your waist is always between the rails of your ladder.
Once you’ve cleared away as much debris as possible by hand, flush out the finer sediment with a hose, starting at the end opposite of the downspout. Make sure the water flows properly through the spout; if the water seems to be dribbling out, there may be a clog. If there is a clog, you can try flushing it out with your hose at full pressure from the bottom of the spout.
Check your gutters before a forecasted storm to ensure your water is properly draining, and seal any leaks in your gutters with silicone caulk. If there are a lot of trees around your home, you may find you need to clean your gutters more often than twice a year. Trimming your trees back is one way you can prevent more debris from collecting in your gutters. Blowing away any debris from your roof is another way to maintain clean gutters.
Cleaning out gutters will help extend their longevity, but there might come a time when it’s time to replace gutters altogether. Rusting, splitting, sagging, and overflowing water are all signs for a gutter replacement. If your gutters are in bad condition, don’t put off getting them replaced! Bad gutters increase risk of rotting in your roof, flooding in your home, a leaky basement, or other costly damage.
Cleaning out gutters is often the last thing on a homeowner’s mind, but it’s an important task to get done. If you don’t have time to do it yourself, consider hiring someone to help! If you live in or around the Vancouver, WA area, give IBEX Roof a call for a one-time cleaning. We can also work out a schedule for regular roof and gutter maintenance to take away the stress altogether. Contact us for more information.
One way to take advantage of these rainy days is to use them as a tool to monitor the health of your roof. On a good, rainy day, take a look outside to make sure your gutters are allowing water to freely flow through. Additionally, go to your attic to check for any leaks or drafts. If you notice anything out of ordinary, then it’s time to call your roofer to help you decide between a roof repair and a replacement.
Not every leak in your home means you need to start planning for a roof replacement. Small leaks, especially when caught early on, can be fixed in less than a day. Other common roof repairs include:
When you have a large leak or multiple leaks in your roof, it’s time to get a roof replacement, STAT! Fortunately, there are other ways to tell if your roof needs replacing before it progresses into an emergency situation. Such factors include the age of your roof, granule loss, many split or missing shingles, or an improperly installed roof. Our roof inspectors can often tell how much life your roof has left from an inspection. In fact, IBEX Roof follows a thorough evaluation process we use for every roof. From there, we can tell you when you should start considering a roof replacement.
When you have to decide between a roof repair or a replacement, you want to do what makes sense. If your roof only has a few years of life left after a repair is done, it’s probably a better investment to replace your roof altogether. There are many different factors at play when it comes to deciding the best route to choose and that’s why we always recommend getting a roof evaluation first. Our experts at IBEX Roof will inspect your roof and recommend the best course of action for your roof.
Whether you need a roof inspection, repair, or replacement, give our friendly office a call at (360) 218-3194.
If you know IBEX Roof, then you know that we are on top of all things roof-related. It’s our mission to provide quality roofs and customer service to all our customers. We know that getting a roof fixed, especially in an emergency, is not always fun. That’s why we are dedicated to doing what we can to make your experience with us as stress-free and straightforward as possible.
To provide the best and quality service to our customers, we start off every job with a thorough roof inspection. It doesn’t matter how big, small, or steep your roof is – all roofs get the same special treatment! This evaluation allows us to properly assess your roof so that we can give you as accurate of an estimate as possible. Not only will we access the health of your roofing shingles, but we will also inspect the underlayment, all your roofing vents, flashings, skylights, gutters, and chimneys, too!
We continuously grow along with standard industry practices, keeping up with safe and efficient working standards that help us provide excellent roof work. In every roofing project, we promise to keep you in the loop, from who is working on your roof to the best way to maintain your roof’s health. Once we’ve completed your roofing project, we make sure to follow-up to ensure that you’re happy with our work. Our work doesn’t just end there, either – we love establishing long-term partnerships with our customers. Keep our number handy and we will be there for you when you need us.
