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.
Asphalt roof shingles have been used for roofing since 1901 and it rapidly became the most popular material for roofing. Even now, it’s the most common type of roof installed to cover homes. What makes asphalt roof shingles waterproof is, as the name suggests, asphalt. Often, these shingles were marketed by weight; the heavier the shingle, the higher the quality and more durable the shingle.
But as the price of crude oil, of which asphalt is a byproduct, started to become more expensive. And this led to manufacturers using less asphalt and more fillers in their shingles to reduce costs. This is why many asphalt roof shingles manufactured today are a lot lighter and thinner than they used to be. Some manufacturers are using more fillers, which really lower the quality of the roofing shingle. In fact, the shingles on your current roof may be better quality than many of the “Lifetime” shingles offered on the market today.
As a result, you may have noticed roofing manufacturers, or even roofing contractors, offer lifetime warranties on their shingles. If the pricing of shingles are going up, then having a longer warranty makes sense, right? Not exactly.
As a result, you may have noticed roofing manufacturers, or even roofing contractors, offer lifetime warranties on their shingles. If the pricing of shingles are going up, then having a longer warranty makes sense, right? Not exactly.
While a “Lifetime Warranty” sounds great, that’s merely the name of the warranty. To really know and understand what you’re actually getting from this warranty, you have to read the fine print. In fact, most of these warranties only cover manufacturing defects, which are very difficult to prove after 10 years from your installation. Furthermore, these warranties never cover the lifespan of your roof. Many of them also have clauses that limit the warranty for certain types of damage, and that’s only if you have a leak. No leak? Then no warranty.
It’s not always easy navigating through all the different roofing options and trying to figure out which one is going to be the best one for your home. That’s why it’s important to find a local roofing contractor you can trust; always make sure that your contractor is licensed, bonded, and insured.
At IBEX Roof, we care about our customers and want to deliver the best. That’s why we focus on educating our customers so that you know exactly what you’ll be getting…without any of the fine print. We are always happy to answer any of your roof-related questions. And, when it’s time for you to replace your roof, we offer a variety of options so you can choose what you think is best for your home.
To learn more about IBEX Roof’s services, call us today at 360-218-3108. Or, fill out our online form to get a free estimate for your next roofing project.
One of the biggest complaints in the roofing industry is when contractors don’t properly clean up after they’ve finished a roofing job. And IBEX Roof gets it: not only does a mess left behind look bad, but it can also be dangerous for the homeowners and their family! That’s why we pride ourselves in taking the best care of our customer’s homes, from start to finish. And that includes a thorough roofing clean up.
IBEX Roof starts the roofing clean up process before we even begin working on your new roof. Instead of bringing in a dumpster in to catch debris, we use a dumpster trailer. Big dumpsters can end up leaving ugly scratches on your driveway. Dumpster trailers, on the other hand, have wheels that make it easy to pull up into your driveway without leaving any damaging marks.
Second, we bring out the tarp! We use tarp to cover anything on your lawn or surrounding your home that could be damaged by falling debris. This includes landscaping, ponds, fountains, or backyard furniture.
Roofing jobs could have over 10,000 nails involved, and that means 10,000 chances of a car tire popping! To keep our customers safe from stepping on any nails after we leave the job site, we sweep around your home with magnets to make sure there are no nails left behind.
First, we use a magnet wheel. As the name suggests, it’s a large, rolling magnet that picks up any metal that is dropped on the ground. Then, we use a smaller magnet sweep for smaller spaces like bushes and shrubs. Using these two magnet tools, we make sure that every space around your home is covered.
Even after all the metal is picked up and your landscaping looks as beautiful as when we arrived, our expert contractors still do a last sweep to make sure our roofing clean up is 100%. If our metal sweepers can’t fit in a space, such as your gutter, we’ll stick our hands in to clean out any debris left behind.
IBEX Roof loves our customers and we treat your home as if it was ours. Whether it’s a roof repair, roof replacement, or skylight installation, we take pride in our process from start to finish. Get an estimate for your next roofing project by filling out our online form today!
When was the last time your roof was replaced? If it was over 15 years ago, then now is a good time to start planning a roof replacement. Most homeowners don’t think about replacing their roof until it is leaking or failing. And when they’re not thinking about their next roof replacement, you can bet they’re also not thinking about the roof replacement’s cost.
