While the roof is usually the last thing homeowners want to think about when making home improvements, it is usually the first thing potential home buyers are thinking about. That’s no surprise as the roof is a huge component of every house! Some states and municipalities will require homeowners to disclose information on roof leaks or damage. Others will require a house inspection to be performed prior to closing. So it is pretty safe to say that your roof is likely going to affect your home value. The question is, will it affect your home value positively or negatively?
Every buyer wants a home with a working roof. If your roof requires just a few repairs, it is worth getting those fixed to maximize the value your roof brings to your home. Even just clearing away debris off your roof will improve curb appeal and reduce its chances of becoming a negotiating element in the sale.
According to Remodeling’s 2020 Cost vs Value Report, homeowners can expect to recoup almost 66% of the cost of a roof replacement when selling their home, averaging a $16,287 increase in resale value.
Replacing a roof may not help increase home value in every market, but almost every home buyer will prefer having a working roof. If your roof is in fairly good condition, doesn’t have leaks, has never needed major repair, and still has a few years left before needing a replacement, then your realtor will likely discourage you from getting any major roof work done. But if your roof is having major problems and is affecting the resale value of your home, then you will probably want to look at your options to get your roof in good shape.
IBEX Roof offers a range of services to make sure your roof is in its best shape. We are happy to come and inspect your roof. We’ll make recommendations on how to improve the longevity of your roof and make it last. Whether or not you’re planning on selling your home, having a long-lasting roof benefits everyone! We also offer roof cleaning services, roof maintenance, and, when the time comes, roof replacements. Maintain your home’s curb appeal and home value by keeping your roof in tip-top shape! Give IBEX Roof a call today at 360-218-3194.
The first thing potential homebuyers see when they come to your house is the outside, a large part of which is your roof. And the roof is often an important aspect of houses that buyers consider when purchasing a new home. But does that mean you have to replace your roof before selling your house? Not necessarily.
Your realtor may recommend getting some type of home inspection before listing your home. This gives you an idea of what types of repairs to make in order to improve your curb appeal and increase the value of your home. Keep in mind that every city and locality may have different rules about what inspections are required and which ones are optional when it comes to buying or selling homes.
When it comes to the roof, the quickest way to gauge its health is by getting a roof inspection. This will let you know what repairs need to be done or if your roof is on its last legs in life. Roofs that only need a few minor repairs are usually worth fixing to boost home value. Common repairs to prepare your home for the market include:
If your roof needs a replacement sooner than later because of damage or old age, it will be up to you to decide if the cost to fix your roof is worth it. Your realtor can help you figure out how much the state of your roof will affect your home’s resale value before and after replacement.
Some easy ways to tell if your roof is in dire need of a replacement include:
When you don’t fix the damage on a roof right away, the problem usually gets worse. This could affect your home’s resale value over time, depending on how long it stays on the market. Additionally, if you are selling the house you live in, having major damage can put you and your household in danger.
Some home sellers choose to wait and see how their home fares on the market before choosing to perform any major repairs on their home. If your roof isn’t in the best shape and you decide to not replace it, be prepared for your roof to be a negotiating part of your home sale. Your realtor may recommend considering a roof replacement if:
According to Zillow’s Consuming Housing Trends Report in 2018, 18% of sellers reported replacing or repairing their roof before selling. Zillow’s report also showed that 22% of sellers who made improvements sold their home above list price. Of course, there are a lot of improvements that can be made in a house. But the roof is such a large part of the home and one that keeps its inhabitants safe. So if you’ve already made other improvements but think your roof is holding your sale back, it’s worth considering a roof replacement.
IBEX Roof always wants what’s best for our customers, which means we always do what’s best for your roof! We never replace a roof that doesn’t need to be replaced and always make the necessary repairs so that your roof lasts longer. While we can’t help you decide whether or not to replace your roof right before selling a house, we can definitely provide different options for fixing your roof so you can make the best decision for you and your household.
Give us a call today at 360-218-3194 to set up your free roof inspection!
