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.
When a homeowner notices their bathroom ceiling leaking, their first thought might be to call the plumber. But sometimes, a wet bathroom ceiling is actually caused by a roof leak.
Pipe boots are a type of flashing that is used around exhaust pipes that come out of your roof, and they’re usually the culprit when your roof is leaking above your bathroom. Over time, old pipe boots can corrode and breakdown from ultraviolet rays. You can tell if your pipe boot needs to be replaced just by looking at it; if it’s cracked and broken, then it needs to be replaced.
The downside is, pipe boots often do not last as long as the roofs they are installed on. While you can replace a damaged pipe boot with a brand new one, we recommend installing ultimate pipe flashing instead. Ultimate pipe flashing is made of silicone and it stands up to a variety of weather conditions. These last a lot longer than regular pipe boots and you won’t have to worry about your bathroom ceiling leaking.
If you take a look at your pipe boot and it’s not necessarily broken or cracked, there could be other reasons why it’s causing a roof leak over your bathroom. If improperly installed, debris may get caught between the pipe boot and shingles, causing water to build up during heavy rainfalls and leaking into your roof. To repair, clear out the debris between the pipe boot and surrounding shingles. Then, cut the shingles back 1 inch from the base of the flashing and put a thin layer of caulk underneath the shingles. This will allow more room for water to flow around your pipe flashing without trapping debris between the spaces.
Another reason why your roof might leak above your bathroom is from exposed nails that have corroded. If exposed nails were not properly caulked, the nail heads with break down and your roof will leak. Replace any corroded nail heads with new roofing nails. Seal the new nails, as well as any old nail holes, with a little bit of caulk.
While some pipe boot problems are easily fixable, it’s important to take the right safety measures and precautions before climbing on top of your roof. Never climb your roof in the rain or if your roof is still wet from rainfall.
If you are not comfortable climbing your roof or if your roof is very steep, give IBEX Roof a call. We will be happy to inspect your roof to confirm the source of your leak and fix it the right way so that your roof will continue to last through the years.
Metal roofs are known to be durable and last a long time, but that doesn’t mean they never leak. Regardless of the material its made of, harsh weather patterns and other natural conditions can impact your roof.
After a few decades, your metal roof may have oxidized and deteriorated to the point it’s not worth repairing or restoring. In this case, you’ll simply need to get a replacement. Metal roof leaking can also be caused by loose fasteners, gaps in the seams, or damaged flashing.
The best way to prevent a potential leak is to stay proactive and practice routine maintenance for your roof. Just like an asphalt roof, you’ll want to keep your roof clear of debris. Trim back any overhanging tree branches and blow away any leaves and dust. Routine inspections can help catch a lot of small and easily fixable problems right away. Loose fasteners can be tightened, damaged flashing can be repaired, and even oxidation can be repaired if caught early on.
Making small repairs before they become worse problems is key to a long lasting roof and can dramatically decrease the chances of your metal roof leaking. The longer you wait, the more damage you risk.
The most common reason why standing seam metal roofs leak is from faulty flashing. Metal flashing is used to cover joints in the roof and need to be sealed to keep water out. Temperature changes can lead to metal roofs expanding and shifting, wearing away the sealant and breaking down the flashing. It’s also possible to experience a leak if your flashing wasn’t properly installed.
Loose fasteners are another typical reason why metal roofs may leak. Tightening fasteners is part of the normal maintenance routine for metal roofs about every 10-15 years. If you live in an area with a lot of snow or freezing rain, then you may need to tighten the fasteners more frequently, as water expands when it freezes and can loosen the fasteners more quickly.
Another possibility for your metal roof leaking is a gap in the seams where the metal panels meet. Seams can separate over the years from severe weather conditions and old age. Small gaps can be fixed without replacing the panel, but large gaps and dents may require that section of the roof to be replaced.
Lastly, oxidation in your metal roofing can turn into holes that allow water to leak if not restored or repaired early on. If you notice your roof becoming dull and faded, or the paint has started to oxidize, you can restore the metal by washing it and applying a new protective coating to seal the unprotected metal.
These are some of the more common reasons why metal roofs may start leaking. However, leaks could also be caused by severe damage, too. If you’re unsure of why your metal roof is leaking or where the source of the leak is, give the roofing experts at IBEX Roof a call. Whether you need a simple repair, a roof restoration, or a roof replacement, we will let you know the best way to move forward.
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.
