When it’s time to replace a roof, most homeowners are able to choose the type of roofing material they want in a variety of colors. But there are some homes across the country that are required to adhere to a certain list of rules. That is, historic homes.
Those that live in a historically mandated home must upkeep their home in a certain way. That means that a local historical organization exercises jurisdiction over the exterior of their homes. There may also be homeowners who live in historic homes that are not officially mandated to follow any guidelines, but they still want their home to adhere to its original design.
The purpose of a roof is to help protect the rest of the home; problems arise in the home when a roof is old or damaged. When replacing historic roofing, the top priorities include preserving the structure for a longer period of time, properly representing the true historic character of the home, and trying to display as much of the original detail as possible.
You’ll want to consider what alternative materials are out there if your home’s original materials are no longer available. Once you have your roof replaced, it’s also crucial to learn the best way to maintain your new roof so that your home can stay preserved.
Historic roofs are often a key element of architectural design and character to its respective time period. That’s why, if you want to keep the historical integrity of a home intact, it’s important to find the right historic roofing materials that will fulfill the original design. This can be costly and, sometimes, the original materials may also not be available. A few common alternatives include:
If you live in a historically registered home and want to replace your roof, the first place you should visit is your city’s historical commission. Such historical organizations often require a proposal for any construction or alteration to any registered historical building, including roofing and flashing work. They will have the right resources to help you plan any type of exterior renovation to your home. You may also want to bring on an architect with experience in historic roofing to help you with your proposal.
Next, you’ll want someone who can properly install your roof while preserving your home’s historical value. Find someone who works well with the historic roofing materials you’ll be needing. Again, your local historical commission will likely have resources available to ensure the preservation of your home’s historic integrity.
When a homeowner decides to replace their roof, they usually mean ripping out the old shingles and roofing material and replacing them with new ones. Once in a blue moon, though, a “roof replacement” may mean a structural change. That is, adding pitch to a flat roof so that it becomes a sloped roof.
While not very common, homeowners may decide to change the structure of their roof if they have an improperly installed roof or if they want to change the architectural style of their home. If you’ve considered changing the shape of your roof, here are a few options to consider.
Even though we call flat roofs “flat”, there is actually no such thing as a totally flat roof. Otherwise, you’ll experience ponding, which will end up damaging your roof. Flat roofs are any roof under 2” in a 12” slope, and they should still redirect water to a draining system to minimize any standing water on the roof.
If you find that water sits on top of your roof for long periods of time after rainfall, then your first thought may be to build a steeper roof. However, the best way to fix this issue, as well as more wallet-friendly, would be to install a tapered foam system that helps redirect water to your drains. Because the foam pieces come in many different slopes, they can be used to accommodate any roof. Additionally, the foam will double as insulation on your new roof!
Turning a flat roof into a steep roof isn’t a common direction homeowners typically choose, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to do. There are a lot more things to consider than simply installing a tapered foam system, though!
The first step would be to consult with an engineer to design a framework for your roof. Then, you need to get a framing contractor to frame up your roof and install new sheathing. Bear in mind that most local laws require homeowners to get a permit when restructuring their roof!
Once your new roof is framed up, you’ll need a roofer to install the shingles on your new roof and install a gutter and downspout system.
If you’re considering remodeling your flat roof into a pitched roof, give IBEX Roof a call. Our mission is to deliver quality roof work to our clients and, depending on what concerns you have for your roof, we’d be happy to help advise you on the best solutions for your home. If your flat roof is experiencing standing water, we’d be happy to create a system that will redirect water flow to your drains. Contact us today to learn more.
In the age of do-it-yourself and fixing up, there are a lot of homeowners out there who resolve to handle many household maintenance projects themselves. The internet gives us 24/7 access to knowledge on the best way to do everything: mow lawns, paints houses, and clean roofs. So if all the information on roof cleaning is readily available, why does anyone bother hiring a roofing contractor to do it for them? Well, there are plenty of reasons.
