A leaky roof is one of the last things you’d want to deal with, much less during a rainy season. Unfortunately, we often don’t realize there’s a leak until it…well, starts raining! Urgent roof leak repair is crucial to preventing further damage to your home. Here are some tips on how to stop a roof leak in the rain so that you can minimize the damage to your roof and home.
Portland, Vancouver, and the rest of the Pacific Northwest are well-known to have quite rainy seasons. It’s best to be proactive before those rainy seasons hit! The best way to prevent a leak is to prevent possibilities of damage to your roof and gutters. Keep your roof clear of debris and trim back any overhanging trees. Make sure your gutters are clean so that water can properly flow away from your home. Many homeowners will install gutter guards to help keep their gutters clear of debris.
Check for existing leaks by looking in your attic to see if there are any wet or moldy areas. If you suspect a leak and it hasn’t rained in a while, spray the top of your roof with a hose and check your attic for any wet areas. If there are, then it’s time to call a roofing contractor to fix the problem right away.
Finding a leak in your home during a rainy week (or month) is not ideal, and figuring out how to stop a roof leak in the rain is even less pleasant. Going on top of your roof while it’s raining is very dangerous and NOT recommended. However, there are other steps you can take to deal with a roof leak while it’s still raining.
Drain the walls: If you notice a wet bulge in your ceiling or wall, it’s probably a pocket of water from the leak. Use a screwdriver to poke a hole to drain the water out (make sure to have a bucket to catch the wate) to avoid further damage to your walls.
Protect your belongings: Drop cloths and tarp are helpful items to protect your floors from a leak, and you can use buckets or pots and pans to catch water. Move around your furniture that are near the leak to protect them from getting damaged by water or falling debris.
Find the source of the leak: Usually, roof leaks will start in the attic; once a leak has formed a puddle, it will find its way and start leaking through open areas. Vents, light fixtures, heating registers, and ceiling joints are all possible passage ways for a leak. When you find the source of your leak, wipe up any excess water and clear away wet insulation. Use a bucket to catch leaking water; lay a large baking sheet across the joists and under the bucket to protect your ceiling tile and drywall from breaking underneath.
Other temporary fixes: If you’re still waiting to repair a roof leak while it’s raining, you may want to cover the top of your home with tarp to help minimize the damage. Again, it’s very dangerous to going on your roof without taking the proper safety precautions. It’s best to get a roofer to help, especially if they can’t fix it right away.
Protect your home from damage and leaks by maintaining your roof regularly and fixing small repairs as soon as possible. Not sure where to start? Call IBEX Roof! We are here to make sure homeowners get the most out of their roof. Call for an inspection today and see how we can help keep your roof safe from leaks.
This is a friendly reminder to all our customers out there to get your roof inspected! Roof inspections are quick to schedule and such an easy way to keep your roof in tip-top shape. Just like we have annual physicals for ourselves, think of this as a yearly checkup for your roof!
As mentioned above, we recommend getting a roof inspection at least once a year. This is a great way to check on your roof to see if there are small details that need repair. Some examples include replacing broken shingles, swapping out damaged flashing, or performing a general cleaning to keep your roof clear from debris. While these issues may seem small, they can lead to bigger problems. When you stay on top of your maintenance and repairs ahead of time, you can greatly prolong the life of your roof!
Another instance to call in for an inspection is after a major storm or event that may have affected your roof. If you know a storm is about to hit, you may want to get an inspection to document the state of your roof. Then, it will be easier to file an insurance claim afterward. You can ask your roofer to take photos and assess your roof for damage after a storm as part of your inspection.
Make sure your roofer checks your gutters as part of your roof inspection. Your gutter system plays an important part in keeping your roof safe by diverting water away when it rains. As you can see, a roof inspection is not only meant to find problems to fix on your roof, but it’s also meant to prepare your roof for future challenges!
When it comes to all things roof-related, IBEX Roof is on top of it. We’re here to make sure your roof stands the test of time and lasts as long as possible. Our roof inspections are thorough. No matter what type or size roof you have, we run down the same checklist for all roofs to ensure everything is covered.
If you’re due for a roof inspection, don’t wait. Give us a quick call at 360-218-3104 to schedule your inspection today. It could be the difference that helps your roof last for another five years!
There are many reasons why you may need to replace your roof. Maybe there is damage from a storm, or maybe it’s just from regular wear and tear. But if only part of your roof is worn, can you get away with a partial roof replacement? Or must you replace the entire thing? Read on to learn more.
Partial roof replacements can mean a few different things and usually refer to fixing just a small portion of your roof. Sometimes, it’s as simple as replacing a few missing or damaged shingles. If the underlayment of your roof is still intact, then there is nothing else to fix. This is when it’s useful to have any leftover shingles saved from your last roof replacement; otherwise, your roofer may have to color match your shingles.