Is your home as welcoming on the outside as it is the inside? There are a lot of small ways of improving your home’s curb appeal so that your home always looks new and inviting. For homeowners, there is nothing like coming back to a good looking home after a long workday. Or, if you’re planning on selling, your curb appeal can positively affect your home value.
Curb appeal is all about paying attention to the small details; you would be surprised at how much newer your house may look just by replacing an old mailbox! You’ll also notice that many of these steps that help your home look good will also help to upkeep your home so that it stays in great shape. Read on to learn more!
If your porch fixtures are rusty, dusty, or broken, consider replacing them with new ones. New light fixtures take little time to install and can make a huge impact on your home. Or, if your light bulbs are burnt out, replace them! It might seem so simple, but adding light onto your porch will make your home look brighter, newer, and more approachable. It will also make the walkway to your home a lot safer!
Having leaves stick out of your gutters might not seem like a big deal but that build-up of debris can make your home look old and dirty. Furthermore, this can actually cause your gutters to clog, which can potentially damage your home and lawn. Protect your home and keep it clean by cleaning out your gutters safely.
Planters, shrubs, and flowers make great accessories for beautifying your home’s exterior. Don’t worry if you don’t have a green thumb as even just a few simple plants by your front door can make a positive impact.
Have a free weekend? Here is a to-do list of DIY tasks to refresh the look of your home:
Once your roof has been around for fifteen or more years, we recommend scheduling annual inspections to make sure any small damages get repaired before they turn into big problems. After twenty years, though, it’s probably best to start thinking about replacing your roof entirely. Not only will a brand-new layer of shingles keep your home safe and protected, but it will also add curb appeal and boost your home’s value, too.
IBEX Roof is on top of all things roof and gutter related when it comes to improving your home’s curb appeal. We offer several services to meet your home’s needs, from annual maintenance and inspections to small repairs to full-on roof replacements. We want to make sure your home stays safe and looks great. Call us today at (360) 218-3108 to get a free estimate on your next roofing project!
When it comes to fixing your roof, there are two options: a roof tear-off or an overlay. Both methods are as they sound. Tear-offs involve removing your existing roof and replacing it with a brand new one. Overlays, however, are when you add another layer of shingles on top of your roof, without tearing anything off. So when it comes to fixing an old roof, which one is better?
First, let’s talk about overlaying your roof. This is when you put a second layer of shingles on your existing roof. If your roof already has two or more layers of shingles on it, then overlaying is not an option. Most counties and cities don’t allow homes to have more than one or two layers of shingles, so if you are considering an overlay, it is essential to check if it is even allowed.
Homeowners usually consider overlays when they are concerned about the cost of replacing their roof. However, there aren’t many situations where we would recommend getting an overlay over a tear-off, and it doesn’t really save you much. Overlay roofs have a shorter lifespan than a new roof and may sometimes end up costing more to replace later on. It also adds extra weight to your roof, which could possibly affect your roof’s structure.
If you’re selling your house, an overlay might seem like a good way to improve your home’s curb appeal and up the resale value. This is not necessarily the case. If your roof has any problems such as sagging or rot, an overlay simply covers up those problems but does not fix them. In fact, getting an overlay on top of a damaged roof can actually negatively affect your resale value.
When your roof is old and it is about time for a roof replacement, we will likely recommend installing a brand new roof rather than an overlay. While there are many problems we can scope out through our roof inspection, we can’t always get the whole picture without being able to look under the shingles.
The biggest advantage of a roof tear-off is that you end up with a brand new roof. That doesn’t just include installing new shingles, but it also means replacing damaged or rotted decking, using new flashing, and installing an ice and water-leak barrier. This should ensure that your roof has no leaks and that everything is up-to-standard.
In most cases, tearing off your roof and getting a full roof replacement will be the best choice to keep your home safe and sound. It is all-around a better choice, too, when it comes to warranties, resale value, and the longevity of your roof.
IBEX Roof always puts the needs of our customers first. If it’s about time for your roof to get replaced, give our office a call. Our friendly and professional staff will happily walk you through the options that will work best for your home and budget. And if you’re not in the market for a new roof quite yet, we’d be happy to help prolong the life of your current roof with our inspection and maintenance services! Call for a free estimate today at 360-218-3108.