If there’s one big reason to leave your roof cleaning to the experts, it’s to avoid the dangers of associated with being on your roof. Simply climbing 15+ feet on your rooftop without proper safety equipment is tricky, and bringing in the right cleaning supplies doesn’t make the job any easier. In fact, falls are the leading fatality roofing industry – and we’re trained on how to be safe! The best roofing contractors not only implement the best safety measures when climbing your roof, but they will also have insurance to cover all their employees in the event of an accident.
You may find unexpected damage on your roof, further compromising your safety when it comes to maintaining or cleaning your shingles. Depending on the age of your roof or what it’s been through, there may be weak spots that you can’t see, making it dangerous for you to walk around and stand on your roof. You might also run into an unexpected nesting spot for insects or rodents; disrupting such areas can lead to an unpleasant surprise attack that leads to a nasty fall. A roofing contractor will not only be able to spot these problem areas early on, but they will also be able to approach each situation in the best way and fix whatever is necessary right away.
Did you know that pressure washing can dramatically decrease the lifespan of your roof? The direct pressure of the water removes granules, loosens shingles, and can damage your gutters. That’s the most common mistake people make when cleaning their roof, but, as mentioned before, accidentally stepping on a weak spot on your roof could also mean a new foot-sized hole in your roof that will need extra repairing.
Cleaning your roof takes care and patience. And if you haven’t maintained your roof in a while, then it will require a little extra care and a lot of extra patience. If you don’t know what you’re doing, it could take over a day to get your roof properly cleaned, and that’s if you don’t accidentally find something wrong that needs fixing.
Don’t be afraid to call the professionals when it’s time to clean your roof. Investing in annual roof cleanings by roofing experts could be what helps your roof last longer than average! The roofing experts at IBEX Roof are regional experts for Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR. We do what’s best for our customers, which is why they keep calling us back for all their roofing needs. Get a free estimate for your next roof cleaning by filling out our job inquiry form.
Roof installations are a big project. It’s a true investment for your home and it’s often an agonizing decision to choose the right contractor. The decision might involve getting recommendations from friends, looking for great reviews, and finding a price that matches your budget.
But sometimes, a friend’s recommendation doesn’t turn out to be that great. Or maybe you hire someone who has a crew of unqualified subcontractors. And sometimes, we just end up paying too little and the final results shows.
Seeing issues after a new roof installation is a stressful situation. Not only does the time spent installing your roof feel wasted, but the security of your home is now compromised. And you may be thinking, “What now?”
Most contractors will give homeowners a couple of days after installation; this gives you time to inspect the roof and make sure everything looks and feels good. It’s natural for there to be a few small issues sometimes, and most contractors will be happy to fix them! If you are experiencing leaks or see some shingles that seem out of place, bring these concerns up immediately with your contractor. Ask for photos of the roof work to make sure everything is in place. Ideally, your contractor will work with you to correct any problems so you can feel good about your new roof.
If you’ve brought up concerns about your roof to your contractor and they refuse to take a second look, you may want to get a second opinion from other local roofing companies to verify your concerns. They can inspect your roof and let you know why something is done a certain way, or if there really is a problem with the new installation. In the event of negligent craftsmanship, they can likely take photographs for you and offer solutions or suggestions on what to do next.
If you’ve gotten a second (or third) opinion that verifies an issue with your roof installation, you can try to work with your original contractor to see if they will help you fix the issue. But if they are unresponsive, it’s important to take a good look at your original contract and consider litigation. Hiring a lawyer and organizing a case can be a long, lengthy, and costly process.
Finding the right roofing contractor from the get-go is key to avoiding a bad roof installation. We know that’s easier said than done, and IBEX Roof always advises our customers to be proactive. Get proof of your contractor’s business license, bond, and worker’s compensation for every single employee that works on your roof. Otherwise, you may end up with even more serious problems than an improperly installed roof!
IBEX Roof’s great service is proven by our repeat customers, referrals, and reviews. But if you’re dealing with a bad roof installation from a different contractor, we’re here for you, too! We can help correct an improper installation with professionalism and the customer service to match. If you live in the Vancouver, WA or Portland, OR area, give us a call at 360-218-3104 and we will help you out.
Leaks, ventilation, standing water, and lack of maintenance are all common roofing issues homeowners have to deal with. And while there are many acts of nature that can damage your home’s biggest protector, one of the most overlooked, yet common, roof problems includes small critters.
