Most people know that asphalt shingles cannot be painted over if you want to change the color of your roof. But can you paint a metal roof? Painting a metal roof might be something a homeowner would consider doing to a very old roof, but it’s usually unnecessary. If you’ve had a metal roof installed by IBEX Roof, your panels come with a 40-year paint fade warranty! That means you don’t have to worry about painting your roof for at least the next 40 years.
After 40 years, you may consider painting your metal roof as a way to prevent a full-on roof replacement. Painting may be an option to help refresh your roof if it looks faded. It can also be used to re-seal an old roof to prevent rusting or eroding from rain, snow, and ice. However, we highly recommend getting a roof inspection before considering a new coat of paint on your roof. When you have an old roof, color fading is only one of the signs of roof deterioration. An inspection will make sure to catch any repairs that need to be made or to fully assess whether or not you’ll need a roof replacement.
Like any type of material, there are ones that are cheaper and ones that cost a little more. One of the most important qualities in a metal roof panel is the type of paint coating it has; this is not an area you want to skimp on cost! Avoid installing metal panels on your roof that use polyester-based paints. This type of paint fades in only a few years and increases the chance of your roof being exposed to rust more quickly. Installing these types of panels may like a cheaper option at first, but you will only end up paying more to repaint and repair it. Or, worse, you may end up needing to replace your roof sooner than later!
At IBEX Roof, it’s crucial for us to use high-quality roofing materials that can withstand the temperamental weather patterns of the Pacific Northwest. That’s why we use metal panels painted with Kynar500 paint. This type of coating on the panels is so durable that there is no need to think about ever re-painting your metal roof.
There are several reasons why we don’t recommend homeowners paint their roofs on their own. First, metal roofs are easier to slip on than other roof materials. We never recommend untrained professionals to climb onto their roof, especially if it’s a metal one. Second, there are some metal roofs that can get easily damaged if you walk on it the wrong way.
If you are worried that your metal roof needs repainting, call IBEX Roof’s friendly office to schedule an inspection! Our process involves a thorough evaluation checklist. After inspecting at your roof, we will let you know your options to ensure your roof lasts as long as possible. Give us call today at (360) 218-3134.
One of the best reasons to consider a metal roof is that they require very little maintenance. Like any roof, you should always avoid allowing debris to build-up on top and trim back any overhanging tree branches. While that is probably the biggest maintenance rule to follow, here are a few more tips to make sure you get the most life out of your metal roof.
DO clean the gutters: Gutters are an important part of your roofing system that helps to properly shed water away from your home. Clogged gutters will cause water to back up and potentially damage your roof’s foundation. In the winter, cold temperatures may also cause water to freeze and expand in small spaces under the metal, damaging your roof.
DO keep an eye out: Not only can excess debris create scratches on your roof, but it could also break down the metal coating more quickly. Exposed metal on your roof can cause ugly rust stains, which can negatively affect your home’s curb appeal. Fall and spring are often opportune times to take a look at your roof to make it is in good shape. In addition to debris, be on the lookout for any stains, scratches, dents, and loose fasteners, or seam separation. The sooner you catch any problems, the easier and less expensive it will be to fix!
DO get your roof inspected: As your roof gets older, always remember to get it inspected! An annual inspection will suffice to make sure any small repairs are fixed. This will ensure a long life for your roof and will also keep your roofing budget to a minimum; it’s a lot cheaper to repair an issue while it is small than it is to replace a roof because your problem got too big. You should also consider an inspection after major storms or when there are extreme weather conditions.
DON’T walk on your roof: For obvious safety reasons, you should never walk on your roof if you don’t have to. When it comes to metal roofs, a trained professional will know how to do so without bending or puncturing any part of the roof. Any small dent can be an eyesore, so it’s important to know where to step! Metal roofs can also be more slippery than your average asphalt roof, even when it’s dry. This makes it even more dangerous to walk on and it’s best to avoid going on your roof when you can.
DON’T pressure wash: Maintaining a metal roof may include a light cleaning, but NEVER pressure wash your roof! With asphalt roofs, pressure washing will wash away the granules that give shingles their longevity. Although metal roofs don’t have granules, pressure washing can still damage their metal coating. You should also avoid using abrasive cleaners or solvents that may break down the paint and reduce the lifespan of your roof.