After talking about roof vents all month, we thought it would be a good idea to go over the different roof ventilation options out there. Every house is different and there isn’t a single type of roof vent that works perfectly for every home. It is important for every home to have a properly vented roof, though. Some benefits of having roof vents include:
While there are a few different roof ventilation types available, the three main categories are intake, exhaust, and flappers.
Intake vents allow outside air into your attic or other ventilation spaces. The main types of intake vents we install are bird blocks, edge vents, or smart intake vents.
Bird blocks: These are also known as soffit vents because the vents are located underneath the eaves of your roof. This is only possible if your home has soffits, as some older houses don’t have them at all.
Edge vents: Some homes may not have room for bird blocks underneath their eaves, so an edge vent is the next best solution. Edge vents attach at the lower edge of your roof.
Smart vents: Smart vents combine ridge and soffit venting and are usually installed underneath the first layer of shingles at the edge of your roof. It’s most ideal to install when you’re installing a new roof or replacing an old one.
Intake vents work best when they are paired with exhaust vents. Exhaust vents are what direct airflow from the inside out. Common types of exhaust vents include ridge vents, box vents, and electric attic fans. We do not recommend electric attic fans because they can end up pulling air in from your exhaust vents instead of your intake vents.
Ridge vents: Ridge vents are a popular choice when it comes to exhaust vents because they allow continuous airflow and blend in seamlessly with your roof. They are installed underneath your roof’s ridge cap. These are the way to go if you are installing a brand new roof but are not easy to retrofit on existing roofs.
Box vents: Box vents are more visible on your roof than ridge vents but are easier to install on an existing roof. These are cuts in your roof that have a cover over them. You will need multiple box vents, depending on the size of your home, to ensure proper air exhaustion. Otherwise, your roof may be underventilated.
Flappers are dedicated exhaust vents, usually for bathrooms and kitchens. They only open when you turn on the fan switch so air won’t circulate between your other roof vents. Flappers help exhaust the air from high-moisture rooms out of your attic to prevent mold, mildew, and rot.
Some homes don’t have any ventilation at all when they need it. Other homes might have a few vents installed, but not enough to facilitate adequate airflow. Call IBEX Roof today at 360-218-3104 if you need guidance over different roof ventilation options for your home.
A poorly ventilated roof isn’t always noticeable right away. And by the time you start experiencing problems from it, there will likely already be some damage done. These problems range from bad to worse, which is why it’s vital to get a yearly roof inspection! While most homeowners just see their roof from the outside, our roof inspection includes looking at the interior of your roof, usually in the attic, for signs of damage. Read on to learn why proper roof ventilation is vital for a healthy roof!
Issues from a roof that isn’t properly ventilated can arise in a variety of ways. Some of the most common signs include:
Roof damage: Not enough vents on your roof might not look like a problem right away, but it will definitely reduce the life of your roof. Over time, you might notice warped or cracked shingles. Nails and fasteners inside your roof will also start to rust and break down, and the underlying materials underneath your shingles may also experience dry rot.
Leaky attic: Insufficient roof ventilation can cause condensation inside your roof, which will lead to leaks. This can then cause further damage to your home’s foundation or interior, including peeling paint and water stains.
Mold and mildew: In addition to a leaky attic, the extra humidity will make your roof the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. This may cause black rings to form around your existing roof vents. If you don’t have vents, then it can be harder to detect the problem sooner, which can pose a health risk for your household while also rotting the foundation of your roof.
Struggling HVAC: Proper roof ventilation helps our homes maintain a comfortable temperature. When you don’t have enough vents to circulate airflow, your heating and cooling systems will have to work harder to keep your home the proper temperatures.
Deteriorating insulation: If your roof and attic are improperly ventilated, the insulation in your roof will start absorbing the excess moisture in the air. Over time, your insulation will deteriorate more quickly and you will need to replace it sooner than later.
