No matter how well you take care of your roof, there are some things you can’t necessarily control. From trees falling onto your roof during a heavy rainstorm to hail, there may be a time when you’ll need to file a claim with your homeowner’s insurance to get your roof fixed as soon as possible. Here are some tips to follow in the event you need to file a roof insurance claim.
Before any type of damage or disaster, it’s important to know what’s in your homeowner’s insurance policy from the get-go. Not every policy is created equal, and different regions will focus on covering specific types of natural disasters.
If you’re unsure of what’s covered in your policy, then call your insurance provider to ask! You may even find that you want to upgrade or change your policy as time goes on. Knowing what is covered and what is not covered under your policy will help you navigate through filing a claim more easily.
If your roof does end up suffering some type of damage that may be covered by your insurance, make sure to get an inspection as soon as it’s safe to do so. Many insurance policies require claims to be filed within a certain period of time. You don’t want to risk your coverage by waiting a day too long to file a claim.
Some types of damage on your roof can be seen from the ground. Other types of damage may not be so obvious. You may want to climb a ladder to get a better look at your roof. However, climbing a roof is extremely dangerous, especially if you think there may be a problem. In this case, it’s best to call a professional roofer to take a look.
Staying proactive with your roof can dramatically help you in your claims process. That means regularly maintaining your roof and keeping track of all your roofing documentation. If you know that a storm or natural disaster is coming, it’s also a good idea to snap a few quick “before” photos of your roof and home before any damage is done.
After a disaster, it’s then time to take more photos to see if there was damage done to your home. The more information you can provide to your insurance company, the better. If you hire a roofer for an inspection, ask them to take some photo documentation if they aren’t already doing it already. Your roofer can also create an inspection report that includes what types of repairs you’ll need and estimates for how much it will cost.
Once you’ve determined that your roof was damaged during a disaster, it’s time to call your insurance company. Have your policy number ready and be prepared to answer questions about the damage. You should also be ready to submit any documentation, including any documentation on your most recent roofing maintenance, photos of the damage, official inspection reports, and estimates for roof repairs or replacement.
Often, insurance companies will send their own inspectors to assess the damage to your roof. You will need to wait until your claim has been approved before moving forward with any repairs or replacements.
Finding a reliable roofing professional when there’s a giant hole in your roof is not ideal. That’s why the best time to find a roofer is before any type of disaster strikes! Filing a claim and getting your roof fixed is a lot less stressful when you know you can trust your roofer.
At IBEX Roof, we’re here to help our customers get the most out of their roof. We offer routine roof maintenance services and would be happy to help you keep track of your roof work. And in case something does happen to your roof? We’ll be there to inspect the damage and provide the necessary documents and estimates you’ll need for your roof insurance claim.
You may not be thinking about cleaning the debris out of your gutters yet. Although it’s still a bit early, we want to make sure our customers are prepared when the time for cleaning actually arrives! Not many people view their gutter systems as part of their roof. However, they’re actually an essential part of keeping water off our homes! So it’s quite important to take good care of your gutters; increasing the longevity of your gutters will also help your roof to last a long time. Our professionals at IBEX Roof are not only roofing experts, but we’re gutter experts, too! Gutter cleaning is one part of our roof maintenance program so that you can stay comfortably on the ground. But if you’re looking to tackle your gutter cleaning on your own, here are some common gutter cleaning mistakes to avoid!
Cleaning the gutters may seem like a simple task, but, with any type of roof work, it’s crucial to take the proper safety precautions. One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when cleaning their gutters is not using their ladder correctly! To some, that may sound silly, but you’d be surprised how many people think they can reach just a little farther than their ladder allows.
Before you step foot on your ladder, make sure that your ladder is safe to use. That means no cracks, bends, or missing rungs. You also need to make sure it’s placed securely on the ground and not wobbly! Lastly, when it comes to cleaning your gutters, move your ladder across each section of your gutter system. Don’t reach out farther than arm’s length or else you risk losing your balance and falling.
Having another person help you clean the gutters is another safety precaution that dramatically reduces your chances of falling from your ladder. Have a partner who can help securely hold your ladder for you, hold a waste bucket, or hand you any tools you may need.
