The short answer: YES!
Most homeowners dread the need for roof work because they usually don’t get it done until there’s a big problem with their roof. But we promise that getting your roof cleaned isn’t a hassle. In fact, hiring roof cleaning services can save you a lot of money in the long run!
You might think that roof cleaning is for keeping up your home’s appearances, but that’s not entirely true. Heavy piles of debris on your roof, including leaves, branches, and pine needles, can add unwanted weight onto your roof. They can also block water from flowing off your roof during rainfall, or, if you live in a colder region, freeze into blocks of ice that can further damage your roof. Additionally, algae, moss, and lichen growth on your roof may lift your shingles, causing either damage or debris to get stuck underneath. Over time, what you may consider a cosmetic problem will likely turn into a leaky problem!
The roof is one of the biggest investments you can make on a house and many know that a roof is not a cheap thing to replace. That’s precisely why getting regular roof cleanings is so important – it can really prolong the lifespan of your roof! Routine roof inspections and maintenance will help you and your roofer keep track of the health of your roof. You’ll then be able to repair small areas of damage as soon as they are found, which will cost a lot less than a major repair or full-on roof replacement.
Another factor to take into consideration is your homeowner’s insurance policy. Some policies actually require homeowners to maintain their roof regularly to keep their premiums down. That means failing to trim those overhanging tree branches could have more consequences than potential roof damage. It also helps to keep your roof cleanings documented in case you find yourself in an emergency situation or natural disaster; if your insurance company knows that your roof was in good shape before major damage, then more likely they will approve your claim.
Not every roof is created equally. Depending on where you live, your home may have specific cleaning needs. In the Pacific Northwest, pine needles and humidity are two huge factors that can affect homeowners’ roofs. Make sure to trim back overhanging tree branches and keep your roof clear of pine needles, which are acidic and can eat away at your roofing material. Humidity and rain can also cause more bacteria to thrive on your roof, requiring more cleanings.
IBEX Roof has been serving the roofs of the Pacific Northwest for decades. Our roof cleaning services include clearing away debris from your roof and gutters. If needed, we’ll also treat your roof for algae or moss. We never pressure wash roofs or use harmful chemicals that will damage your home or property. Call us today at 360-218-3108 to learn more about IBEX Roof’s maintenance and inspection services!
Cleaning and maintenance is an important step to prolonging the lifespan of your roof. However, clean your roof the wrong way and it may do just the opposite. Keep your roof in the best shape possible by avoiding these common roof cleaning mistakes:
If there was one rule we could bestow on all of our friends, family, and customers, it would be to never – NEVER – pressure wash your roof! This is one of the biggest, all-too common roof cleaning mistakes that homeowners make. Seeing your roof fade from black to white under a pressure washer may seem like you’re washing away dirt, but what you’re really doing is destroying the granules on your shingles. This greatly decreases the lifespan of your roof. Not to mention, your roof won’t look good to the neighbors, either.
Even if it seems like you have the “right” tools, you could damage your roof from cleaning it if you don’t know how to use your tools properly. Never use harsh chemicals on your roof; it may kill off that algae or mold, but it could also cause discoloration or rust on your roof. Or, in the worst case, it could eat through your roofing material!
Most homeowners will be happy to hear that it’s not a good idea to clean their roofs too much. There are several ways to maintain your roof, such as blowing away excessive debris and trimming back tree branches. Algae and moss should also be treated right away. But there is no reason to go onto your roof and have it cleaned more than once a year. Too much scrubbing on your roof will lower your roof’s lifespan.
Not all roofs are designed the same way. They can be made of different materials, have deeper valleys than others, or be dealing with different weather conditions. That’s why it’s important to hire a professional roofer who knows exactly the type of care your roof needs.
Climbing your roof is dangerous and we don’t recommend for anyone to clean their roof if they’re not a professional. But if you do happen to make it onto your roof, make sure to watch your step! Ridge caps are the seams on top of your roof lines and they may seem like a sturdy ledge to place your foot. However, they are one of the first lines of defense of your roof and too much weight can cause them to crack, leading to more damage on your roof.
IBEX Roof aims to offer the best care for our customers and their roofs and that includes routine roof cleaning services! We never pressure wash shingles or use harmful chemicals to treat your roof. If you live in or around Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR, give us a call at 360-218-3134 for a free estimate today.
Having your chimney routinely inspected is just as important as getting your roof inspected, especially if you have an active fireplace in your home. When you don’t regularly maintain your chimney, you could risk small damages becoming bigger and more costly problems.
Most homeowners who have active fireplaces in their homes will hire a chimney sweep to clean and maintain their chimneys at least once a year. This will dramatically prevent the chances of a chimney fire, which occurs when dirt and grime build-up within your chimney.
As professional roofers, we view chimneys as a big part of your roof. After all, it’s literally a giant hole coming out of the top of your home! This makes it a susceptible area on your roof that is prone to leaks and cracks. That’s why we always look for potential roof chimney repairs during inspections, particularly in the following three areas: the flashing, chimney crown, and chimney caps.
The flashing around your chimney is what prevents water from flowing into where your chimney meets your roof. It’s normal for the flashing around your chimney to get worn out over time, especially when it’s facing extreme weather conditions. Minor cracks in the flashing can be repaired using FlashSeal. But severely damaged flashing, or flashing that is improperly installed, can cause leaks and should be replaced entirely.
The chimney crown is a concrete or cement layer that sits on the top of your chimney. It’s designed to protect your chimney from extreme weather conditions and is usually found on larger chimneys. Because it sits on top of your chimney, it’s pretty difficult to see if your chimney crown is damaged without getting on top of your roof to take a look. Small cracks in the crown can be repaired as they appear over time; heavily damaged crowns should be replaced altogether.
Chimney caps are normally installed directly on top of the chimney crown. They help to prevent birds, small animals, and debris from getting into your chimney, as well as rainwater and snow. This offers extra protection for your chimney and, if damaged, are very easy to replace.
These are just a few of the most common chimney repairs when it comes to your roof. But if you think you have a different problem, give IBEX Roof a call at 360-218-3108 and we will help you get it fixed!
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.