There are many different types of vents you can install on your roof: exhaust, intake, flappers, and more. The best choice for proper roof ventilation will depend on the design of your home. If you don’t already have a roof ventilation system, our team at IBEX Roof can help find the right solution for your roof. On the other hand, maybe you already have a ventilation system but are still experiencing roofing issues. This likely means you need more vents installed. Having more vents on your roof will put less strain on each vent, allowing better airflow and keeping your home comfortable.
Schedule a checkup for your roof’s ventilation system by giving IBEX Roof a call today! Our team follows a thorough checklist for every roof inspection. It’s our top priority to help you maintain and repair your roof so that it lives its best possible life. Call 360-218-3108 today to schedule a free inspection!
Is your roof properly ventilated? We sure hope so! Roofs without a proper ventilation system can cause condensation inside your roof, reduce shingle life, and overall decrease the lifespan of your roof.
One of the most common types of roof vent is a static vent, also known as a box vent. If you have this type of vent on your roof, it probably looks like a row of boxes on top of your house. What you see, though, aren’t the actual vents, but the covers that go over them. Because static vents are basically holes in your roof, it’s important to protect them from the elements. A roof vent cover will keep out rain, snow, sleet, and hail from entering your attic and keep it leak-free.
Those boxes you see on top of your roof are actually vent covers that go over the vents themselves. Because static vents are basically holes in your roof, it’s important to protect them from the elements. A vent cover will keep out rain, snow, sleet, and hail from entering your attic and keep it leak-free.
One thing we see often when performing roof inspections are plastic vent covers, sometimes called an attic vent cover, that are cracked and damaged. Plastic vents crack easily from UV rays and wear out pretty quickly. And once your vent cover cracks, your exhaust vent is more susceptible to leaks.
Metal covers are better to cover your vents because they don’t crack like plastic. But when it comes to metal vent covers, there are a variety of types you can choose from. One of the main problems with metal covers is that they can rust and be an eyesore on your roof. That’s why IBEX Roof only uses enamel baked metal vents. These types of metal vents have a thick coat of paint on the metal that prevents rusting and last longer. In fact, they can even last the entirety of your roof’s life and you’ll never have to worry about them.
Today, we’re talking about the boxes that go over static vents on top of your roof, which is the type of vents many of our customers have. But there are actually many different ways you can install a proper ventilation system on your roof, including soffit vents, ridge vents, flapper vents, and more. IBEX Roof is here to offer the best roofing solutions that work for your home. Whether you’re looking to replace your static vent boxes or need to update your roof’s ventilation system, we’re on top of it! Give us a call today at 360-218-3134 or contact us online for an estimate!
Just as people have to occasionally replace their worn-out shoes, the exhaust pipes on our roofs may need an occasionally re-boot! Repairing broken or damaged pipe boots on your roof is actually a very easy fix. Like most small roof issues, though, they can lead to big problems if not addressed right away.
Pipe boots are the flashing material that surrounds the base of your exhaust pipes on top of your roof. Their purpose is to waterproof your vent pipes and prevent leaks into your roof and ceiling. Without them, there is nothing preventing water and debris from making their way into the seam where your pipe meets the roof.
It is normal for pipe boots to deteriorate over time; this could be from the natural expanding and contracting of roofs, sun exposure, or other extreme weather conditions. It could also be from excess debris or small animals.
Ignoring a broken pipe boot, like most roofing problems, can only lead to other types of damage in your home. It’s kind of like using an umbrella with a hole in it- you’re going to get wet! Some signs that there may be something wrong with your pipe boot include:
If you see any of these signs in your home, call your local roofer right away.
The good news is, getting a pipe boot replaced is a very easy process and doesn’t take very long at all. Just give us a call and we’ll be in and out (or rather, up and down!)
Because damaged pipe boots are one of the most common reasons for roof leaks, it’s an important part of your roof to keep an eye on. And the best way to keep an eye on all parts of your roof is to get annual roof inspections. In addition to looking at your pipe boots, IBEX Roof will also assess the rest of your roof on the inside and outside; we want to make sure everything is in its best shape. Not only will a roof inspection give you peace of mind that your roof is working, but it will also help prolong the life of your roof by catching any problems earlier than later.
If your pipe boots need replacing or if you’re due for a roof inspection, give IBEX Roof a call at 360-218-3104.
