Do you have a room in your home that seems dull and gloomy? Why not install a skylight to add some cheery vibes to it? Skylights not only make a space bright and sunny but also make it appear spacious with fresh air ventilation. Here are some factors to consider if you are planning on adding a skylight to your roof.
Skylights are a good source of letting in natural light; however, on days when the sun is too bright, especially in summer, it can make your home excessively warm and uncomfortable. Not only this, but unfiltered sunlight can cause discoloration of upholstery, rugs, and curtains. Therefore, when installing skylights, get a UV filter or shade installed with them to lessen the impact of sun exposure.
Skylights come in different styles and shapes; however, if you want your home to be cool and bright, go for ventilated skylights, preferably with an automatic mechanism. When the weather gets too hot in summer, it’s nice to open the skylights to let in some fresh air. Not only does this lower the internal temperature of your home, but ventilation helps keep the interior fresh and moisture-free.
The shape of the skylight plays an important role in lighting up your room. For instance, if you want a skylight that spreads light all over the space, install a skylight with flares, like a pyramid or dome-shaped skylight. If you want to focus on a particular area of the room, get a skylight with straight sides so that the light can linearly enter the room.
Another thing you should consider when installing skylights is the type of roof your house has. If your home has a stick-framed roof built using individual rafters spaced 4 feet apart, there’s plenty of room to cut and fit a skylight between the rafters. However, if your house has a truss-framed roof, you cannot cut the trusses after installation, as it can weaken the roof’s structure. So, if you still want to get skylights, make sure they are less than 2 feet wide so they can fit in the space between the beams.
Skylight material is essential in keeping your home comfortable because the last thing you want is your home to become boiling hot. Therefore, when installing a skylight, ensure that it is made with tempered, double-insulated glass with a bronze tint and argon gas between the panes. This type of skylight reduces heat gain and can be installed on any side of the house.
Skylights are quite integral for illuminating your home and keeping it ventilated. However, there are certain factors you should consider before installing a brand new skylight so that it can benefit you and your home’s interior instead of causing issues. We hope these factors are helpful to keep in mind if you’re considering a new skylight. Our team at IBEX Roof is here to answer any of your questions. Just let us know what you need and we’ll make knowledgable recommendations to meet your needs.
If you’ve built a new roof for your house, we recommend inspecting it at least once a year. A bi-annual or annual inspection can help you spot potential issues and get them sorted before they become serious with a huge expense. As a homeowner, you can spot many underlying issues by just going around the house and checking out the roof from ground level or noticing other signs of damage from the inside.
So, how can you inspect your roof by staying on the ground, and what things can a roofer spot by getting up on the roof?
Here’s a list of things you can check for on your roof from the ground or inside:
If you see dark spots or circles on the ceiling or walls inside your home, your roof leaks, causing the water to seep into the walls.
If you notice small clusters of black, dark green, brown, grey, or white spots inside your home, it is a clear sign of mold growth. This is caused by excessive moisture inside the house, probably from the decking under the roof.
If you see your home’s ceiling sagging or light coming through the rafters, there’s either a hole in your roof or the moisture has caused the ceiling to sag. Both these issues are quite severe and call for immediate repairs.
At IBEX Roof, we have a very extensive list we use to evaluate your roof from the top down to inside and out. We never recommend climbing your roof to look for roof damage on your own. Here are the most common signs of damage a professional roofer might find on your roof:
Cracks and blisters in shingles are common and are caused by excessive water accumulation behind the roofing layers. They can also appear due to improper attic ventilation that causes the roof temperature to rise, resulting in cracks and blisters on the shingles.
Another thing to check for is loose nails. These are also caused by moisture and high temperature on the roof and are quite dangerous as loose nails can cause roof components to come undone.
Shingles are embedded with mineral granules that protect them from direct sun exposure and help retain their color. Heavy rainstorms can knock off the granules causing the shingles to wear off faster than usual. Therefore, checking the granule loss level when getting your roof inspected is important.
Flashing is the metal sheet placed under the shingles to prevent snow and water from entering the openings and cracks on the roof. Get your roof inspected for dented or missing flashing and get it repaired because it can lead to more serious issues like rotting wood and water infiltration.
If you’re investing a hefty amount in your home’s roofing, it should last its fullest service life. However, that’s only possible if you inspect your roof regularly, spot signs of underlying damage, and get it fixed right away. We hope our roof inspection checklist will come in handy to keep an eye out for anything funny on your roof. And if you suspect a problem, don’t hesitate to give us a call or reach out online.