Other times, a partial roof replacement requires patching if the underlayment or decking of your roof is damaged. This could be from a fallen tree, a hailstorm, or wood rot. Sometimes, you may not even be able to see the damage below your shingles, which is why we recommend getting an annual roof inspection. If there’s damage below your shingles, your roofer will check for any water damage in your attic. Then, they will let you know the best course of action to patch your roof.
When there is damage on more than half your roof, you are probably better off getting a full roof replacement. Partially replacing half a roof can risk the integrity of your roof and there are no promises it will increase your roof’s lifespan. Even if the initial cost of a partial roof replacement is less than a full replacement, you will ultimately be paying less in the long-term by opting for a complete re-roofing.
Whether your roof needs partial reshingling or a little extra care, IBEX Roof is here for you. Keep our number handy on your fridge or on your phone so that it will be there when you need us. Or give us a call today at 360-218-3194 to schedule a roof inspection and we’ll make sure your roof is ready to go for the winter!
You see your roof every time you drive up to your home, but how often do you actually notice your roof? You know it’s there, but did you stop and think there might be roof damage from wind after a storm? Once a storm has passed, have you thought about needing to get it checked?
The next time there are high winds or a windy storm, take a look at y our roof. It might surprise you but wind can cause damage to your roof. You can get a full assessment of your roof by calling your favorite IBEX Roofers today for a roof inspection! We will come out and let you know exactly how your roof is doing.
Think about how much damage high winds can cause. It can topple trees, even uprooting some, and that is no small feat of strength. If these same winds blow across your roof, you can quickly lose a few shingles. When speeds are exceptionally fast, seeing patches of shingles gone in the aftermath is not surprising. Shingles are going to naturally loosen with time because of temperature changes as they expand and contract. If a strong wind gets under them, these shingles could easily be ripped up, causing further loose shingles. After a lot of wind damage, you could end up with roof leaks, too.
You might think roof damage from wind only happens with hurricane-force winds, but that is not true. Wind speeds between 47-63 mph are the first responsible for bringing down tree branches and blowing off shingles that are already loose. If wind speeds get higher and closer to 75 miles per hour, that’s where you start seeing more significant damage. It would not be surprising to see trees torn down or new shingles ripped off a roof. As wind speeds get closer to 90, you will see even more severe damage, and if winds get over 90 miles per hour, let’s say you will probably be calling your homeowner’s insurance to see if you can file a claim.
When it gets windy outside, pay attention to the wind speeds. If your roof has been exposed to wind that is over 45 miles per hour, you will want to consider getting it checked out, at least to see if you have any missing shingles. In addition to blowing tiles off your roof, you may also be missing granules from shingles. Granules will fall off the shingles with time due to exposure and blow off completely in strong winds. Having a professional inspect your roof is the way to go because even if you don’t see missing shingles, they might see some that should be replaced.
Aside from keeping an eye on wind speeds, there are definite signs to notice when you’re deciding whether to call a pro to come out and take a look at your roof. For example, if debris has landed on your roof, it is a good idea to have it checked.
If you see shingles in your front or back yard, give IBEX Roof a call at 360-218-3108. If any other major weather events occurred alongside the wind like rain, hail, or snow, that’s an even greater reason to get your roof assessed. When in doubt, always call a professional — we are always happy to lend a helping hand!
One way to take advantage of these rainy days is to use them as a tool to monitor the health of your roof. On a good, rainy day, take a look outside to make sure your gutters are allowing water to freely flow through. Additionally, go to your attic to check for any leaks or drafts. If you notice anything out of ordinary, then it’s time to call your roofer to help you decide between a roof repair and a replacement.
Not every leak in your home means you need to start planning for a roof replacement. Small leaks, especially when caught early on, can be fixed in less than a day. Other common roof repairs include:
When you have a large leak or multiple leaks in your roof, it’s time to get a roof replacement, STAT! Fortunately, there are other ways to tell if your roof needs replacing before it progresses into an emergency situation. Such factors include the age of your roof, granule loss, many split or missing shingles, or an improperly installed roof. Our roof inspectors can often tell how much life your roof has left from an inspection. In fact, IBEX Roof follows a thorough evaluation process we use for every roof. From there, we can tell you when you should start considering a roof replacement.
When you have to decide between a roof repair or a replacement, you want to do what makes sense. If your roof only has a few years of life left after a repair is done, it’s probably a better investment to replace your roof altogether. There are many different factors at play when it comes to deciding the best route to choose and that’s why we always recommend getting a roof evaluation first. Our experts at IBEX Roof will inspect your roof and recommend the best course of action for your roof.