Is there some mysterious green growth on your roof? Don’t worry, it’s probably just moss or algae! These types of organic growth are a common roof problem and not a difficult problem to get rid of. Algae and moss travel through the air, so you may even see some of your neighbors’ houses with moss growth. Moss growth usually looks unappealing but won’t cause major damage to your roof right away. However, don’t put off moss removal! Over time, it could start to grow underneath your shingles, lifting them and affecting the longevity of your roof.
Before we get into our moss removal process, here are some tips on what NOT to do to get rid of moss on your roof.
Never Pressure Wash: Pressure washing will certainly get rid of moss, but it will also spray away all the granules on your roof, too! This will ultimately destroy your roof and fast-track your need for a roof replacement. Avoid pressure washing or aggressively scrubbing your shingles if you want your roof to last a long time.
No Harsh Chemicals: Some homeowners may want to try cleaning their roofs themselves with store-bought moss removal cleaners. Some cleaners may remove any organic growth on your roof, but harsh chemicals can cause your roof to deteriorate more quickly. Furthermore, those chemicals could find their way into your gutters and landscape when washed off your roof.
IBEX Roof follows a two-phase moss removal process. First, we will treat your roof for moss using a cleaner that won’t damage your home. After, we wait 6-8 weeks to let the moss die off and unroot from the roof. Once the moss has died, we come back and scrub your roof with a brush, clear your roof of any debris, and re-treat for moss. Sometimes, we don’t get 100% of the moss right away because we don’t want to damage your roof. This will depend on how much moss in on your roof – that’s why it’s always best to call us sooner rather than later!
If you notice moss on your roof, give IBEX Roof a call today for moss removal. We also offer other roof cleaning services to help prolong the life of your roof. Fill out our online estimate form or call our office at 360-218-3108.
Roof maintenance may seem like a lot, but it’s actually pretty easy and budget-friendly to keep your roof well-maintained. This is in contrast to ignoring the state of your roof until an emergency replacement is required – that is often a cost that many homeowners are not expecting to pay! By maintaining your roof, you are maximizing its structural integrity and longevity. Summer time is an easy time to look at your roof and get those small roof chores done. Here are 3 summer roof maintenance tips that are easy and make a big difference in helping your roof last.
Clearing off your roof is a very simple task; so simple that it’s easy to put off until something bad happens! Keeping tree branches trimmed back and clearing away debris from your roof will only protect it from getting damaged. It will also keep your roof clear so that, if there are any problems on your roof’s surface, you’ll be more likely to be able to see it. Clearing away debris build-up in your gutters is also important because your gutters help water properly shed away from your roof. When your gutters are clogged, this can cause water damage to your roof, interior walls, or home foundation – none of which are cheap to fix. So, if there is one simple maintenance rule to follow, it’s to keep your roof and gutters clear.
You may not realize that the state of your attic can greatly affect your roof. Improper ventilation in your roof can lead to some serious roof problems, like condensation or overheating. And these problems can lead to more problems, like mold or mildew growth, wood rot, and wastefully high energy bills. One way for homeowners to determine any roofing issues is by visiting the attic and seeing if there are any unusual drafts, moisture on the walls, or lights shining through open cracks. If your attic is at an unusually high temperature that doesn’t match the outside, that’s also a cause for concern.
Calling your local roofer for a roof inspection is a sure way to check off all your summer roof maintenance boxes. In fact, our roofing professionals at IBEX Roof follow the same comprehensive checklist at every inspection. This ensures that every home gets a thorough evaluation. Some things on our checklist include, but is not limited to:
Essentially, we look at your roof’s structure, material, interior, and workmanship to determine the life of your roof. Once our inspection is over, we will let you know what to do so your roof lasts as long as possible. And, if your roof has reached its end of life, we’ll give you options on the best way to replace it based on how much life is left in your roof and your budget.
Schedule a roofing inspection today by calling the IBEX Roof office at 360-218-3104. You may also want to ask about our roof maintenance services! Sign up for yearly inspections and maintenance and you’ll never have to worry about “getting around to it” ever again.