Debris in your gutter can consist of all sorts of things, from dead leaves to pine needles to animal droppings. While these things may seem harmless, they can still cause quite a bit of trouble! The last thing you want is something small blowing into your eyes or getting stabbed in the finger with a sharp pine needle.
Equip yourself with the appropriate safety gear when cleaning your gutters:
Gutter systems typically run along the edge of the roof, which means there’s no reason to climb onto your roof when cleaning your gutters. If you suspect there is a problem with your gutter system or damage on your roof, then call a professional roofer to check it out.
It may take a little extra time and care, but it’s usually best to clean out your gutters by hand. Leaf blowers or using other types of power tools can cause the debris in your gutters to spread onto your roof or damage your gutter system altogether.
Lastly, one of the biggest gutter cleaning mistakes homeowners make is ignoring their gutter system altogether. It doesn’t take much time to check out the state of your gutters. If you don’t have time to get it done, call IBEX Roof and we’ll take care of it for you. We can also guide you in the right direction if you’re looking to install a new gutter system or if you want to add gutter guards to prolong the life of your gutters.
To learn more about our gutter systems, gutter guards, or our gutter maintenance program, give us a call at 360-218-3108!
Leaks around the home don’t just happen overnight. One of the best ways to prevent a leaking roof is through preventative measures; schedule a roof inspection and get minor problems repaired right away! The longer you wait to repair your roof, the worse (and often more expensive) your problems will be later on.
Keeping your roof clear of debris, such as leaves and branches, one of the best maintenance practices for roofs. But keeping your roof clear is for more than just cosmetic reasons and it can make a big difference in prolonging the longevity of your roof! Debris buildup can get caught underneath shingles or around pipe boots and flashings, which can lead to water build-up and leaks when it rains. You should also make sure to cut away any overhanging tree branches over your roof to avoid damaged shingles or, worse, holes in your roof that will need patching.
Caulk is used for sealing gaps and joints around your roof. While it can be used to repair some minor repair leaks, it’s not an ideal long-term solution when your roof is already leaking. However, some leaks on your roof could be caused by old or cracked caulk around your home’s siding, corner boards, window edges, and other adjoining parts of your house. A quick inspection can catch areas that need re-caulking before a leak happens.
Flashing is used around objects that come out of your roof to protect the seams from water runoff. Over time, flashing may also get damaged or cracked and will need replacing. Just like areas on your roof that may need re-caulking, old or damaged flashing can be discovered easily from a quick roof inspection and is relatively inexpensive to replace.
Vent pipes are what let air escape from your kitchen and bathroom to the outside of your home. They’re a common source for leaks in the home; it’s possible for the seals around your roof vents to get damaged over time, especially if you live in a region with extreme weather conditions. If damaged vents don’t get fixed soon, it could leak to mold and wood rot to your home. That’s why we always check around your vents during a roof inspection. The repair could be as simple as fixing the flashing around the vent or replacing the vent housing if it’s cracked. However, if your vent is damaged itself, then you should replace it as soon as possible.
It won’t be long until we start getting more rain around here in the Pacific Northwest! That’s why now is the perfect time to schedule a routine roof inspection. Avoid any roof leaks this winter by calling IBEX Roof today. We will make sure your roof is set to protect your family for years to come. Give us a call today at 360-218-3194 or fill out our online form for a free estimate!
Did you know that the National Roofing Contractors Association recommends homeowners to get a roof inspection at least two times a year during the spring and fall? However, not many people get their roofs inspected. In fact, they won’t call a roofer until there’s an emergency, which often means a costly repair or roof replacement.
Calling your local roofer for any type of roof work may seem like a big deal, but it’s not! Think of a roof inspection like you would an annual physical at the doctor’s office or a routine oil change for your car. We promise – it’s not as daunting as it may seem. Regular roof inspections give homeowners the confidence that their roof’s integrity is intact and that their home will continue to protect them.
We don’t recommend homeowners inspect their own roofs for safety reasons. As professional roofers, we are trained to look for problems on your roof while taking the proper precautions against walking over compromised areas or falling. We also have a checklist of issues to look out for and will be able to spot problems without tearing or picking apart your roof.