DON’T wait to get repairs: If you see something wrong with your roof, do not wait to get it fixed. Often, the longer you wait, the bigger a problem it becomes, which will end up only costing you more money. It’s possible that what could have been a small repair turns into an entire roof replacement!
IBEX Roof is here to be your long-term roofing team. We’re here for more than just emergencies and roof replacements; we do everything we can to make sure your roof lasts as long as possible! Our team uses a thorough checklist for all roof evaluations to make sure nothing is missed. If we see any underlying problems with your roof, we will provide you with options that fit both your needs and budget. To schedule a roofing inspection today, give our friendly office a call at (360) 218-3108.
If you’ve considered installing a metal roof onto your home, you’ve probably already done a lot of research. There are pretty much as many color and style options for metal roofs as there are for asphalt roofs. Additionally, they offer many benefits that differ from other types of roofs. But what about the price; does a metal roof cost more than other types of roofs? And if so, do the benefits justify the extra costs? Read on to learn more.
Your quote for a new metal roof may be more of an upfront investment than your standard asphalt roof. Here are a couple of reasons why.
First, high-quality metal roofing is more expensive to manufacture than asphalt shingles. Standard asphalt shingles are covered in mineral granules which help your roof block UV rays and make your roof more fire-resistant. You can tell how much life is left on your roof by checking the granules; the less there are, the sooner you’ll need a replacement. Metal roofs, on the other hand, don’t use granules to protect your roof. Instead, they are made up of panels with a durable metal coating to help your roof protect your home from the elements.
Second, metal roofing panels are a lot bigger than shingles, requiring a little extra labor and a lot more care during installation. Metal roofs are not installed the same way as asphalt roofs and there is a lot less room for error to ensure a proper installation.
Any roof, no matter the material it’s made of, is a long-term investment. Even your basic asphalt roof can last up to 20 years if you maintain it properly. So why consider a metal roof?
Compared to an asphalt roof, metal roofs last much longer because of the metal coating on their panels. In fact, the panels we use for metal roofs come with a 40-year paint fade warranty. This is about two times the warranty you would get for asphalt shingles. If you plan on living in your home for a long time or aging in place, a metal roof will end up saving you money from multiple roof replacements.
A new metal roof may seem very expensive when you’re deciding to install it, but, ultimately, its durability and longevity justifies its price. If you’re still wondering whether or not a metal roof is right for your home, give our friendly IBEX Roof staff a call! We’d be happy to help you in the right direction. And, if you’re just looking to replace an asphalt roof, we’ve got you covered, too. Check out our reviews and get a free estimate for your next roofing project today by calling us at (360) 218-3134.
Asphalt shingles continue to reign supreme as the go-to roofing material, but more homeowners have been considering replacing their roof with a metal one. Metal roofs have been around for a long time but haven’t always been the ideal choice, whether because of how it looked or the quality of the metal being used. But metal roofing technology has come a long way. Metal roofs now come in multiple weights, a variety of colors, and you can even find metal roofing that mimics different types of roofing styles.
The two most common types of metal roofs are corrugated and standing seam metal roofs. Corrugated metal panels have been used in metal roofing for a long time. But now, more homeowners are preferring standing seam panels for their sleeker appearance. Standing seam metal roofing comes in long sheet panels that are installed with hidden fasteners. Having hidden fasteners means you won’t need to worry about an exposed system while also reducing the need to replace your fasteners over time. Like an asphalt roof, there are a variety of colors you can choose from.
Want a roof that looks more conventional? There are also metal shingles! Meta shingle roofing has both different color options and different styles as well, including Shake and Slate. One of the advantages of metal shingle roofing is that it maintains its “natural” look without changing appearance; it doesn’t fade or decompose over time. Metal shingles are also more flexible to install on complicated roof designs than standing seam panels.
You’ll be able to take advantage of the long-lasting protection and durability of a metal roof no matter what type of style you choose. Metal shingles may cost more than a standing seam metal roof, but you’ll be able to have more style and texture options available. And even though metal shingles cost more than asphalt shingles, they certainly last a lot longer, making them a worthy investment. You’ll never have to worry about your roof again.
