“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.
Most roof replacements end with a few bundles of leftover shingles that can be saved for future repairs. We always recommend saving them for a rainy day (literally!). Sometimes homeowners don’t have the extra room to save their shingles or they will repurpose them for something else. Other times, they do save their shingles, which get used up for roof repairs. Either way, what happens when you need a roof repair with discontinued shingles?
It’s not easy to find discontinued shingles, especially if your last roof replacement was done years ago. It’s always worth asking your roofer, though, if they are able to find a match to repair your roof. If they aren’t able to find the exact shingle match, they will do their best to find the closest second. The best way is by looking at the manufacturer of your current shingles as they will most likely have a similar color, if not the same one under a different name. Many manufacturers also have online tools that can show you what different colored shingles will look like on your roof.
While some insurance policies might cover discontinued shingles, many don’t. The best way to find out is by checking the roof repair section of your homeowner’s insurance policy. It should say whether or not they cover the matching of discontinued shingles. More than likely, your insurance will only cover roof work needed to ensure your roof’s safety, and will not cover anything just for aesthetics.
If your roof is over fifteen years old, then consider getting a full roof replacement! This will allow you to choose a new color of shingles and not worry about matching the color of your old ones. Of course, you probably don’t want to replace your roof just for the sake of its color! Book a roof inspection first to see how much life is left in your roof. If your roof is still in pretty good shape, you may want to consider just sticking to repairs with a similar shade of new shingles.
At IBEX Roof, we’ve seen a mismatched roof or two in our time! Although having two different shingle colors doesn’t affect the safety of your roof, we understand wanting to find the best match for your discontinued shingles. If you need a roof repair and your old shingles have been discontinued, we’ll do our best to find the closest match. Nowadays, brands make shingles in all different shades and colors; we know we’ll be able to find something that will make your roof look great. And if you need a roof replacement, we’ve got you covered there, too!
Give us a call today at (360) 218-3104 for a free estimate on your next roofing project.
A reputable roofing contractor will know how to measure your roof to order the right amount of shingles for your replacement or repair. Because roofing materials are measured by square, there will often be leftover roofing shingles that are usually left with the customers. Not sure exactly what to do with them? Here are a few options to consider!
We recommend saving any remaining shingles for future roof work. When you keep your leftover roofing shingles, you ensure that you’ll have the matching color and shingle when it’s time for a repair. You don’t want to risk having a repair that doesn’t match in the event your roofing manufacturer discontinues the color you originally chose!
Make sure to properly store your leftover roofing shingles so that they will be ready for use in the future. Keep them somewhere safe with a moderate temperature and void of extreme moisture.
If you don’t think you’ll be needing your shingles for a future repair or if you don’t have the room to store them, you may consider using them for another roofing project! There will likely not be enough shingles for a whole house, but you could have enough for a dog house, shed, or even a gazebo.
The rough texture of asphalt roofing shingles makes them a great option for creating walkways or adding traction to stairs. This is especially useful in the winter if your sidewalk or porch stairs get icy and you don’t have any salt or sand on hand. You can also use your leftover roofing shingles to create a walkway in your garden or around your home.
Lastly, you can always choose to donate or recycle your leftover roofing shingles. Your roofer may be willing to take the roofing shingles if you don’t want to keep them. Or, there are several organizations that may accept them; IBEX Roof donates our leftover materials to Habitat for Humanity. You can also see what recycling options your state offers for roofing shingles at ShingleRecyling.org.
The forecast has been a bit rainy and this is usually when homeowners find out whether or not they have a leaky roof. Once your roof starts leaking, it’s crucial to work fast to prevent the problem from getting worse and to keep your home dry. But what if it’s still raining outside? Is it possible to repair or even install a roof in the rain?
When it comes to residential roofing, almost all roofs can be inspected or repaired in reasonable rainy conditions. In fact, it’s best not to put off any repairs needed on your roof in case it gets worse and quickly turns into a roofing emergency.
Roof replacements, on the other hand, may be more on a case-by-case basis. We do our best to keep track of the weather forecast closer to the dates of any roof replacements. If the weather doesn’t seem favorable as your appointment approaches, we will try to reschedule during a time with better weather. However, sometimes even the forecast gets it wrong! In this case, we take all measures to work quickly and efficiently to deliver you a top-quality roof to keep you and your family dry and safe.
If we had control of scheduling the weather, that would be awesome! But since we can’t do that, the next best thing is for us to keep track of the forecast. The weather changes rapidly especially in the fall and spring, and it’s best to schedule your roof inspections, repairs, and replacements, ahead of time. We usually book up during these times so that we can stay flexible in the event that the weather doesn’t fully comply with our safety practices.
Rain or shine, IBEX Roof never leaves our customers hanging. We organize our schedule so that we never have to leave in the middle of a project and we never move on to the next job until yours is complete! The last thing we would ever want is to have a leak in your roof because of the rain. There’s no need to worry about how you can install a roof in the rain because we’re on top of it! If it’s time for your home to get a new roof, give us a call today at 360-218-3104.