Homeowners should NEVER climb their roofs to inspect it if they suspect serious damage. Not all roof damage can be seen from the outside; you could accidentally walk over a weak area on your roof and fall through.
Not everyone realizes that the roof is comprised of a lot more than what you see from the outside. In addition to damaged or missing shingles, we also look at your gutters, chimney, vent pipes, and more. Here’s an example of a roof inspection checklist of what we keep an eye out for on your roof:
Some of these issues involve light maintenance on your roof, such as trimming back tree branches or blowing away excess debris that may be stuck in the valleys and crevices of your roof. Other issues are simple repairs that can be done under a day.
IBEX Roof customers love us and we love them back! That’s why many of our clients will repeatedly call us for their roofing needs. Our mission is to provide quality customer service, which is not something you always find in the roofing industry. That means we never upsell our roofing services; if your roof is in good shape, we’ll let you know! And if your roof needs maintenance, repair, or a replacement, we’ve got you covered. Schedule our roof inspection services by calling 360-218-3108 or filling out our online estimate form!
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: always get your roof fixed the moment you realize there is a problem! Most homeowners only search out professional roofers when there’s a roofing emergency. However, that’s usually when your roofing issue will cost you the most money! By staying proactive and getting routine inspections or maintenance on your roof, you’ll both save a lot of money while ensuring your roof lasts for a long time. Here are a few costly examples of what can happen when you don’t repair or replace a damaged roof in a timely manner.
One of the most common and urgent roofing emergencies homeowners experience with their roofs is leaks. Of course – you can’t really ignore it when water is dripping from your ceiling onto your furniture and floor! Shingles will start to loosen, crack, or even fall off over time. When this happens, water can get underneath the shingles and potentially leak into your home.
If your roof isn’t that old, the repair for damaged or missing shingles is simply replacing the areas that are affected on your roof. But if you are due for a roof replacement, waiting too long will mean a more expensive replacement later on. Roofs are made up of a lot more layers than just shingles; the wood in your roof can rot under the excessive water and moisture, meaning more than your shingles will have to be replaced.
Did you know that when you put off a roof problem, it can turn into a pest problem? Bugs or small animals can make their way through cracks and holes in your roof. As more critters find shelter in your home, the bigger these roof openings can get, allowing bigger animals in. Not only can these uninvited guests make your roof problems worse, but they can also cause electrical and plumbing issues, or other types of damage within your walls.
The average roof can last about 25+ years. However, we can’t always control the weather or other external conditions our roof has to put up with. That’s why, if you think there’s a problem with your roof, get a routine inspection done right away. Most roofers offer inspections for free or for a very low cost; all you have to do is set up an appointment! Missing shingles, rusty flashings, cracked sealants, and exposed nails are all common and easy repairs. But, if you don’t fix them right away, they can turn into bigger problems. Waiting an extra week or month to get your roof fixed could be the difference between needing a repair or replacing your roof altogether.
Whether you need an inspection, roof repair, maintenance, or a full roof replacement, IBEX Roof is here for you! We make sure to deliver the best customer service and professional roof work to our customers. That’s why many of our customers continue calling us for all their roof work! Check out our reviews on Facebook or give us a call today at 360-218-3194 to talk about your next roofing project.
The weather still feels like summer, but soon the kids will be back in school and we’ll be sipping on those pumpkin spice lattes. And even though it feels too early to think about winter, it’s time to start thinking of how to prepare our roofs for the colder season; it will be here before we know it!
Getting your roof prepped for winter might seem like a chore, but trust us – it doesn’t take long at all. Follow our fall roofing tips to ensure that everything is working the way it should! By routinely maintaining your roof, you can drastically minimize potential damages to your roof from rain or snow.
If you have large tree branches hanging over your roof, consider getting them trimmed back. Heavy winds, rain, or even snow can cause branches to break and fall over your roof. Broken branches that fall on your roof can cause damage to your shingles or even leaks through your roof.
Clear away anything stuck in your gutters so that water can safely flow away from your home. Leaves and debris that are stuck in the gutters will allow water, snow or ice to build up in the system. If it becomes heavy enough, it could cause your gutters to split or sag. Water build-up in your gutters can also cause damage and leaks to your home.