When you choose IBEX Roof, you get a roofing company that has your best interest at heart. Don’t just take our word for it, either! Please check out our reviews page, where we have over 200 five star reviews from customers. Or, experience our quality service for yourself by calling us at (360) 218-3134 to schedule your next roof inspection.
What’s your new year’s resolution for 2021? Some of the most common new year’s resolutions include maintaining a healthier lifestyle, improving finances, and making more time for self-care. As roofers, we see the new year as a fresh start and an opportunity for homeowners to plan ahead when it comes to their roof. Actually, it makes a lot of sense to apply many of those common resolutions to your home. By maintaining a healthy roof, you will end up saving a lot of money and reducing the amount of stress in your life. Therefore, here are a few tips on how you can plan ahead and prepare for any roofing problem.
One great way to plan ahead for roofing emergencies is by revisiting your homeowner’s insurance and seeing what is covered. Even just skimming through your insurance policy will make it easier to make decisions in the event your roof gets damaged from a sudden accident or act of nature. In some cases, insurance will only cover for partial damage, and others offer replacements for material matching issues. Some policies cover cosmetic damage, others do not. Familiarize yourself with your policy including the right numbers to call and steps needed to file a claim.
An emergency budget is another helpful way to prepare for any roofing problem or other home projects. It is pretty much impossible to ignore a roofing emergency and they often happen when you least expect it. So why not at least try to prepare a little bit by creating an emergency fund.
Keep your local roofer’s phone number handy so that you can call them the moment you need their services. If you don’t have a local roofer, find one! It takes time to find the right roofer for you and there is no better time than when you don’t have a roofing emergency. When researching roofers, make sure to ask for the proper paperwork and insurance information, as well as referrals.
Speaking of finding the right roofer, consider scheduling your annual roof inspection! This will ensure that your roof is in proper condition to protect your family for another year. Even if you think your roof is in good shape, an inspection can help catch small repairs. This will ensure your roof lasts as long as possible. Even better, schedule a roof cleaning so that your roof is left sparkling clean after an assessment.
It’s not always fun or easy to plan ahead, but doing so can end up saving you a lot of time and money. Our mission at IBEX Roof is to ensure quality roofs over our customers’ heads and with no headaches involved! Give us a call today at 360-218-3108 to learn more about how we can best service your roof and gutters in 2021.
Happy New Year to all! We are absolutely ready to leave behind the wreckage of 2020 and kick off a fresh new year. What better way to do so than to start off 2021 with a strong roof? That doesn’t necessarily mean getting a brand new roof, but it does mean making sure your roof is in its best shape so that it will last another year. If you are looking to replace your roof, or if you just want to keep up on the latest 2021 roofing trends, here are a few tips on what is currently popular in the roofing world.
Although not a new trend, traditional asphalt roofs are still a strong choice for roof replacements because of their durability, dependability, and curb appeal. You will be sure to find an asphalt shingle that will perfectly complement the rest of your home. They are also a safe choice when trying to distinguish your house while keeping it cohesive with the rest of the neighborhood.
Metal roofing continues to grow in popularity for both residential and commercial roofs. It’s a sustainable option that can last over 50 years if properly taken care of. In the past, metal roofing hasn’t had too many options in terms of design and patterns. But nowadays, you can find metal roofs of all different colors, shapes, and textures. Homeowners no longer need to worry about choosing between function and aesthetic when considering a metal roof!
Backyards patios and decks have become a prominent trend as a result of the worldwide pandemic. They are a great amenity for that extra “staycation” flair and offer another area of the home to enjoy. Roofs have also been a crucial addition to any outdoor area to maximize year-round enjoyment of these outside living spaces.
In the past few years, homeowners have been less shy about adding colors to the interiors of their home, and now we are seeing the same enthusiasm for home exteriors, too! For roofs specifically, lighter grays and colors have been the new go-to over darker shades of gray and black. More companies offer a variety of colors in different materials, including red, green, and even blue. Of course, just because certain colors are trending doesn’t mean they will be the right one for your home. Make sure to consider the other colors and materials of the rest of your home when choosing a color of your roof.