Small animals such as mice, birds, and even raccoons can wreak havoc on your roof. Cracks on your roof or missing shingles allow easy access for these animals to find shelter in your warm, insulated attic. Burrowing animals can cause even more damage to your roof; the best way to solve this problem is to prevent them from getting into your roof and attic in the first place. Here are three solutions to protect your roof.
Keeping your gutters clear of debris is essential for proper water flow. Clogged gutters can cause a lot of damage to your roof; if a gutter is heavy enough, it can even detach from your home and become a costly problem to fix. Keeping your gutters free of leaves and twigs also ensures that birds and mice don’t create nests in your gutter!
Take a look at your roof once in a while to make sure everything is intact. Heavy storms and other acts of nature can sometimes cause loose shingles to fall off or flashing to get damaged, leaving your roof vulnerable to small animals. They may use their sharp claws, teeth, or beaks to create holes or openings to break through and get inside. This damage can be as extensive as the amount of animals that want shelter in your home! Small animals often use these openings to access a warm and dry space where they can bring their young or reproduce. Infestations of mice are especially common, especially in areas of the home that aren’t often accessed. Fixing small repairs right away is key to reduce the chances of animals in your attic.
Trimming down tree branches is a simple way to maintain your roof and keep it clear from debris, and it also eliminates small animals from having easy climbing access to your home. Squirrels, opossums, and raccoons are common tree climbers that may find their way into your roof.
Capping your chimney is another way to protect your roof and home from nesting creatures. You can easily block off the hole of your chimney from small animals with a steel crate or cage. It’s an easy and cost-effective solution that can be installed at the same time as your roo or during regular roof maintenance.
While many critters appear to be small, they can cause big damage to your roof. That’s why IBEX Roof is here to help you prevent the small animals from taking over! We can help repair small damages or schedule routine maintenance for your roof so that you’ll never have to worry about animals in your attic. Contact us to learn more!
You probably already that water pooling on your roof is not a good thing. Standing water, or ponding, is when water sits on your roof after a heavy rainfall and doesn’t go away after 48 hours. It’s most common on commercial roofs because commercial buildings tend to have flat roofs. However, it can happen on any roof that has a low slope or isn’t properly installed.
The easiest way to see if standing water is a problem on your roof is to take a look at your roof after a rainfall. If pools of water are still on your roof 48 hours later, then it’s time to find a solution.
It’s vital to not ignore standing water on your roof because water is heavy and roofs are not designed to carry large amounts of weight. By letting water sit on your roof for a long period of time, you can cause even more problems, including leaks, sagging, and damage of roofing materials. Large pools of water could also attract mosquitoes and other undesirable insects, as well as encourage growth of mold, mildew, moss, and algae.
Make sure water leads to the drains: Even though a flat roof may look completely level to the naked eye, they actually have a very slight angle. This helps water flow towards the drains. But sometimes there are shallow areas on the roof that collect water. To prevent water from collecting in these low spots and to help lead water to the drain, you may be able to fill in those areas with roofing plaster.
Keep drains clear: Another important drainage solution is to make sure your drains are clear of debris. If you have a clogged drain, then water will collect on your roof and cause damage.
Add more drainage: If all of your drainage systems are working but there is still water collecting on your roof, it may be because you don’t have enough drainage to handle the amount of precipitation in your area. You can solve this by widening your existing drains or adding new ones to accommodate the excess water.
Repitch roof: Repitching your roof is a more complicated process than other roof ponding solutions, but it may be necessary if your existing roof wasn’t properly installed or the previous solutions haven’t worked. Repitching your roof will take more time and be more costly, and it also may require a permit. It’s best to consult with your local roofing contractor if you are considering repitching your roof.
Standing water is a roofing problem you want to deal with swiftly. If you notice pools of water on your roof that are not going away, call your local roofing contractor! IBEX has experience with both residential and commercial roofing, and we can offer the right roof ponding solutions for you.
The first day of Spring is less than a week away, and we’re totally ready for it! Spring is a great time to get your roof inspected and, if needed, repaired, especially if you didn’t get a chance to do so before winter. If you live in a region with a lot of snow and freezing rain, it will be a good idea to get your roof inspected for damage from ice, once the snowy season is over.