Whether you need a roof inspection, repair, or replacement, give our friendly office a call at (360) 218-3194.
What’s your new year’s resolution for 2021? Some of the most common new year’s resolutions include maintaining a healthier lifestyle, improving finances, and making more time for self-care. As roofers, we see the new year as a fresh start and an opportunity for homeowners to plan ahead when it comes to their roof. Actually, it makes a lot of sense to apply many of those common resolutions to your home. By maintaining a healthy roof, you will end up saving a lot of money and reducing the amount of stress in your life. Therefore, here are a few tips on how you can plan ahead and prepare for any roofing problem.
One great way to plan ahead for roofing emergencies is by revisiting your homeowner’s insurance and seeing what is covered. Even just skimming through your insurance policy will make it easier to make decisions in the event your roof gets damaged from a sudden accident or act of nature. In some cases, insurance will only cover for partial damage, and others offer replacements for material matching issues. Some policies cover cosmetic damage, others do not. Familiarize yourself with your policy including the right numbers to call and steps needed to file a claim.
An emergency budget is another helpful way to prepare for any roofing problem or other home projects. It is pretty much impossible to ignore a roofing emergency and they often happen when you least expect it. So why not at least try to prepare a little bit by creating an emergency fund.
Keep your local roofer’s phone number handy so that you can call them the moment you need their services. If you don’t have a local roofer, find one! It takes time to find the right roofer for you and there is no better time than when you don’t have a roofing emergency. When researching roofers, make sure to ask for the proper paperwork and insurance information, as well as referrals.
Speaking of finding the right roofer, consider scheduling your annual roof inspection! This will ensure that your roof is in proper condition to protect your family for another year. Even if you think your roof is in good shape, an inspection can help catch small repairs. This will ensure your roof lasts as long as possible. Even better, schedule a roof cleaning so that your roof is left sparkling clean after an assessment.
It’s not always fun or easy to plan ahead, but doing so can end up saving you a lot of time and money. Our mission at IBEX Roof is to ensure quality roofs over our customers’ heads and with no headaches involved! Give us a call today at 360-218-3108 to learn more about how we can best service your roof and gutters in 2021.
Most roof replacements end with a few bundles of leftover shingles that can be saved for future repairs. We always recommend saving them for a rainy day (literally!). Sometimes homeowners don’t have the extra room to save their shingles or they will repurpose them for something else. Other times, they do save their shingles, which get used up for roof repairs. Either way, what happens when you need a roof repair with discontinued shingles?
It’s not easy to find discontinued shingles, especially if your last roof replacement was done years ago. It’s always worth asking your roofer, though, if they are able to find a match to repair your roof. If they aren’t able to find the exact shingle match, they will do their best to find the closest second. The best way is by looking at the manufacturer of your current shingles as they will most likely have a similar color, if not the same one under a different name. Many manufacturers also have online tools that can show you what different colored shingles will look like on your roof.
While some insurance policies might cover discontinued shingles, many don’t. The best way to find out is by checking the roof repair section of your homeowner’s insurance policy. It should say whether or not they cover the matching of discontinued shingles. More than likely, your insurance will only cover roof work needed to ensure your roof’s safety, and will not cover anything just for aesthetics.
If your roof is over fifteen years old, then consider getting a full roof replacement! This will allow you to choose a new color of shingles and not worry about matching the color of your old ones. Of course, you probably don’t want to replace your roof just for the sake of its color! Book a roof inspection first to see how much life is left in your roof. If your roof is still in pretty good shape, you may want to consider just sticking to repairs with a similar shade of new shingles.
At IBEX Roof, we’ve seen a mismatched roof or two in our time! Although having two different shingle colors doesn’t affect the safety of your roof, we understand wanting to find the best match for your discontinued shingles. If you need a roof repair and your old shingles have been discontinued, we’ll do our best to find the closest match. Nowadays, brands make shingles in all different shades and colors; we know we’ll be able to find something that will make your roof look great. And if you need a roof replacement, we’ve got you covered there, too!Â
Give us a call today at (360) 218-3104 for a free estimate on your next roofing project.
The forecast has been a bit rainy and this is usually when homeowners find out whether or not they have a leaky roof. Once your roof starts leaking, it’s crucial to work fast to prevent the problem from getting worse and to keep your home dry. But what if it’s still raining outside? Is it possible to repair or even install a roof in the rain?
When it comes to residential roofing, almost all roofs can be inspected or repaired in reasonable rainy conditions. In fact, it’s best not to put off any repairs needed on your roof in case it gets worse and quickly turns into a roofing emergency.
