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!
Just like any home building or remodeling project, choosing the right roof shingle colors for your home can bring on analysis paralysis; there are quite a few colors to choose from! Reds, grays, blacks, and greens…you may be wondering if it’s possible to choose the wrong color. While it seems like a daunting decision to make, IBEX Roofing is here to share advice on how to choose the right roof color for your house.
If you’re having difficulty narrowing down your choices, look at the roof shingle colors around your neighborhood. For those that live in a neighborhood with a homeowners association (HOA), you’ll need to make sure you are following along any rules and bylaws that may limit your color choices.
Even in a neighborhood without an HOA, it’s still a good idea to walk around and see what roof colors your neighbors have. Getting a color that doesn’t match with the homes beside you may make your house look like it doesn’t belong. However, if you live in a neighborhood where the houses are spread out and everyone has different colored roofs, then feel free to get creative!
Light-colored roofs reflect light and dark-colored roofs absorb light, which could slightly affect the temperature of your attic if you live in an area with extreme climates. Generally, light-colored roofs are recommended for those who live in hot climates and dark-colored roofs are recommended for those who live in cooler climates. However, it’s important to remember that proper ventilation and insulation are key ingredients to maintaining your attic temperature and keeping your home energy efficient.
You may have noticed that some options for roof shingle colors are either solid or blended. This can make a big difference on your home’s curb appeal, but how do you know which one will look the best?
Solid roof colors will always look best on homes with multiple shades of brick or various types of siding. Having a solid color will balance out your home, where as blended roof may appear too busy. However, blended roofs can vastly increase your curb appeal if your home has very plain siding. If you feel that your plain-looking home needs a little face lift, then a blended roof may just be the way to go!
Not all roof shingle colors are available in every area, although it depends on the color and manufacturer. That’s why it’s a good idea to choose 2-3 colors that you like, and your roofing contractor will make sure to get the one you want.
If you’re struggling on how to choose the right roof color for your house, IBEX Roofing is here to help. After all, we’ve seen a roof or two! While we can’t make the final decision for you, we can help give you options and narrow down your choices so that you feel happy with your roof.
Every home needs a roof, and it’s not uncommon for homeowners to experience roofing problems at the times they least expect it. Maybe there’s a sudden water leak in your home. Or maybe a tree fell during yesterday’s storm and caused some major damage. In these cases, even waiting a few days or weeks to get your roof fixed is not an option. In fact, letting too much time pass when you are in need of major roof repair can end up causing even more damage. This will ultimately cost you more money to get it fixed.
While being able to pay for a roof replacement or roof repair in full is ideal for most homeowners, having to unexpectedly do so is not necessarily in everyone’s budget. The good news is that there are many roofing companies that offer financing options.
Many roofing companies that finance want to help homeowners work within their realistic budget. Before you consider financing, assess what your current budget is for a new roof. Your roofing contractor can then work with you to find the right materials that will fulfill your roofing needs while staying within your budget. Once we’ve determined the materials and cost of your roofing project, we can then move to financing options.
Consider what your best options are; there will always be a few choices when it comes to new roof financing or financing a roof repair. If your roofing issues are not urgent, spend some time saving up for a repair. But if the cost of financing your roof will be less than letting your roof sit and suffer more damage, then that is likely the smartest decision to make. Always look at interest rates carefully; if those rates are going to be through the roof, then you might want to look at other options elsewhere.
Paying for the roof that will protect your home should never be a burden. That’s why IBEX Roofing is here to help you explore your options. We can help assess any damages on your roof and advise the best course of action. We also give our costs up front so you don’t have to worry about additional surprises. Give us a call today; we’ll get you an estimate on your next roof replacement or repair and we will also be happy to go over a financing plan that will work for you.
Finding the right roofing contractor you can trust to take care of your home is not always an easy task. This is especially true if there is damage on your roof that needs to be addressed right away. As always, there are some requirements you should require all contractors to have: their state business license, bond, liability insurance, and worker’s compensation for employees.
Another qualification you should look for is CertainTeed Select Shingle Master™. CertainTeed has been part of the building materials industry for 115 years and offer several accreditations for residential and commercial roofers. So what makes CertainTeed’s Select Shingle Master™ special? Well, it’s one of the highest credentials a residential roofer can receive! Here are a few reasons why to choose a contractor who is a CertainTeed Select Shingle Master™.
There are many types of CertainTeed qualifications: Silver and Gold Star Contractors™, Shingle Masters™ (SM) and Select Shingle Masters™ (SSM). Only the top 1% of roofers nationwide are CertainTeed Select Shingle Masters™; find them all on CertainTeed’s website and search to see who is local.
Select Shingle Masters™ are take rigorous tests on our roofing and product knowledge to ensure that our customers get the best quality installation for their home. Select Shingle Master’s™ also must prove they have proper insurance, including general liability and workers’ compensation. That means CertainTeed has already vetted your contractors for you, and you don’t have to stress about the paperwork.
CertainTeed will also follow up with their Select Shingle Masters™ by performing random roof inspections on completed jobs. This ensures that we are providing consistent quality. Select Shingle Master’s™ also need to maintain good ratings through third party surveys.
Hiring a CertainTeed Select Shingle Master™ isn’t about just feeling confident in your contract. You get to reap extra benefits: CertainTeed backs up a 25-year workmanship warranty. Our customers also get a longer product warranty of 50 years against manufacturing defects.
IBEX Roofing has been accredited as a CertainTeed Select Shingle Master™ contractor since 1969. It is our mission to deliver only the best to our customers and that is evident in our 4.96 out of 5-star rating on the CertainTeed website. So if you in the Vancouver and Portland area and are looking for someone to help you with your roofing needs, give us a call today!
Roof vents are part of a complete roofing system, yet not all homes are properly vented and that can cause major problems. Whether you live in an area with a hot climate or cold climate, a roof ventilation system helps to maintain temperatures in your attic or roof deck to prolong the lifespan of your roof.
There are two main parts to your roof’s ventilation system: the intake vents and the exhaust vents. Intake vents allow cool air into your attic or ventilation space and exhaust vents blow hot air out. Thus, you have a proper ventilation system.
For most homes, soffit vents are the most popular type of intake vent because they are easy to install and hidden from sight. Many people also like choosing ridge vents as their exhaust vent, as it is also practically invisible and allows continuous airflow. However, ridge vents may be costly to retrofit on an existing roof and it’s not always the most practical choice. There are many types of intake and exhaust vents and the best type of each for your home ultimately depends on the style and shape of your roof.
It’s possible to have an unvented roof. However, there are downsides, especially if you live in an area with humidity, rain, or snow. If you don’t have a roof ventilation system, you need to keep your roof deck warm enough to prevent condensation within your roof. There are ways to do this, but the warmer temperatures can reduce shingle life. Furthermore, installing an unvented roof can actually void or limit the manufacturer’s warranty on your roofing shingles.
As mentioned before, a roof ventilation system helps your roof last longer. Roof vents help to control moisture that could otherwise lead to wood rot or mold. In freezing temperatures, it prevents ice dams from forming on the edges of your roof, which can get underneath your shingles and cause structural damage to your home.
In hot temperatures, your roof vents will also maintain the temperature of your home so that your shingles don’t bake under the sun and get damaged. It also vastly helps with energy costs; without a proper ventilation system, the heat in your attic will build up which will wreak havoc on your A/C bill!
If you currently have an unvented roof, IBEX Roofing can help you determine the best way to install a roof ventilation system to help protect your roof from extreme temperatures. We can also recommend the best solutions to repairing or replacing existing vents if you are experiencing any issues.