Luckily, we don’t get too much snow around Vancouver or Portland, so there is not as much concern about ice damage. If you’ve decided to get a headstart on your spring cleaning, here’s a basic checklist you can follow to make sure your roof is still happy and sturdy.
Gutters are often on everyone’s spring to-do list, but it’s also often the last thing anyone wants to do. However, clean gutters ensures that water flows away from your roof, preventing any damage or rot. This is especially important in the Pacific Northwest, where we get a lot of rain! If you’ve already cleaned out your gutters before winter, then you may not need to clean out your gutters until the end of rainy season. The best way to determine whether or not you need to clean your gutters is to just take a look and make sure water can properly flow through the system.
Take a look at your roof’s exterior to make sure everything looks good. Here are some things to watch out for:
If you notice any of these problems, then make sure to get them repaired as soon as possible.
Next, it’s time to inspect the interior of your roof. This is best done by going to your attic. Check for wet spots, which might indicate a leak, and make sure there’s no light shining through any cracks. To ensure that your attic is properly ventilated, look for any moisture, mold, or mildew. Any extreme changes in temperature may also be a sign that you need better roof ventilation.
All roof repairs should be taken care of sooner than later. Otherwise, you risk the damages getting worse; the need for a simple repair could eventually turn into a necessary roof replacement. That’s where IBEX Roof comes in. We offer routine roof maintenance services and would be happy to inspect your roof to make sure it’s in its best shape. If anything needs repair, we will let you know, and we never offer any services or “upsells” you don’t need.
There are two types of homeowners: those who loves skylights and those who don’t. And the ones who don’t may have some crazy horror stories about leaking skylights.
There are many people out there that assume skylights always leak and most of the time it’s because they had a bad experience. But there are plenty of homeowners who love their skylights and never have any problems. If you’re considering installing a skylight (or two) in your roof, here’s how to prevent a bad experience.
The majority of leaking skylights are caused by bad installations. Make sure you find someone with the right experience to install your skylight, just as you would research the right people to repair or replace your roof! After you’ve found someone who specializes in skylight installations, double check their reviews and references to gain confidence in their work. If a skylight is flashed properly, it will not leak. That’s why doing your due diligence and finding the right contractors is essential when considering a skylight for your home.
Hiring someone local to install your skylight can make a big difference when it comes to a proper installation. Every region will have different factors to consider. For example, the Pacific Northwest gets a lot of rain, so it’s important to ensure that water can properly drain away from the skylight and off the roof to prevent leaks and damage.
Skylights need a lot less maintenance than windows, but should still be maintained. A good rule of thumb is to have your skylight maintained as often as your roof! Any leaves or debris that collects around your skylight, especially around the flashing, should be removed so that water can properly drain away. Having your skylight inspected and maintained regularly will greatly reduce the need for roof repairs from damaged flashing.
Sometimes, a skylight could be leaking from condensation. This is when water from inside your home collects on and around the skylight and drips back down. Rooms with excessive moisture, such as bathrooms or laundry rooms, are prone to condensation, as well as single-glazed skylights. Condensation means that there’s no damage that needs to repaired, and extra ventilation will solve the problem.
If condensation is not the reason for your leaking skylight, then it’s best to call a professional to get it fixed, especially if it’s because of a bad installation or damaged flashing. Some homeowners may try to temporarily fix the problem by using silicone caulk around the glass, but an improper repair could make the situation more costly to fix later on.
Having problems with a leaking skylight? IBEX Roof is here to help! We are highly experienced when it comes to installing and repairing skylights. Call us today to go over the best solution for your home so that you will love your skylight once again, instead of viewing it as a leaky burden!
Skylights are not often the homeowner’s first thought when thinking about their roof, but they can be a really great addition to your home if you’re looking to add some natural light into your home. They are certainly worth considering if you are planning new construction or replacing your roof. Read on to learn about the benefits of skylights and how skylights can add value to your home.
There are many different styles and designs of skylights, but the three most common categories of skylights are fixed, vented, and tubular.
