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!
Don’t wait until you have a roofing emergency to find and hire a professional roofer! Even if you don’t need any roofing services today or tomorrow, it’s always handy to have a roofer’s number on hand. The friendly staff at IBEX Roof can be reached at 360-218-3108 and are happy to be on standby for your roofing needs.
Never hired a roofer before? No problem – here is what to expect when hiring for a roof repair.
Even if a roofing problem seems small, you’ll want to find someone who knows what they’re doing. Otherwise, what could have been a small repair may turn into a more costly roofing issue! When looking for a roofer, make sure to find someone who is local and has the right certifications and business licenses. Don’t be afraid to ask for references and reviews, and always ask for proof of bond and insurance.
Once you’ve found the right roofer for the job, they will inspect your roof and provide a quote for your roof repair. Ideally, you will get an itemized estimate so that you know what the scope of roof work needs to be done to your home.
Roof repairs range from replacing a few missing shingles to replacing rusty flashing to re-sealing your chimney, skylights, or vents. You likely won’t need to wait for us to order parts or materials as you would during a roof replacement, and most repairs can be finished in less than a day. Most roofers don’t need homeowners to be present during a repair. In fact, you may prefer to schedule your roof repair during a time you’re not home to avoid any loud noises.
IBEX Roof has our professional practice down to a science. If you are having an issue with your roof, call our office at 360-218-3108 to let us know what the problem is. From there, we will come and perform a thorough inspection to assess the situation. We then will give you an estimate and let you know exactly what type of works needs to be done; it’s very important to us for our customers to be on the same page as us! If there is anything we need from you, we will also let you know.
Remember – not all roofing issues can be seen from the ground and by the time you notice there’s a problem, it could have been there for a while. That’s why we recommend getting annual inspections for your roof and gutter system, especially if your roof is 10+ years old. Not only does this help your roof last longer, but it will also save you money in the long term!
It’s not always easy to determine whether or not you need to replace your roof or if you can get away with a quick repair. Every roof and situation is different. IBEX Roof is here to help guide you towards the right decision.
The average roof may last around 25 years if you’ve properly maintained it over time and there were no outstanding circumstances that might have damaged it. After having your roof for 15 years, it’s time to start getting serious about scheduling annual inspections for your roof to ensure that it’s still protecting your home. If everything is in good shape or if there are small, localized areas of damage, then a repair is likely your best option.
After your roof is past 20 years old, though, it’s time to start considering and saving up for a replacement in the near future. Even though a roof replacement seems like a large investment, it is often more beneficial to get a full roof replacement after a certain time than to continue getting repairs.
If you’re thinking of moving soon, it can be hard to decide whether or not to replace a roof, especially if your roof is older but still in passable shape. A few factors to consider include:
HomeAdvisor reported that a new roof can improve a home’s resale value by almost $12,000. Additionally, a new roof could also improve your home’s curb appeal to potential buyers and most warranties are transferrable. However, every housing market and neighborhood differs; a realtor would be able to advise you on whether a repair or replacement will be best for your house.
Sometimes, there is no way around it: you NEED to get your roof replaced. Some reasons to replace your roof as soon as possible include:
These are just a few obvious reasons your roof needs replacing, but remember – not every roof replacement has to be an emergency! Stay proactive with the health of your roof by schedule routine inspections.
Not every roofing problem means you have to get a replacement. Some of the most common types of roof repairs are:
It’s not easy to spot areas of your roof that needs to be repaired from the ground or with an untrained eye. That’s why getting annual roof inspections is so important! If you think your roof may be due for a repair or replacement, call our friendly staff at IBEX Roof today.
We’ve gone over how to find the best roofer for your home and what to expect before getting roof work done. But what about after your roof work has been completed? Here are some questions you may want to ask before your roofing contractor leaves for their next job.
Every roofer will have some type of final inspection once roof work is completed. It doesn’t hurt to ask your roofer what they are looking out for during their last inspection. At IBEX Roof, we perform a 25-point final inspection to verify every component meets or exceeds our rigorous quality control standards. Your roofing crew should also do one final cleaning sweep for stray nails and debris that may have fallen onto your landscape.
Maintaining your roof isn’t difficult and knowing how to properly maintain your roof will ensure that it lasts a long time. Simple ways to maintain your roof are:
It’s possible your roofer may have other suggestions on how to maintain your roof, depending on the type of roof you have or for other reasons. Your roofer may also offer maintenance and inspection services that you can schedule for the future.
Warranties will vary by roofer and roofing materials, as well as the type of roof work you had done. Don’t be afraid to ask your roofer for more details about your warranty and what is covered. You may also want to get the contact information for who to call in case you experience any problems. If you are an IBEX Roof customer, please call our office at 360-218-3194 for any warranty information!
Getting a roof replacement is not something homeowners do often. If you’re a new homeowner or have had your home for less than ten years, it’s even possible you’ve never thought about getting a roof replacement! The average asphalt roof can last around 25 years before it’s time to be replaced and it can feel like an intimidating task. Here’s is what to expect when getting your roof replaced!
The first step to getting your roof replaced is finding a local roofer you can trust! IBEX Roof is always happy to answer any questions you have for us. Once we know what type of roof work you’re looking to get, you can expect questions like:
Then we’ll set up an appointment to inspect your roof. We’ll evaluate the general scope of work involved to replace your roof. IBEX Roof does not surprise customers with hidden fees or costs; we make sure to be upfront with you about what your roof needs to keep your home protected! After our inspection, we’ll prepare the contracts, set up a date for your roof work, and order the materials needed.
Prior to our arrival, there are a few things homeowners can do to prepare their homes for a roof replacement.
Clear your lawn and driveway: We will park our dumpster trailer in your driveway to collect any waste from your roof replacement. We recommend parking your car in your garage or along the street. Clear the surroundings of your home to protect your belongings from falling debris. It’s also helpful to mow your lawn before a roofing job; this will make it easier for us to collect stray nails and other remains after the job is done.
Protect valuables and remove wall decor: Vibrations from roofers walking on your roof or hammering shingles can cause dust to fall and valuables to tremble in your home. You may want to cover your belongings in your attic with a drop cloth to protect them from dust. Fragile light fixtures, wall art, or other loose decor should be safely put away to avoid falling over and getting damaged.
Make plans for pets and children: Roof work, especially roof replacements, involves a lot of loud noises and hammering. It’s up to homeowners whether or not they want to stay at home when any type of roof work is being done, but we generally recommend making arrangements for pets and children. If you do decide to stay at home, it’s important to keep everyone inside so they don’t get hit with fallen debris.
Our mission at IBEX Roof is to deliver the best roof work and the best customer service to our customers! We start with a thorough evaluation of your roof, both inside and out, giving an honest assessment of what your roof needs. After your roof work is completed, we end with a 25-point final inspection to ensure that the quality of your roof is up to our standards.
We also make it a point to treat our customers’ homes as our own. This means using a dumpster trailer instead of a big metal dumpster, which can leave scratches on your driveway. It also means covering your surrounding lawn with tarp to protect your landscape from falling debris. Lastly, we do several sweeps with our magnet wheel and magnet sweep to pick up stray nails and metal pieces. Anything that can’t be picked up by our metal-catching tools will be picked up by hand!
IBEX Roof knows that getting a roof replacement is a daunting task for many homeowners; we’re here to make the process as easy as possible. To learn more about getting a roof replacement, or to schedule an inspection for your roof, give us a call at 360-218-3104 or fill out our online estimate form!