Roof replacements, on the other hand, may be more on a case-by-case basis. We do our best to keep track of the weather forecast closer to the dates of any roof replacements. If the weather doesn’t seem favorable as your appointment approaches, we will try to reschedule during a time with better weather. However, sometimes even the forecast gets it wrong! In this case, we take all measures to work quickly and efficiently to deliver you a top-quality roof to keep you and your family dry and safe.
If we had control of scheduling the weather, that would be awesome! But since we can’t do that, the next best thing is for us to keep track of the forecast. The weather changes rapidly especially in the fall and spring, and it’s best to schedule your roof inspections, repairs, and replacements, ahead of time. We usually book up during these times so that we can stay flexible in the event that the weather doesn’t fully comply with our safety practices.Â
Rain or shine, IBEX Roof never leaves our customers hanging. We organize our schedule so that we never have to leave in the middle of a project and we never move on to the next job until yours is complete! The last thing we would ever want is to have a leak in your roof because of the rain. There’s no need to worry about how you can install a roof in the rain because we’re on top of it! If it’s time for your home to get a new roof, give us a call today at 360-218-3104.
What a beautiful week it’s been and we’ve been enjoying roofing in the fall weather. Right now is the perfect time to get your roof inspected, repaired, or replaced, and we promise it’s not just for our sake. Here are three big reasons why fall is the best time to schedule in your roof care appointments!
Now that the weather is cooler and not as hot or humid, it’s the most ideal climate for installing new roofs. Whether that’s too hot or too cold can affect the integrity of shingles and their ability to properly bond. That doesn’t mean that your roof will be installed badly (we are professionals, after all!) but ideal temperatures will ensure that your roof replacement will go as smoothly and swiftly as possible.
Additionally, less rain means fewer chances of inclement weather postponing your roof care. Roof work can be done in light rain, but heavy rainfall and storms can postpone your appointments. When you schedule your roofing to be done in the fall, there’s less chance of your schedule being pushed around.
The biggest reason to prepare your roof in the fall is to get it ready for winter. Inspections ensure that any small damages are repaired and that there are no leaks for when the rain or snow comes. Even if a small area of damage doesn’t seem like a big deal, we highly recommend getting it repaired as soon as possible. Any cracks or open crevices in your roof can be widened by freezing rain or ice, potentially causing leaks. Additionally, pests may use these areas to take shelter in your attic. If that happens, it will be a much bigger problem that will be both expensive and a headache.
There is no better time than scheduling your roofing in the fall. Every roof IBEX Roof climbs gets evaluated under the same thorough assessment. It’s our top priority that your roof keeps your home protected and that you feel prepared for the upcoming winter. Give us a call today at 360-218-3194 to get a free estimate on your next roofing project.
Being long-time roofers, IBEX Roof understands how to expect the unexpected. There are times when we’ve had to act fast in an emergency situation, like when a customer experiences a roof leak or when a roof suffers from storm damage.
The climate of the Pacific Northwest can be quite unpredictable and we do our best to make sure our customers’ roofs are ready to withstand any type of weather. However, some storms end up being more destructive than others, and homeowners are often caught unprepared.
Water damage is usually a result of heavy rainfalls of which we are very familiar with in the Pacific Northwest! If you know a storm is coming or a rainy season is approaching, consider getting a roof inspection to ensure your roof is ready. Not only can heavy rainfall cause damage to your roof, but it can also turn what would be a small repair into major structural damage. Additionally, it’s a lot more troublesome to get a leaking roof fixed while it’s still storming; taking preventative measures and properly maintaining your roof will always be your safest and least expensive option!
Strong winds can damage shingles and rip away gutters, causing aesthetic damage as well as water leaks. Without gutters, water won’t be able to properly drain away from your roof. Aftereffects of wind damage may not seem like a big deal sometimes, but don’t wait to repairs done. Otherwise, you may be looking at way more expensive problems later.
Hail and ice damage may not be very common around here but are not unheard of. Hailstorms can cause granule loss on asphalt roofs as well as create dents in metal roofs. Ice dams, on the other hand, can weigh down gutters or cause water leaks in your roof.
Tornadoes are also quite rare in the Pacific Northwest, but they sure can cause a lot of damage when they hit. If a tornado hits your home, our crew will inspect the damage, make sure your home is structurally sound, and provide you with the best course of action moving forward.
Our professionals here at IBEX Roof are always here for you when you need us, especially in a time of emergency. Keep our number on your refrigerator so that you can call us the moment you need us. In addition to providing an estimate of costs up-front, we also offer financing plans so that getting your roof fixed is not a burden. If your home has suffered from any type of storm damage, give us a call today at 360-218-3104. We will make your home safe and sound again!