An easy way to check for leaks in your roof is by looking in your attic for any wet spots on the walls. Get any leaks fixed right away! You should also look at your vents and make sure they are clean and not blocked off.
Those that live in a colder climate may want to double-check their attic insulation, as well, and that your vents are properly directing air outdoors instead of into your attic. When vent air doesn’t get properly vented outdoors, it can cause ice dams and leaks on your roof.
The best way to prepare your roof for any situation is through routine maintenance and inspections. It’s always preferable for homeowners to call a professional roofer to look at your roof; they will have the proper safety equipment when climbing your roof and will know what to look for! Your roofer can tell you if there are any repairs that need to be made or if your roof is set for the upcoming winter.
IBEX Roof provides both cleaning and inspection services to our customers. Not only do we clean roofs, but we do gutters, too! We also offer roof inspections to see if there are any necessary repairs your roof needs, or if you need a replacement altogether. We always present the best solutions to our customers and will never upsell you a service you don’t need.
To schedule a routine roof inspection or to learn more about our roofing services, give IBEX Roof a call at 360-218-3104!
Congratulations – you’re thinking about buying a new home, maybe even your first home! Becoming a homeowner is an exciting endeavor that comes with a lot of possibilities, as well as responsibilities. Maybe you’re looking to purchase a newly built home, or maybe you’re considering a fixer-upper.
No matter what type of home you’re looking at, IBEX Roof has all your roofing needs in mind. Because the truth is, roofs are often overlooked during the home buying process. That’s why, when it comes to your roof, we’ve come up with the Homeowner’s Guide to Roofing! Here’s what to consider when buying, owning, and selling your home.
Both the states of Oregon and Washington do not require homeowners to get a home inspection before buying a home. However, most homeowners consider getting an inspection a wise investment, especially when you’re thinking of investing in a new house! Home inspections usually look at the home’s electrical, foundation, plumbing, and more. You could also hire a roofing contractor to come and just do a roof inspection.
Getting an inspection can be helpful because it will let you know, as a new homeowner, what to expect out of your potential home. Finding any type of damage doesn’t mean you can’t purchase the house, but it could definitely affect the value of your home, as well as your decision to buy it. And if you do decide to buy, you’ll know what types of repair you’ll need to make before or after moving in.
It’s not always possible to get the roofing history of a home from the owner. But if you are able, find out when the last roof replacement was. If it was recent, find out whether or not the warranty gets passed down to you or if you need to pay a transfer fee. You can even ask the current homeowners how they’ve maintained their roof and for the contact information of their roofer.
he average can last over 25 years if you properly maintain it. This usually means trimming back overhanging trees and blowing away debris, like pine needles and leaves, when it starts to pile on your roof.
Not everyone thinks about gutters when they think about their roof, but gutters are, in fact, a part of the roof system! If your gutters are sagging, splitting, or overflowing during the rain, you should consider replacing them. And just like maintaining your roof, you should also maintain your gutters by keeping them clear of debris so water can easily flow through.
Another huge part of maintaining your roof is by making sure you take care of small repairs as soon as you notice them. Otherwise, they can turn into much more serious issues that are more costly to deal with. Missing shingles, granule loss, sagging, rust, and cracks are all signs of some type of damage on your roof. Making these repairs as soon as possible will not only help your roof last longer, but it will also save you a lot of money in the long run.
Stepping onto your roof without the proper safety gear is very dangerous, and we don’t recommend it. Not to mention, you may not know exactly what to look out for if you’ve never done roof work before! Consider getting a yearly roof inspection by a local roofing contractor. Our professionals at IBEX Roof are trained to safely go on top of your roof and see if there are any damages that need to be fixed. If so, we’ll give you the best options on how to move forward. If not, we’ll let you know that you’re good to go!
Like any insurance policy, it’s important to evaluate your homeowner’s insurance coverage. Understand what your policy covers and what it doesn’t so you can be prepared for the future.
If you know you’ll be selling your home in the next few years and your roof is on the older side, you may want to consider getting a replacement. It may even be in your best interest to get a roof replacement right away if its in noticeably bad condition.