The Pacific Northwest region is known for its coastline, mountains, and rainy weather. And pretty much the only kinds of storms you can expect in the cities located in this region are wind and rain storms.
However, these storms can cause potential damage to your roof, even if a roofing contractor has inspected it. Here are some of the common types of storm damage in the PNW region and how to avoid them:
Windstorms are quite common in the PNW region, given the coastline on one side and mountains on the other. Therefore, you can expect a few shingles from your roof to get blown away during a relatively wild windstorm. Roof shingles can get loose over time, and even though they usually would stay in place, strong winds can cause them to become disintegrated and tear off.
Apart from the shingles, a roof is comprised of numerous structural parts, including skylights, felt underlayments, vent pipes, decking, rafters, collar beams, etc. These components can crack or get loose with the passage of time. Strong winds and rain storms make it worse by causing these components to come undone. To avoid this, you should get your roof inspected regularly and get loose parts fixed as soon as possible.
Another storm damage that is quite common in the PNW region is trees falling during heavy storms. If you have large trees around your house, especially old trees, there’s a possibility that they might fall during a spell of strong wind and rain and damage the roof and walls of your house. There isn’t much you can do to avoid this type of storm damage; however, planting trees a little away from your house or cutting down old trees with weak and hollow stumps can help you avoid damage to your home from falling trees.
Rain storms are common in coastal and mountainous regions, and PNW is no different. The area experiences lots of rain all throughout the year. Our roofs have many cracks and crevices, and constant rain can cause water to seep into them. As a result, the wood becomes swollen, causing the nails to come off. Also, water seepage can weaken the entire structure of the roof. The solution? Regular inspection and filling of cracks as soon as you discover them. As for crevices, keep them to the minimum. The fewer the crevices on the roof, the lesser the chance of water getting inside them.
The shingles on our roofs have mineral granules embedded into them to give them color and deflect the sun from the roof. Heavy rain storms can knock off these granules, which get stuck in leaves, pipes, and debris. Granule loss can cause the shingles to wear off earlier than expected. Also, the sun rays are not deflected, causing direct exposure, which can make your home’s interior warmer in the summer. So, if your roof is old or you notice granule loss, it’s time to replace your roof or repair it.
If you’re in the PNW region, you can expect common types of storm damage like shingles tearing off, roof parts coming undone, water seepage inside the house, and shingles wearing off faster due to granule loss. You can lessen the impact of these damages by getting your roof inspected regularly and repaired instantly.
The Pacific Northwest is known for having a temperate oceanic climate with lots of rain and wind. Therefore, PNW residents usually build roofs that can handle moisture and have good drainage. While there are many types of roofs, including concrete, cedar shakes, metal, slate, and asphalt, the 3 most popular roofing types in PNW are:
Let’s go over the properties of each type and see why they are so popular among the people of PNW.
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing option in the Pacific Northwest. They are considered the most versatile type of roofing, available in a variety of different colors and adding a clean and aesthetic look if installed correctly. To build an asphalt roof, you need a fiberglass mat, on top of which the shingles are installed, and a layer of mineral granules is added as a finishing touch.
There are three main types of asphalt shingles:
Even just a decade ago, when people thought of metal roofs, they would think of a shed or outside buildings. However, metal roofing is becoming quite popular in the Pacific Northwest. This is mainly due to its water-resistant properties and also because it is now available in different colors and styles. Metal roofs are one of the best types of roofing because they are unaffected by rain and snow due to closely interlocked panels. They are lightweight, easy to install, deflect heat, and can last for more than 50 years. Plus, they can also be designed to look like wood shake and slate to make your home look aesthetically pleasing.
Cedar shake roofs have been around for more than 300 years and are another popular roofing type in the PNW. They are the pioneers of roofing, giving your home a luxury look and increasing its value. Cedar roofs are expensive compared to other roofing options, but they have a low maintenance cost, save energy, and provide optimum insulation and deflection. However, cedar roofs are prone to mold growth if not installed correctly. But, if you treat the wood with products designed to keep mold and bacteria at bay, they can easily last for 30 to 50 years with annual maintenance.
Living in the PNW means building roofs impervious to rain and wind. Although you will find houses with several different roofing types, asphalt shingles, metal, and cedar shake roofs are the most viable options in the region. If you’re not sure how to choose a roofing type that suits you best, IBEX Roof is here to help. We can find you the right match based on your budget, maintenance capability, and preference!
