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!
Most homeowners across the country choose asphalt shingles as their default roofing material. But recently, metal roofs have started to become more popular! Metal roofing will cost at least twice as much as an asphalt roof, but they can also last twice as long with proper maintenance.
In the olden days, tin was used for metal roofing, but that’s no longer the case. Nowadays, steel is the most popular metal used for metal roofs. You can also find roofs made of aluminum and copper. Metal roofs can also be designed and stamped to look like other roofs, from textured asphalt shingles to cedar shakes to a tiled design. When not made to look like something else, you may have noticed standing seam metal roofs, where the roof is made of long strips of metal.
Metal roofs are a great choice to consider if you are planning a roof replacement for a home you plan on living in for a long time. With proper care and maintenance, your metal roof could last over 50 years, making it a very economical investment. In some areas, installing a metal roof can also increase your home’s resale value, although it depends on how soon you plan on moving.
Not only do metal roofs have a longer lifespan than asphalt shingles, but they are also very durable. They’re resistant to wind, rain, fire, and mildew. They won’t rot from moisture damage and insects are not attracted to metal. Sustainability is another big reason why metal roofs are gaining popularity as they can be recycled at the end of their lifespan.
Common myths surrounding metal roofing are that they sound very loud when it rains and are prone to lightning strikes. Both of these myths are untrue! With proper installation and today’s technology, metal roofs will make the same amount of rain sound as any other roof (it really depends on how hard the rain is falling!) And while metal is a conductor of lightning, it does not attract it. The likelihood that your roof is struck by lightning is the same as any object around your home.
One of the defining features of metal roofing is that it’s pretty low-maintenance. As with other types of roofing materials, we always recommend getting routine inspections and cleanings. This will ensure any repairs that need to be made are done right away. Over time, you can also paint your metal roof to refresh its look or to extend its lifespan.
We never recommend climbing onto any roof, and especially a metal one. They are more slippery than other types of roof materials. If you notice any abrasions, discoloration, or other damaged areas, call your local roofer to take a look!
Traditionally, tile roofs have been made out of slate, clay, and terra cotta. Nowadays, you’ll also see plenty of concrete tile options, too! Along with different roof tile types, you can also find them in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. Tile roofs are one of the longest-lasting types of roofs out there. Read on to learn more.
No matter the roof tile types you’re considering, tile is considered one of the most durable materials to use on your roof. With the proper maintenance, your tile roof could last between 50 and 100 years! However, it’s also one of the more expensive roof materials and requires a lot more care when it comes to installation and repairs.
Tile roofs come with a lot of benefits outside of giving your home great curb appeal. They’re often recommended for warmer climates like California or Florida because they are well-ventilated and very good at regulating indoor temperatures. If you live in an area with short spurts of downpour rain, tile roofs also shed water very well.
The durability of tile roofs sounds almost too good to be true; they’re resistant to wind, rain, and fire, and they don’t rot like wood or rust like metal. So why doesn’t everyone opt for a tile roof? One big reason: weight.
If your home was not initially built with a tile roof and you are considering installing one, it’s vital to first consult with a structural engineer. Tile roofs are heavier than other roofing materials and, therefore, may not be the right choice for every home.
It is most crucial to make sure your tile roof is installed properly; if the tile pieces are not layered or placed correctly, your roof will be susceptible to leaks early on. And, just like any roof, it’s important to get routine inspections and to keep your roof clear of debris of overhanging branches. As durable as tile roofs are, they are prone to break under heavy impact.
Some tile roof types, like clay, may also require sealing every few years as well. Consult with your local roofer to see if there is any special care needed for your roof.
Installing a cedar shake roof may cost up to three times more than a standard asphalt roof, but it truly offers your home a unique look. If you are considering cedar shakes or shingles, read on to learn more!
If you’re not a professional roofer, talking about cedar shake roof shingles can sometimes be confusing. That’s because, while they sound like they’re the same thing, cedar shakes and cedar shingles are two different types of roofing materials.
Cedar shakes appear more rustic than cedar shingles because they are typically hand split, giving it a thicker texture and a more irregular shape; no two shingles are alike. Cedar shingles, on the other hand, are more precisely sawn, making them thinner and more uniform looking. You may have considered cedar shingles for your home’s siding before, but cedar shakes are the more popular choice when it comes to roofing!
Cedar shake roofs give homes a beautiful, natural look. It offers a very distinct style that is typically popular for historical homes and other traditional style homes. In fact, for some of these homes, not having a cedar shake roof may reduce their property value.
Aside from just how it looks, though, there are other benefits to cedar shake roofs. Cedar shakes are an eco-friendly and natural insulator for homes, like slate roofing, but much less expensive to produce or repair. They are considered energy efficient because they don’t absorb UV-light like asphalt shingles or metal roofs. They stand up to wind very well, too.
Cedar shake roofs require slightly more maintenance than regular asphalt roofs. Just like any type of roof, we always recommend getting routine inspections to watch for any small repairs to be made. Because cedar shakes are installed per piece, it’s possible to replace single shingles at a time. But if you wait too long to fix a small problem, your repair could become more costly overtime.
Because cedar shakes are made of wood, they need to be treated with sealer and fire retardant every 5-10 years. This will help prevent moisture deterioration and allow your cedar shake roof to last over 30 years. You can also restain your roof if the colors start to fade or to update the color of your roof.
Have more questions about whether or not a cedar shake roof installation is the right one for your home? Call IBEX Roof today! Our mission is to deliver quality service to all of our customers. Reach our Vancouver office at 360-218-3194, our Lacey office at 360-352-1885, or fill out our online form for a free roofing estimate.