An experienced realtor should know the best way to present your home, including your roof. Ask them what they think about your roof. Should you get your roof cleaned? Does it look like it’s in bad shape? Your realtor can give you the pros and cons of getting roof work done. Or, at the very least, tell you what to expect when selling your roof as-is.
Consider getting an inspection by your local roofing company and asking them for an inspection certificate. Having an inspection certificate, especially for a roof that’s under 15 years old, can give potential buyers confidence in the quality of your roof.
Selling a home is all about presentation; the outside of your home, including the roof, is the first thing potential buyers will see! Be proactive by giving your home an exterior cleanup before putting your home on the market. A professional roofer can get rid of the debris in the crevices of your roof, clear away your gutters, and, if needed, treat your roof for moss or algae. Every detail counts; by presenting a clean roof, potential buyers will know that you took great care of your house.
The process of getting roof work done can seem like a long one if you’re not prepared. We take a lot of pride in our work at IBEX Roof; it’s important to us that our customers always know what’s going on when we’re working on their homes. So what do people need to know before roof work starts? Here are some key tips to follow so you can prepare yourself for a roof installation!
Ask for referrals: One of the best ways to narrow down your choices of local contractors is by asking friends and family for referrals. Ask them about their experiences with getting roof work done and who they hired to do so. You should also make sure to double check any reviews online through Google, Angie’s List, Houzz, and more.
See proof of paperwork: Never sign a contract or do business with a contractor who doesn’t have proof of their paperwork. You should always ask for proof of a roofer’s state business license, bond, liability insurance, and worker’s compensation. Getting any type of work done by a contractor who is not licensed and insured is a gamble; you may be financially liable if something goes wrong on the job.
Get an estimate: It’s normal for homeowners to shop around for contractors and you can tell a lot about a roofer by meeting them face to face. Most contractors will inspect your roof to let you know what type of roof work you’ll need. If a roofer does not step on or take a good look at your roof, they’re probably not going to do a good job. A reputable roofer should also provide an estimate of what work needs to be done and what it will cost. If you need financing, they can also go over different options with you.
Sign a contract: Before your roofer starts working on your home, make sure to sign a contract. It should cover the scope and expectations of your project, payment amounts, warranty information, and a termination clause.
Plan for weather: If you have a roofing emergency, even if it’s during a rainy or snowy season, it’s best to get your roof work done ASAP. Your roofer will determine what days will be best. However, if you are due for some repairs or a roof replacement, plan your project during a dryer season. Then you won’t have to worry about your roof installation being delayed or paused in the middle of the project.
Make arrangements for children and pets: Installing a new roof involves a lot of hammering on top of your home, and the loud noises can be disruptive for kids and scary for pets. You may want to consider making plans for children and/or pets to stay with a neighbor, family, or friend.
Let neighbors know: If you’re installing a brand new roof, it’s a nice gesture to let your neighbors know what’s going on before your roofing project begins. Roof work can be loud and they may want to make adjustments to their schedules.
Protect your furniture: When roofers are walking around and hammering on top of your home, it’s normal for debris and dust to fall and for slight vibrations to travel through your home. Protect any valuables in your attic by relocating them somewhere else. Large, bulky items that are hard to move can be covered with a drop cloth or sheet. Remove any wall art, wall hangings, and fragile light fixtures. As a precaution, take down any items that are not attached with screws.
Keep exteriors clear: Just like your furniture in the attic, use a drop cloth or tarp to cover any outdoor furniture items, like a grill or patio furniture, to protect them from falling debris or nails. Your roofer may also cover these items for you when they cover up your landscaping. Clear your lawn of toys, tools, or any other loose items. To keep your driveway accessible for your roofer, put your car in a garage or park on a side street.
Talk with your roofer: These are just a few ways to prepare yourself for a roof installation. It’s always a good idea to talk to your roofer and ask them how to prepare for a roofing job. If your roofer needs to use electrical tools, they may ask you to point out electrical outlets they can use. Or they may ask you to confirm the shingle delivery when it arrives to your home. Communicating with your roofer is always the best way to prepare for any type of roof work.
Do-It-Yourself, or DIY, has become quite popular over the past few years, especially when it comes to home renovations. From demolition to painting to installing new kitchen cabinets, is there anything homeowners shouldn’t be able to do by themselves?