We understand that a roof replacement is often the last thing on homeowners’ minds. Roofs are a big investment and it’s natural to want to preserve the roof you already have! However, knowing when the right time to get a roof replacement is important when it comes to keeping your home safe and sound. While you may not need a roof replacement quite yet, keep these signs in the back of your mind. That way, you’ll be ready to spring into action when the time for a new roof comes!
It’s common for homeowners to wait until there’s a roofing emergency before considering replacing their roof. But why wait until your home is under distress? When you wait until there’s a big problem with your roof, you’re looking at a more costly repair and replacement. It’s always best to stay proactive so that your home doesn’t get damaged in unexpected ways!
One easy way to keep track of when you need a roof replacement is by knowing how old your roof is. The average asphalt roof will last around 25 years. If your roof is around 25 years old, it’s likely time to consider replacing it! While you may not need a roof replacement exactly at the 25 year mark, that’s a good time to start getting annual inspections and start saving up for a new roof in the near future.
Another sign to consider replacing your roof is if your neighbors are getting their roofs replaced. Usually, homes in the same neighborhood are built around the same time. So if multiple neighbors are replacing their roofs, it’s probably about time for your home to get one, too!
Missing shingles or granules are the beginning signs your roof needs replacing. While missing shingles are a localized repair that can be fixed without a roof replacement, missing granules are a much more serious concern. Granules are what protect your roof from UV rays and other elements; they are also what essentially show your roof’s “age.” The less granules your roof has, the sooner you’ll need a replacement. If you notice granules in your gutters, call your local roofer to see if there’s some type of maintenance to help prolong the life of your roof or to see if you’ll need a roof replacement.
Damaged shingles are not just a sign your roof is in need of replacing, but it’s also an eyesore! Patches of discoloration, curled or cupped shingles, and cracks on your roof are all signs that your roof needs a replacement, especially if you can see these problems from the ground. Contact your local roofer right away if your roof is starting to look worn out; not addressing damaged shingles on your roof can lead to more costly problems, including leaks, organic growth, or wood rot underneath the shingles.
When your roof is allowing water, sunlight, or even a small draft in, it’s probably time for a new roof. Don’t wait until the ceiling of your ground floor is falling apart! Your local roofer will be able to find the source of any leaks during a routine roof inspection. You can also check for leaks on your own by going into your attic. Check for any moisture on the walls or discoloration in the walls or the ceilings, especially after or during a rainy day. If there’s any moisture or sunlight peeking into your attic, or if you can feel a draft coming in through cracks in the ceiling, it’s time to get ready for a new roof!
Sagging or drooping roofs are often a sign of a structural problem with your roof and should NOT be ignored. Sometimes, you can solve a sag in your roof without a replacement if the damage is small and localized. Contact your local roofer as soon as you notice something is wrong with your roof to avoid a more costly replacement.
IBEX Roof is dedicated to serving the communities around Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA. Whether it’s a roof repair, replacement, or just some routine maintenance, we’re on top of it! Give us a call today to schedule an appointment or fill out our online form for a free estimate on your next roofing project.
Our team at IBEX Roof is always here to help make sure your roof is in its best shape to protect you and your family in your home. We always recommend routine roof inspections to stay on top of needed repairs, as this will help your roof last longer. However, we know life can get busy and it’s not always easy to stay on top of your roof! While waiting too to repair your roof can mean needing a roof replacement, it’s always best to do what you can when you can. Check out the before and after of one of our recent roofing projects:
To see more examples of the roof work we’ve done, click here. Helping our communities have safe and secure roofs over their heads is what keeps our team at IBEX Roof going. If you’ve been putting off your roof inspection or much-needed roof work, now is the time to give us a call!
Choosing roof shingles is usually something homeowners need to decide when getting a full roof replacement. There may be instances where you’ll need to choose shingles for a localized repair, too. There’s no right or wrong way on choosing roof shingles for color and style, but here are some tips that might help you narrow down the choices.
There are quite a few ways to eliminate your options when choosing roof shingles. If you live in an area with a Home Owner’s Association, double-check the rules to see if they only allow certain colors. You can also take a look around your neighborhood to see what color roofs people have; you might not want to choose a roof type that is totally different from what’s around you as this can affect both your home’s curb appeal and resale value.
If you already love the roof that you have, your first step may be to try and get the same shingle and color as your old roof. Because your last roof replacement may have been over 20 years ago, though, it’s possible that shingles in that color may not be manufactured anymore! Fortunately, you should be able to find shingles that are similar in color and better designed than your old shingles.