When it comes to metal roofing, there is no right or wrong answer. Our roofing experts at IBEX Roof have installed both standing seam and metal shingled roofs; we’d be happy to help guide you towards the right fit for your home! Give us a call about your new metal roof today at (360) 218-3108.
It’s fairly common for homeowners to decide that they want to remove a skylight from their roof. Uninstalling a skylight may seem like the best decision for homeowners when they’re struggling with a leaking or damaged skylight. But is it really the best decision to uninstall a skylight rather than replace it?
Usually, when homeowners are deciding to remove a skylight, it’s because there’s an annoying problem: a troublesome leak. And no one likes dealing with a leaking roof!
There are a couple of reasons why your skylight may be leaking. If your skylight was put in recently, it’s probably leaking because it was improperly installed. In that case, there’s no need to replace it or totally get rid of it. We can just fix the problem by reinstalling it the right way. If your skylight is pretty old, though, then it’s probably leaking because the seal is cracked and damaged.
Skylights are like roofs – they can last a pretty long time, but not forever. So it’s very normal for the seal of your skylight to deteriorate over time and eventually cause a leak. This can be easily fixed by replacing it with a brand new skylight! The perfect time to replace a skylight is actually during a roof replacement so that your warranties can be in sync, making it easier for you to keep track of.
The two options you have when dealing with a leaking skylight is to replace it or completely remove it. Budget-wise, it costs about the same to completely uninstall a skylight as it is to remove it. So to decide which choice is the right one for you, consider why you have a skylight in the first place.
Here in the Pacific Northwest, the biggest benefit to having a skylight is the extra light it lets in during cloudy and rainy seasons. Sometimes they are also used to allow more airflow into a room, which can help reduce moisture in certain rooms. Because a new skylight has a similar lifespan to a new roof, it might be worth replacing if you’re experiencing any type of benefit from it!
It’s possible that some homeowners move into a home that already has a skylight and decide they don’t want one at all. Other homeowners just decide they don’t want to deal with a leaking skylight ever again. If you feel like having a skylight is more trouble than it’s worth, then completely removing it from your roof may be the way to go.
Whether you’re installing or uninstalling a skylight, IBEX Roof is here to help you get it done. If you do decide to completely remove a skylight from your home, we are here to guide you through the process.
There are two major components to consider when uninstalling a skylight: your roof and your ceiling. IBEX Roof can take care of all the exterior work that involves the roof. This includes replacing the plywood where your skylight once was and replacing the roof; it will be like your skylight was never there! When it comes to the ceiling part, or interior, of where your skylight was, you will need to call a drywall contractor to close up the “tunnel” between the ceiling and the roof. If you’re unsure of who to call, our friendly office staff can help connect you to the right people!
To learn more about any of our skylight services, give IBEX Roof a call at (360) 218-3194. We are happy to answer any and all of your skylight questions!
We’ve talked about when it’s time to replace a skylight, but should skylights be replaced when reroofing? Or is it okay to reuse an old skylight? The answer to this isn’t as simple as “yes” or “no”. In fact, the best way to tell if you can reuse your old skylight is by letting us inspect your skylights, first. Then, there are a few factors you may want to consider.
Simply put, if there is still life left in a skylight, then we’ll reuse it. We can tell whether or not a skylight is still usable; as long as the seal is in good condition, then it can probably be reused. While every situation is different, here are a few examples of when we may choose to reuse or replace your skylight.
Skylights have a similar lifespan to roofs. So if you’re considering a roof replacement and your skylight was also installed on your last reroof, it’s probably a good time for a replacement. However, if your skylight is newer than your roof, it’s possible there’s still some life left and your skylight can be reused.
It doesn’t happen often, but we’ve seen a roof or two that was improperly installed by another contractor and the best way for us to fix it is to do a complete reroof. It’s also possible for skylights to be improperly installed. If that happens, we can re-do the installation while still reusing the existing skylight.