There’s a reason why there are professional contractors who do what they do. Every DIY home project comes with risks, even if it may not seem that hard. We can’t speak for other trades, but when it comes to DIY roofing, here are three very good reasons why you probably shouldn’t try doing it yourself.
According to OSHA, the leading cause of fatalities among construction workers is falls, and a study done by the Journal of Safety Research reported that a third of falls in the construction industry were from a roof. If that sounds scary, that’s because it is. Not all damaged roofs look dangerous from the outside and it’s extremely dangerous to walk on your roof with an untrained eye. As professional roofers, we take many safety precautions and measures to ensure the safety of our workers. We also know how to navigate around your roof when the weather isn’t ideal and when it’s best to delay roof work if the weather is bad.
You should NEVER go on a roof that is potentially unsafe. If you think there is a problem with your roof, most reputable contractors will offer a free or low-cost inspection.
Many homeowners choose to DIY home projects because they think it saves them money. For some projects, that may be true. But that is not the case with a DIY roof replacement. In fact, you may end up spending a lot more money than if you had just hired a contractor.
As mentioned above, inspections are often free with a reputable contractor, and they will usually perform an inspection before starting on any roof work. There is a lot more involved to roof replacements than just replacing the shingles; the process also involves removing and disposing of the old shingles and repairing any damages that may have been underneath them.
At IBEX Roof, we’ve put a lot of thought into our process for any roofing job. For example, we use a special trailer to collect trash and debris so that your driveway doesn’t get scratched up from a dumpster. We cover up your beautiful landscape to protect it from falling debris. And we also have a thorough cleanup process after your roof work is completed so that you and your family are safe to walk around your home.
It’s hard to think about every step of the roofing process when you’re doing a DIY roof replacement. Not to mention, if you end up installing your roof incorrectly, you will have to spend more money fixing any mistakes or even getting your roof replaced all over again.
Lasty, a DIY roof replacement could mean no warranty for your roof. Most manufacturers require their roofing materials to be installed by professional roofers. So even if you are confident in your roofing skills, it’s probably not worth passing over a warranty. After all, the roof is one of the most important parts of your home! Additionally, some roofing contractors may even offer extended warranties for certain roofing materials. They may also offer another warranty for their roof work.
If you think it’s time to get your roof replaced, call IBEX Roof today for a free estimate on your next roofing project!
Getting a roof estimate is common when searching for the right roofing contractor. However, not all estimates and roofing proposals are the same! So when it comes to getting a roof replacement estimate, or even a roof repair estimate, what should you be looking out for?
It’s normal for homeowners to try and get bids from different contractors. And while it’s important to consider your budget, you shouldn’t always necessarily go with the lowest bid. A reliable contractor will take into consideration your budget and go over different financing options with you, if needed.
Find contractors who have great references and quality reviews. A good way to get recommendations is by asking friends, family, and neighbors if they’ve had roof work done. Getting recommendations is a lot more helpful than an online search and can help narrow down your choices.
Usually, a roofer will inspect your roof before providing an estimate. You can ask them what they are looking for during an inspection. Be wary if a roofer does not go onto your roof or closely inspect your roof before handing you a quote.
Another red flag is if a roofing contractor hands you a number without any sort of itemized document. A true roof estimate will include the tasks that need to be done for your roof. This includes removal of shingles, the types of repairs that need to be made, and cleanup.
First and foremost, you should always make sure that the roofing contractor you choose has all their paperwork in order. This includes their business license for your state and proof of bond and workers compensation for ALL employees and contractors. These are crucial for every contractor to have. Otherwise, you could find yourself in trouble.
If you have any other questions outside of a roof estimate, be sure to ask! Some common questions to ask include:
At IBEX Roof, it’s important for us to be on the same page as our customers. If you’re unsure of what type of work needs to be done to your home or why we use the materials we do, please ask us! We believe that homeowners should know what’s going on with their own homes and not be left in the dark. Not only do we love providing quality work but we also love educating our customers!If you need an inspection or work done on your roof, gutters, or skylights, give IBEX Roof a call today at 360-218-3134. You can also contact us through our free online estimate form.