Often, roof replacements will have leftover shingles that will be left with the homeowners. It’s up to you what to do with them, but we recommend saving them in case your roof will need future repair. That way, you don’t have to worry about purchasing new materials or risk not being able to match the right color.
If there’s anyone who can offer a reliable opinion, it’s your local roofer at IBEX Roof. After all, we see a variety of homes and roofs every day of the week! Most roofers will have samples of shingles so you can take an up-close look. We can also advise you on the best way to repair a roof when you can’t find the exact same shingles are your current roof. While we can’t make the final decision for you, we’d be happy to tell you what colors are currently popular and trendy.
If you’ve ever wondered how satisfying it is to treat your roof for moss. the answer is easy — VERY satisfying!
As part of our roof maintenance program, we’ll clean every bit of loose debris from both the roof and the gutters in addition to clearing accumulated moss while keeping your property tidy and your landscaping intact. Because we’re a roofing company and not a cleaning company, we have an in-depth understanding of how to properly clean a roofing system. This means we’ll NEVER:
To learn more about keeping your roof clean, be sure to read our past blog posts:
Is Roof Cleaning Really Necessary?
Is That Algae, Moss, or Mold on Your Roof?
What Does Moss Removal Look like?
The Best Way to Remove Mold on Your Roof
Top 5 Roof Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
When it comes to all roof and gutter matters, our crew at IBEX Roof is on top of it. We know your roofing problems are the last thing you want to think about, yet your roof is an essential part of your home’s safety. Whether you need to treat your roof for moss, repair a few shingles, or get a full-on roof replacement, we’re here to help. Give us a call at 360-218-3134 today to see how we can keep your roof safe and sound all year round.
Your roof is not looking good. Maybe it’s rotting out, there’s wind or fire damage, or animals have pecked and burrowed into it. Regardless, it either needs some major work done to it or to be replaced entirely, but which one? When it comes to extending the life of your roof, roof restoration may be a better option than a complete replacement.
Unsurprisingly, restoring your roof is going to be much cheaper than fully replacing it. Regardless of whether your roof is wood, metal, slate, or clay, new roofs are not cheap.
It’s better for the environment to restore your roof because it reduces waste. A new roof means getting rid of the old roof, which usually means a lot of garbage. Restoring your roof may mean trashing sections of it, but it will be far less waste than removing the whole thing.
The whole idea of roof restoration is to extend the lifespan of your home. This extension, of course, depends greatly on the material used for the roof. But assuming your roof is asphalt (which most roofs are), you could extend its life for 5 to 10 years. This restoration will not only improve the overall health of your home but will also return it to the energy efficacy that it had when it was new. Saving you money on heating and cooling as well.
The last reason it’s great to restore your roof is that it is far more convenient than a full roof replacement. A new roof can take weeks to install, while a roof restoration should not take longer than a few days depending on the work that needs to be done and the size of your roof.
You are going to want to fully replace your roof when it has extensive damage. For example, if you have a significant fire, water, hail, or high wind damage, it might be time to replace your roof. Think of it like a totaled car. If it is going to be more expensive to restore your roof than to replace it, then it’s time to replace it.
Age is also a factor when it comes to roof replacement, but that varies greatly from roof to roof. If you have an asphalt roof, expect to replace it around the 20-year mark.
First, your roof will get a thorough cleaning. Moss, mildew, lichen, and other debris will be cleaned off. If your roof is metal, any rust that has accumulated will be removed. Then seams, flashing, and fasteners will be checked to make sure they are still sealed. If they are not, they will be resealed. Any sections of the roof will be repaired, which will be the most time-consuming section of the restoration. Once your roof is completely repaired, it will be primed and coated in chemicals that are made to protect your roof from water, plant, and animal damage.
When in doubt about restoring or replacing your roof, give your roofing professionals at IBEX Roof a call. Our number one goal is to help your roof last as long as possible. We present our customers with cost-effective solutions that ensure a reliable roof over their heads. Let us help you find the right roofing solution for you!
Are you tired of dealing with frequent repairs and replacements for your traditional roof? Do you want a roofing solution that is not only durable but also energy-efficient and visually appealing? If so, it may be time to consider a metal roof. Metal roofing has gained increasing popularity in recent years due to its numerous advantages over traditional roofing materials.
In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why metal roofs have become a favorable choice and address common misconceptions associated with them. Read on to discover if a metal roof could be the perfect solution for your home.