If you wait until there is noticeable damage on your roof to replace it, you’re probably looking at a more costly expense. In addition to a new roof, you’ll probably have to deal with mold and mildew, as well as replace drywall, paint, and rotten wood on your roof’s structure.
Here are some tips to stay on top of the health of your roof. This way, you can avoid any unexpected costs and feel more financially prepared when it’s time for a roof replacement.
Getting routine roof inspections is an important step to gauging when you’ll need to replace your roof. IBEX recommends getting a roof inspection about every five years. The good news is that most reputable roofing companies do this for free, especially if you’re a past customer. By getting routine inspections, you can fix small problems right away. This might include damaged pipe flashings, small leaks found in your attic, or venting issues. You can dramatically prolong the life of your roof just by repairing what you find through regular inspections.
When you find out from a roof inspection that you’ll need to replace your roof soon, you may want to consider starting an emergency fund. Your roofing contractor will likely be able to give you a roof replacement estimate based on the state of your roof. From there, you can start saving up for a new roof. This is a great practice to prepare for any type of home repair.
Due to advances in roofing technology and better refining procedures for asphalt, roofing costs can rise as much as 20% in one year. If you know you’ll be needing a new roof in the next couple of years, then it’s best to get it done sooner than later! Otherwise, you may end up paying a little more for a roof just by waiting one more year.
First, it’s important to remember to never measure your roof costs based on the square footage of your home. For example, a single-story home that is 1800 square-feet with a garage and porch may have a larger roof than a two-story home that’s 3000 square feet.
Second, many homeowners like use online “roof cost calculators” to budget their project. However, these calculators can be very misleading because they don’t account for the small details that can vastly impact the cost of your roof replacement.
Roofing costs can vary greatly; it depends on how many layers of shingles you have on your roof, the type of roofing material that needs to be removed, the slope and design of your roof, accessibility to the job site, and more. That’s why it’s crucial for a contractor to come and inspect your roof and attic, as well as understand what you want your next roof to be. Any type of detail can fluctuate your roof replacement cost.
You may find yourself with an unexpected roof problem that requires a sudden roof replacement. If that’s the case, you’re not alone. Most reputable roofing contractors partner up with banks and credit unions to offer financing options for homeowners. We get it – life happens. But don’t a roof leak continue to rot and damage your home. Instead, give IBEX Roof a call and we can help you get it fixed as soon as possible.
Remodeling or updating a home is always a time consuming process, and homeowners like knowing how long certain projects are going to take. While many homeowners take weeks to months in researching the right roofing contractor, the average home takes only a few days to install a new roof. However, like any home project, there are other factors that can either delay installation or prolong it.
Choosing the perfect style and color of your shingles is often the best part of getting a new roof. Sometimes customers choose special-order shingles that are not available right away. To ensure you get the shingles you want, we recommend choosing a few different color or style choices. That way, if one isn’t available, you still have other options. But some shingles are worth the wait! If you are willing to wait for a special order, we would be happy to schedule your installation for a later date.
The time it takes to install a new roof also depends on the size of your home. Smaller homes that are under 1200 square feet usually just take one day to complete. Larger homes that are 4000 square feet take a couple of days. However, complicated designs or very steep slopes can add significant time to your installation.
Another reason why a roof installation could take longer than scheduled is if your roofer finds hidden damages on your roof. Some roofs that haven’t been replaced or maintained in a long time may have wood rot or mold that need to be dealt with before installing new shingles.
Although we wish we could, we can’t control the weather. Heavy rains or high winds are not ideal when installing a new roof; this can lead to a leak or an improperly installed roof. It’s best to consider a roof replacement during a season when the forecast is dry and clear.
Unfortunately, not all roof replacements are planned in advanced; you may find you need your roof replaced during a season when the weather is constantly changing. We do our best to schedule roofing jobs so that we don’t have to leave in the middle of the project. If your roof installation was scheduled in advanced, we will confirm or adjust your schedule accordingly when we get a more accurate weather forecast.
At IBEX Roof, we pride ourselves in delivering top quality to our customers. It’s equally important for us to provide the best service, too. Planning for a new roof can be a daunting process, and we promise to be here with you every step of the way. Get started today by giving us a call at 360-218-3194 or filling out our online form to get a free estimate.