If your skylight is damaged in any way, it’s time for a replacement. The most obvious sign is by looking at the seal. If the seal of your skylight looks cracked or dried out, you’ll definitely need a replacement. Another sign is if there is fog or condensation between the glass panes.
We want our customers to get the most value out of their roof, gutters, and skylights. At IBEX Roof, we never upcharge or upsell materials or services to our customers and we are here to service your roof for the long haul. To ensure this, we follow a thorough evaluation process so that every aspect of your roof is covered. Then, we’ll let you know what should be maintained, repaired, or replaced.
To learn more about our services, whether it’s for your skylight, gutters, or another type of roofing issue, give our office a call at (360) 218-3194.
Skylight technology has come a long way and they are a great way to bring extra natural light into your home. A well-placed skylight can brighten up a dark hallway, transform an old attic into a new room for hanging out, and even add value to your home. If your roof doesn’t already have a skylight, the idea of a new skylight installation can be a bit daunting. After all, adding a skylight is adding a new hole into your roof! So what can you expect when considering a new skylight for your home?
A properly installed skylight can last up to 20 years. The two main components of skylights are the lid and the flashing. If you are getting a new roof installed, we may be able to reuse your old skylight but will always replace the flashing. We would recommend replacing your skylight if it’s no longer in good condition.
Installing a skylight involves both interior and exterior work. You would need to call a drywall contractor to create the interior tunnel between your ceiling and your new skylight. Once the interior framing is in, IBEX Roof will handle all the exterior work. This includes cutting back your roof, framing the opening, attaching your skylight, and installing the flashing. All of this can usually be done in less than a day.
You can tell how much life is left in a skylight by looking at the seal around it. As long as the seal is in good condition, your skylight can be reused. But if it’s damaged, dried out, or cracked, you’ll need to consider replacing it. A broken seal will reduce the energy efficiency of your skylight and may also allow moisture to collect around your skylight. This will eventually turn into a leak around your skylight and could potentially lead to further roof damage. Fog between the panes of glass in your skylight is also a sign to consider a replacement.
Sometimes, homeowners just want a change and decide they no longer want or need a skylight. IBEX Roof can help with that, too! It’s as simple as us removing the skylight and replacing the opening with plywood; it would be as if it were never there. A drywall contractor would then be able to close up the tunnel between your ceiling and the new plywood on your roof.
It’s our mission at IBEX Roof to offer the best customer service within the roofing business. From using only quality materials to following high roofing standards, we only deliver the best and are here to service your roof for the long-term! To learn more about skylight installation or our other roofing services, give our office a call today at (360) 218-3104.
If you’re one of the many people who are staying at home over the next few weeks, you may be finding yourself finally getting around to some of those home projects on your to-do list. And as we enter the beginning of spring, one of those tasks may be cleaning out your gutters. If you are planning on tackling the debris in your gutters soon, read on for some of our ladder safety tips to avoid a bad fall.
Do check your ladder: Always check your ladder before using it. Make sure there are all the rungs are solidly in place and that there are no areas of damage or rust. There are also different types of ladders and you want to make sure you’re using one that is appropriate for safely reaching your gutters.
Do secure your ladder: Ensure that your ladder is placed securely on the ground and always on a level surface. Never climb a wobbly ladder.
Do keep three points of contact: Always maintain a 3-point contact when climbing a ladder, either two hands and a foot or two feet and a hand. You should also face the ladder when climbing and keep your body near the center of the steps.
Do ask for help: Have a partner to help spot you. They can help make sure your ladder stays secure on the ground and help keep your hands free while you are on the ladder.
Don’t climb onto your roof: Avoid climbing onto your roof, especially if you are not experienced doing so or if you suspect any damage on your roof. If you have gutters on a second story and are unable to reach those areas, call your local roofer for a professional gutter cleaning.
Don’t go out in the wind or rain: There are already risks to climbing a ladder even in the best conditions; there’s no need to endanger yourself even more by climbing a ladder in a precarious environment.
Don’t overload your ladder: Ladders have weight restrictions and carrying too much can damage your ladder or make it wobbly and cause a fall. Not to mention, carrying things up and down your ladder means you’re not keeping the proper 3-point contact to stay safe!