Fixed skylights are windows on your roof that do not open or close. They’re great for rooms that need additional light or rooms with no windows. They can also visually expand closed-in spaces, like hallways, stairwells, or small rooms.
Vented skylights are similar to fixed vents, but they can open and close. Some are designed to open manually, while more expensives ones can be opened electronically. Vented skylights allow airflow into a room; it’s a better option for rooms with excess moisture, such as laundry rooms, bathrooms, or kitchens.
Tubular skylights, from the inside, kind of look like recessed lighting. These types of skylights are ideal for very small spaces, like pantries, hallways, or closets.
So why should you consider adding a skylight to your roof? If you live in an area like Vancouver, Portland, or anywhere in the Pacific Northwest, skylights can help bring in that extra bit of sunlight you’re missing during those rainy and cloudy days we have so much of.
Installing your skylight towards a certain direction can also have different benefits. For instance, south-facing skylights help let in more heat during cold winters. East-facing skylights allow more light and heat in the mornings, whereas west-facing skylights allow more light and heat in the late afternoon. And if you’re looking for something more subtle, north-facing skylights allow a pleasant illumination without allowing too much heat in or out.
It may not make that much sense to install a skylight the week before putting your home on the market. But if there are spaces in your home that could use some brightening up, then adding a skylight will definitely add value in the long run. You should also consider the region you live in; hot climate regions probably don’t need extra skylights if you’re looking to keep your home nice and cool. But here in the Pacific Northwest, skylights make a big difference in adding light into the home, especially during the long periods of rain we get.
The team at IBEX Roof are experienced professionals who can help you determine the best place to install a skylight on your roof. We make sure to minimize the impact on your existing roofline, and we can also help you maintain your skylights to reduce the need for repairs. Give us a call today, or fill out our contact form, to learn more about our skylight installation and maintenance services!
While many homeowners like to take on do-it-yourself projects in their home renovations or repairs, the roof can be a tricky and dangerous portion to DIY, especially if you’ve never done it before. There’s a lot to keep in mind, including knowing how much material to purchase for your project. If you don’t get enough shingles, you’ll have an unfinished roof while you wait for more to arrive. But too many and you might be stuck with a pallet of shingles in your garage for the next 20 years!
When looking at roofing materials, or even speaking with roofing contractors, you may have heard the term “roofing square”. It might sound like we’re talking about your roof in square-feet or square-yards, but in fact, one roofing square equals to 100 square feet. As you can imagine, not knowing the true value of the roofing square size could cause problems when ordering roofing materials.
You can figure out how many roofing squares you’ll need for your roofing project by measuring the length, width, and slope of your roof. However, getting those measurements can be dangerous. We always recommend hiring a professional roofing contractor to help measure and work on your roof. However, if you decide to do it on your own, make sure to always take the proper safety precautions to avoid serious injury.
To figure out how many roofing squares you’ll need, you must calculate the measurements of your roof. Getting the most basic measurements of your roof is pretty straightforward: take the length and width of each roofing plane, including dormers, and multiply them together (L x W). After you’ve calculated the square footage of all your roofing planes, add the numbers together and divide by 100 to convert the square footage to roofing squares.
For example, 2500 square feet of roof = 25 roofing squares.
After you’ve gotten your roof’s basic measurements, you still have to consider the pitch, or slope, of your roof. Basically, the steeper the roof, the more materials you’ll need. The slope of a roof is calculated by rise over run, and you can calculate this using a level and tape measure.
At the peak of your roof, hold your level horizontally from your roof in a straight line. This is the run. Then use your tape measure to measure the vertical distance, or rise, between the middle of your level and your roof. Once you have the slope measurements, there are many free roofing square calculators online that will help determine how much materials you’ll need for your roof.
You can avoid the hassle (and dangers) of calculating the size of your roof by calling a certified roofing contractor. Whether you’re in Vancouver, WA, Portland, OR, or the surrounding area, IBEX Roofing is here for you! We’ll go over your roofing project with you and take care of everything, from ordering the right amount of materials to cleaning up the debris at the end of the project. Call our Vancouver office at (360) 218-3108 or our Lacey office at (360) 352-1885 to get a free estimate today!