Make sure your roof is healthy and happy by scheduling a roof inspection with IBEX Roof today. And if you are happening to be in the market for a new roof, we’re on top of that, too! Keep our number handy and give us a call at _ when you’re ready to get started on your next roofing project.
Have you started your holiday decorating yet? Whether you plan on going all out for your neighborhood’s decorating contest or just want to put up a few simple lights, IBEX Roof is here to help. Make sure you’re not accidentally damaging your roof by following these best practices for decorating your roof!
Safety is always the top priority when dealing with your roof, decorating or otherwise. This means following all ladder safety rules, detangling your lights and cords before stepping on a ladder. Create a decorating game plan to minimize time on your roof. Ideally, you should never walk on your roof, especially without proper safety equipment, as fall accidents are one of the top reasons for emergency room trips and can be fatal. Always have a second set of hands to help out.
No matter what decorating theme you’re going with, always double-check you’re using the appropriate lights, cords, and products. Most holiday decorations will have labels for indoor or outdoor use, and it will help to separate indoor and outdoor decor in storage, too.
If you’re planning on adding inflatables and statues to your holiday light show, make sure to keep track of how much weight you are adding to your roof. Any extra weight on your roof can damage your roof’s sheathing and shingles. Even if you’re only putting up lights, the extra weight can put stress on your gutter system. Avoid an emergency roof or gutter replacement by keeping your decorations as light as possible!
In addition to reducing the amount of weight on your roof, you should never use nails or puncture holes to hang your holiday decorations up. Instead, there are a variety of products at your local home improvement store that can be used for safe decorating:
Following these best practices for decorating your roof will ensure a happy holiday season for you and your family. And although we can’t decorate your home for you, IBEX Roof wants to make sure your home stays safe and sound through the rest of winter. We would be happy to come and inspect your roof for you to make sure it’s in good health before you start decorating. Give us a call today at (360) 218-3108 to schedule your next inspection!
We’ve talked about why homeowners might choose to get a partial roof replacement. But if more than half of your roof needs replacing, we always recommend getting a full tear-off roof replacement. Here’s why.
When you build a new roof on top of an old roof, you are risking your roofing warranty as well as the longevity of your roof. Tearing off your old roof to replace it with a new one ensures that your new roof is 100% new. Getting rid of your old roof will also make sure that any broken, damaged, or rotting material gets removed, providing you a safer structure to protect your home. In addition, a full tear-off results in a roof that just looks brand new. Overlay roofs risk not looking completely flat depending on the condition on your existing roof. So if you are replacing your entire roof, you might as well choose the option that looks the best!
Overlaying a new roof on top of an existing roof only covers up potential roofing issues, making them harder to find later. Leaks and other types of damage will be harder for a roofer to spot. With a tear-off roof replacement, you only have to worry about one roof – your brand new one. With just a single roof on top of your home, it will be easier to maintain your roof as well as assess how much life is left in your roof over time.
Homebuyers do not want to buy a home that will require expensive repairs right after closing, especially a roof replacement! Having an overlay roof can actually decrease the value of your home, while a brand new, single-layer roof can add home value. Does this mean you have to replace your roof right before selling your home? Not necessarily. But home value and curb appeal is definitely something to consider if your home is due for a roof replacement, even if you’re not selling anytime soon.
The last thing we want is for our customers to spend extra money on a roof replacement they don’t need. That’s why we recommend scheduling a roof inspection so that we can assess how much life is left in your roof! Annual inspections allow us to let customers know when they need to start preparing for a new roof. Don’t let your next roof replacement come as a surprise. To schedule a roof inspection today, or to learn more about our roof replacement services, give our friendly office staff a call at (360) 218-3108.