Before delving into the benefits of metal roofing, it's important to understand the issues commonly faced with traditional roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles, wood shakes, clay, or concrete tiles. These materials often require frequent repairs or replacements, leading to additional costs and inconveniences.
Wood shakes and tiles are susceptible to rot, warping, and insect damage, making them less durable in the long run. Additionally, clay or concrete tiles are heavy and may require additional structural support for adequate installation.
In recent years, metal roofing has gained significant traction as homeowners seek a reliable and long-lasting roofing option. Let's explore the advantages that have contributed to the rising popularity of metal roofs:
Metal roofs are known for their exceptional durability. Unlike traditional roofing materials, metal roofs can withstand extreme weather conditions, including high winds, heavy snowfall, and hail. With a properly installed and maintained metal roof, you can expect it to last up to 50 years or more. This longevity surpasses that of asphalt shingles, which typically last around 20 to 30 years.
Metal roofs are highly energy-efficient, helping homeowners reduce their carbon footprint and energy bills. The reflective properties of metal significantly reduce heat absorption, keeping your home cooler in hot climates.
This reduces the load on your HVAC system, leading to energy savings. Additionally, metal roofs can be installed with added insulation, further enhancing energy efficiency and comfort.
Gone are the days when metal roofs were limited to industrial or agricultural buildings. Nowadays, metal roofs come in a variety of styles, designs, and colors. You can choose from different metal roof colors to perfectly match the exterior of your home, whether you prefer a classic or contemporary look.
Metal roofs can mimic the appearance of shingles, tiles, or even a sleek standing seam metal roof. The versatility in design ensures that you can achieve the desired curb appeal for your home.
Investing in a metal roof not only offers long-term benefits but also enhances the value of your property. Potential homebuyers recognize the durability and low maintenance aspect of metal roofs, making it an attractive feature when it comes time to sell your home.
One of the myths associated with metal roofs is that they are noisy during rainfall. However, this is not the case. With advancements in insulation and soundproofing technologies, the noise generated by raindrops hitting a metal roof is no louder than that of other types of roofing materials.
Contrary to popular belief, metal roofs are not more prone to lightning strikes compared to traditional roofs. In fact, the non-combustible nature of metal makes it a safe option in areas prone to wildfires. Metal roofs have a Class A fire resistance rating, offering excellent protection.
Apart from their durability and aesthetics, metal roofs boast several environmental benefits:
While the upfront cost of metal roofs may be higher than traditional options like asphalt shingles, the long-term savings they offer outweigh the initial investment. Metal roofs require minimal maintenance, reducing repair costs significantly. Moreover, metal roofs have a longer lifespan, eliminating the need for costly replacements every few decades.
It's also worth noting that some insurance providers offer discounts for homes with metal roofs due to their durability and resistance to weather-related damage. Additionally, certain tax incentives may be available for homeowners who choose to install energy-efficient metal roofs.
Metal roofs can be made from various materials, each with its own advantages and considerations:
| Material | Advantages |
| Standing Seam | - Provides sleek and modern aesthetics |
| - Excellent resistance against water infiltration | |
| - Can accommodate thermal expansion | |
| Metal Shingles | - Resemble traditional roof materials like asphalt shingles |
| - Lightweight and easy to install | |
| Metal Tiles | - Highly durable and long-lasting |
| - Provides a classic, elegant look | |
| Corrugated Metal | - Ideal for agricultural or industrial buildings |
| - Budget-friendly option |
Installing a metal roof requires careful consideration of certain factors:
To ensure the best results, it's essential to work with reputable and experienced contractors for metal roof installation. Improper installation can compromise the performance and durability of the roof.
Regular maintenance involves clearing debris, inspecting for any loose screws or damaged panels, and promptly addressing any issues to prevent further damage. Additionally, applying a metal roof sealant can provide extra protection against leaks and extend the lifespan of your metal roof.
Hearing from others who have switched to metal roofs can provide valuable insight into their experiences. Here are a couple of success stories:
Metal roofs have undeniably established themselves as a superior roofing option, offering durability, energy efficiency, and numerous design possibilities.
Despite initial cost considerations, the long-term benefits outweigh the investment. Additionally, metal roofs contribute to sustainability efforts through recyclability and reduced energy consumption. By choosing a metal roof, you can enjoy peace of mind, aesthetic appeal, and long-lasting protection for your home.
Consider all these factors and consult with a professional to determine whether a metal roof is the right choice for you.