Don’t lean or reach out too far: When cleaning out your gutters, always work in sections. Never lean out farther than arm’s reach or else your ladder may tip over from the weight. Once you’ve finished cleaning one section, climb off your ladder and move it over before continuing.
Falls are one of the leading causes of injury and our customers’ safety is IBEX Roof’s top priority. Follow the above ladder safety tips if you’re ever working on the exterior of your home. Or, you can also give us a call and let us do the work for you! Gutter cleaning is part of IBEX Roof’s roof maintenance program and all of our employees are experienced and insured. In addition to clearing out your gutters, we will also perform a thorough inspection to make sure everything is in working order!
To schedule your next gutter cleaning, give IBEX Roof’s office a call at 360-218-3194.
When most people think of a roof, they think of a pitched roof decorated with shingles. And while most residential homes are built with such roofs, most commercial buildings have flat roofs. Flat roofs, as the name suggests, appear flat, and require different installation methods than pitched roofs. Because they are designed differently, they have their own set of roofing issues to watch out for.
Flat roofs are not designed to shed water, snow, and ice as easily as pitched roofs. Although they have “flat” in the name, flat roofs are still slightly angled so that water can flow into designated drains. It’s possible, however, for pools of water, or standing water, to collect in shallow areas of your roof. We can help repair these areas by using roofing plaster so that water properly flows towards the drain.
It’s crucial to not let standing water sit on your roof for too long. Excess moisture could seep into your roof, causing organic growth, mold, or fungus. It could also cause your roof to start leaking. If you notice a water leak under your roof, get it repaired right away before it causes more expensive damage to the rest of your structure.
Call a professional for a flat roof repair any time you see signs of cracking or impact damage. Flat roofs take on more pressure than slanted roofs, which can cause cracks over time. It’s important to get these areas repaired so that it doesn’t cause further structural damage.
When a flat roof is approaching its end of life, it starts to blister. Some roofers call this “alligatoring” because your roof will look like crackled like alligator skin. At this point, it’s better to get your roof replaced rather than replace it.
This is another sign you’ll need a flat roof replacement. Most flat roofs are sealed with an asphalt membrane that is installed in one piece. As a building shifts, settles, and moves around over time, the asphalt membrane may start to buckle and will need to be replaced. This is very normal as a flat roof gets older!
IBEX Roof has worked on flat roofs in both residential and commercial settings. Because many residential properties have both flat and pitched roofing, our technicians are experienced in knowing when to install asphalt shingles and rolled roofing in the appropriate places. In addition to using top quality materials, we also add ISO insulation to increase energy efficiency, install tapered foam to avoid puddling, and custom fabricate drains for unique drainage situations.
To learn more about our flat roofing services, give our office a call today at 360-218-3104!
Chances are, you will know when you need an emergency roof repair when it happens. After all, it’s an emergency! Some major examples of when you’ll need an emergency roof repair include, but are not limited to:
Any type of roof problem, small or big, should always be addressed right away. So what exactly constitutes an emergency roof repair? A roof repair becomes an emergency when penetrations in your roof allow water to infiltrate your home and when damage rapidly worsens. Some problems you may experience during an emergency roof issue are:
There are times when you may need an emergency roof repair that your roofer cannot properly assess the damage and make a repair away. Severe weather conditions, animal infestations, or major structural damage are all different reasons why this may be the case. If we are unable to make a repair right away, we may suggest using some temporary solutions in the meantime until we can implement a more permanent solution.
If there is a hole in your roof, we may cover it with a tarp or another type of protective cover to prevent anything from getting into your home.
If you are experiencing leaks in your home during severe weather conditions, use large buckets or bowls to catch the leaks. Drain any pockets of water trapped in your drywall by poking a hole with a pencil or screwdriver and catching the water into a bucket.
If you have an animal infestation in your roof, you may need to call your local animal control before a roofer can fix your roof.
No one usually plans for an emergency roof repair, but it’s always good to keep your local roofer’s number handy when you need it! IBEX Roof is proud to serve the Vancouver and Portland communities and that our customers trust to call us for all their roofing needs, emergency or not. To learn more about our roofing services, from inspections to roof replacements, give us a call today at 360-218-3104!
