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.
In the interest of saving cost and time, some homeowners may wonder “Can you put new roofing shingles over old ones?” Technically, you could. But would we recommend it? No, we wouldn’t. Here’s why.
Most local building codes only allow a maximum layer of two layers of shingles. In some areas, especially those with a lot of icy weather, they only allow one. That’s because shingles are only one of the multiple layers of your roof; they are really not designed to be layered on top of another. Many roofs are also built to support the weight of one layer of shingles. Adding an extra layer of shingles could be too much for your roof to handle. If you install new roof shingles over old ones, your roof might sag and lose integrity over time.
Layering shingles on top of one another also means you’re not getting a good idea of what’s going on underneath the top layer of your roof. The roof also consists of decking and underlayment. A reliable roofer will always do a roof inspection to see what needs to be fixed before re-roofing. But by not removing your old layer of shingles, you are ultimately opting out of replacing your underlayment. If your underlayment is old and deteriorated, water is more likely to get underneath your shingles and into your roof deck. Unfortunately, that means your roof could start leaking sooner than you might think, and it may even mean you’ll have to replace your “new” roof in just a couple of years.
Part of the roofing job is to remove old shingles and dispose of them. This shows up on the roofing estimate, which is why some clients may think they can save money if they install new roof shingles over old shingles. However, installing new roof shingles over one ones will probably end up costing you more money later on. Any damages that weren’t repaired prior to re-roofing could become bigger problems that end up being more costly. If you end up having to replace your “new” roof sooner than later, that is also a bigger cost than if you had properly disposed of your old roof to begin with.
Lastly, shingle manufacturers will often void their warranty if their materials were improperly used or installed. Again, not only does it NOT save you money, but it will COST you money. It’s crucial to find a local roofing contractor who understands the installation requirements from the manufacturers. This ensures your warranty works for you.
Since 1969, IBEX Roof has been an accredited CertainTeed Select Shingle Master™ contractor. We are proud to deliver only the best results for our customers. Our job is not only to help you repair or replace your roof, but to also make sure it lasts! Many of our customers end up being customers for life, and we do our best to go the extra mile before, during, and after every roofing project. To get a free estimate for your next roofing project, give us a call at 360-218-3108.
Solar power systems are becoming more accessible to homeowners, and it might be something you’ve considered for your own home. Because these systems typically sit on top of the roof, it’s vital to make sure your roof is in the right shape. Here are some roof tips to consider before and after installing solar panels on your roof.
The first step to installing solar panels on a roof is to get a roof inspection. If your roof is due for a change, you’ll want to replace your roof before getting solar panels. Ideally, you want your roof to last for 10+ years if you’re going to be adding a solar power system on top of it. Otherwise, you’ll risk leaks and other roof problems, leading to the costly expense of having to take off and re-install your solar panels to fix the problems.
Even if your roof was installed five years ago, it’s still a good idea to get an inspection in case any repairs need to be made. You don’t want to find any problems with your roof after your solar panels have already been installed.
Solar power systems are an investment, and so is your roof. That means if you end up needing to replace your roof, then you should look at higher quality roof materials, especially if it’s going to be underneath solar panels. The key is to have a roof that will last as long as your solar panels. Getting the cheapest roof option may seem like a good budget option, but it won’t save you money in the long run. Again, having to remove and re-install your solar panels to fix a roofing problem can be quite costly.
You’ll want to install thicker shingles underneath your solar panels, as these have more asphalt. More asphalt in your shingles mean a longer roof life! Talk to your roofing contractor about the asphalt content in shingles, and avoid any shingles that have “lifetime warranties”, which are just a marketing ploy to sell lower quality shingles.
When getting a new roof and solar panels, it’s best to work with solar and roofing contractors who work well together and have worked together in the past. Avoid any contractors who claim to “do it all”, as they likely won’t deliver top quality for either installation. Reputable solar companies will have a list of roofers they work with, and vice versa. The last thing you want for your solar panel installation is contractors who don’t work well together!
As always, make sure to vet your contractors to ensure they have the proper licenses, paperwork, and insurance. Once your roofing contractor has given your roof a proper inspection, it’s time to get your solar panels installed!
Once your solar power system has been installed, ask your roofer to come out for another inspection so they can take a look at the penetrations. Most reputable roofers will do this for free and it gives them the chance to point out any potential issues to keep an eye on. Knowing what to watch out for in future inspections will save a lot of potential damage from leaks. Ideally, the roofer who inspects your roof will be the same contractor who installed your roof. Because it is their installation, they will be more knowledgeable about the water shedding abilities of your new roof.
Already have solar panels and need a major roof repair or replacement? It’s likely that your solar panels will need to be removed first. Small roof repairs may be done without the panels coming off. This depends, though, on the type of repair and where it needs to be done on your roof. The best way to know is by getting a roof inspection.
Solar panels must come off, however, before a roof replacement. If you need a roof replacement and already have solar panels installed, you will need:
If you are considering installing solar panels on your roof, contact IBEX Roof today for an inspection! We will make sure your roof is ready for your new investment and advise the best way to reinforce your roof if needed. Even if you’re not looking to install solar panels on your roof, summer time is still a great time to get your routine roof inspections scheduled. Call us at 360-218-3104 to schedule your inspection today!
Summer is a great season to tackle some of those home projects that have been sitting on your to-do list. When it comes to your roof, this is an opportune time to make small repairs or even schedule a routine inspection to ensure that your roof is in its best shape!
Now is also a popular time for homeowners to consider remodeling their homes, like adding a roof to a porch, patio, or deck. Adding a roof over an outdoor space can add value to your home and it can also set up your outdoor space to be converted into an indoor space later on. So if you’re considering upgrading your outdoor living spaces by adding a roof, here are some things to consider.
You can find many DIY tutorials and videos online when it comes to adding a patio or porch roof. Even if you’re confident in your own DIY skills, though, it’s still best to consult with an expert. While a porch or patio may seem to have a smaller square footage than your whole house, you want to make sure that your roof is sturdy and can handle harsher weather conditions. A poorly designed porch roof can end up with leaks and other construction problems. It can also lead to undesirable mistakes like ugly roof lines or a post that blocks the view of a window.
While IBEX Roof doesn’t specialize in roof design and framing, we can recommend general contractors to help you get started. Hiring a local contractor is beneficial because they will know the rules and regulations of local building codes that you’ll need to consider for your roofing project.
You will likely need a permit any time you add some type of structure to your home. As mentioned above, it helps to consult or work with a local contractor who can tell you what types of permits you’ll need before starting your project. You can also visit your local building department to look up what types of home renovation projects require a permit.
The design of your porch and porch roof should flow with the rest of your house design. Depending on where your outdoor space is, you may also need to take special considerations when it comes to the roof slope.
Generally, you’ll want to match or compliment the pitch and roof design with the rest of your home. Windows, doors, siding types, and unseen framing details can also severely impact the design of your porch, so it’s best to plan ahead and know what you’d like your finished product to be.
We love our IBEX Roof customers and want to make sure your home roofing projects are completed to last. After working on thousands of roofs around Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR, we know what you’ll need to consider when designing a roof for the Pacific Northwest. Contact us today at 360-218-3104 to see how we can help you get started on your next roofing project.
