We always recommend getting your roof repaired when it’s damaged, even when the damage is small. There are plenty of ways for a small roof issue to turn into a bigger problem. But if there is one problem you especially want to avoid, it’s animals getting into your roof. Missing shingles, small holes, and even excess debris can all be inviting signs for animals to come and take over.
Squirrels are one of the most common roof pests and they like to chew on almost everything. Once they get onto your roof, they will chew on shingles, underlayment, soffit, fascia, and even electric wiring. They are also nesters and will take residence in your attic, especially in colder seasons when they need a warmer home. A great way to prevent squirrels from making a nest in your home is by trimming back tree branches that are hanging over your roof. Also make sure to patch any holes, even small ones, which can serve as entryways for critters to get inside your home.
Not only do raccoons like the chew but they also have hands that can rip things up. Because they are bigger creatures than squirrels, they can do a lot more damage in a short amount of time. Additionally, they may rip up the insulation in your attic to make their nests. Just like squirrels, prevent raccoons entry into your roof by making sure there are no holes or possible ways of entry into your attic. Garbage cans and compost piles can sometimes attract raccoons so it is best to make sure they are covered or properly enclosed when near your house.
It’s common for birds to make nests inside gutters which can block water from properly flowing away from your roof. You can discourage birds from nesting around your home by keeping your roof and gutters clear of debris, specifically twigs, leaves, and pine needles.
Mice, rats, and bats have the ability to get into dime-sized holes, so it is best to repair any holes in your roof, especially your soffits. These rodents will make nests in your attic, within your walls, and even in your vents. Additionally, mice are very quick to reproduce, leading to bigger pest problems.
If animals have already invaded your roof, the first number you should call is your local animal control. Nothing can be done to fix your roof or any other damage until all wildlife is out of your home. If animal control is unable to help, you may have to call a private animal removal service. After there are no longer any animals in your roof, call your local roofing contractor to inspect and repair your roof before further damage is done.
If your roof has already been rampaged by critters, give IBEX Roof a call (once all the animals are out!) and we will come to inspect the damage. We will then let you know what’s the best way to repair your roof or, depending on the damage, if you’re better off with a replacement.
The best way to prevent roof damage from small pests and animals, of course, is to properly maintain your roof before any pests arrive. This will prevent the most headaches while reducing the costs of fixing the damage. Schedule an inspection today so that your roof has no openings for animals to get in! You can even sign up for annual cleaning and maintenance so that your roof is always in tip-top shape. Give our office a call today at 360-218-3104.
Is your roof properly ventilated? We sure hope so! Roofs without a proper ventilation system can cause condensation inside your roof, reduce shingle life, and overall decrease the lifespan of your roof.
One of the most common types of roof vent is a static vent, also known as a box vent. If you have this type of vent on your roof, it probably looks like a row of boxes on top of your house. What you see, though, aren’t the actual vents, but the covers that go over them. Because static vents are basically holes in your roof, it’s important to protect them from the elements. A roof vent cover will keep out rain, snow, sleet, and hail from entering your attic and keep it leak-free.
Those boxes you see on top of your roof are actually vent covers that go over the vents themselves. Because static vents are basically holes in your roof, it’s important to protect them from the elements. A vent cover will keep out rain, snow, sleet, and hail from entering your attic and keep it leak-free.
One thing we see often when performing roof inspections are plastic vent covers, sometimes called an attic vent cover, that are cracked and damaged. Plastic vents crack easily from UV rays and wear out pretty quickly. And once your vent cover cracks, your exhaust vent is more susceptible to leaks.
Metal covers are better to cover your vents because they don’t crack like plastic. But when it comes to metal vent covers, there are a variety of types you can choose from. One of the main problems with metal covers is that they can rust and be an eyesore on your roof. That’s why IBEX Roof only uses enamel baked metal vents. These types of metal vents have a thick coat of paint on the metal that prevents rusting and last longer. In fact, they can even last the entirety of your roof’s life and you’ll never have to worry about them.
Today, we’re talking about the boxes that go over static vents on top of your roof, which is the type of vents many of our customers have. But there are actually many different ways you can install a proper ventilation system on your roof, including soffit vents, ridge vents, flapper vents, and more. IBEX Roof is here to offer the best roofing solutions that work for your home. Whether you’re looking to replace your static vent boxes or need to update your roof’s ventilation system, we’re on top of it! Give us a call today at 360-218-3134 or contact us online for an estimate!
Just as people have to occasionally replace their worn-out shoes, the exhaust pipes on our roofs may need an occasionally re-boot! Repairing broken or damaged pipe boots on your roof is actually a very easy fix. Like most small roof issues, though, they can lead to big problems if not addressed right away.
Pipe boots are the flashing material that surrounds the base of your exhaust pipes on top of your roof. Their purpose is to waterproof your vent pipes and prevent leaks into your roof and ceiling. Without them, there is nothing preventing water and debris from making their way into the seam where your pipe meets the roof.
It is normal for pipe boots to deteriorate over time; this could be from the natural expanding and contracting of roofs, sun exposure, or other extreme weather conditions. It could also be from excess debris or small animals.
Ignoring a broken pipe boot, like most roofing problems, can only lead to other types of damage in your home. It’s kind of like using an umbrella with a hole in it- you’re going to get wet! Some signs that there may be something wrong with your pipe boot include:
If you see any of these signs in your home, call your local roofer right away.
The good news is, getting a pipe boot replaced is a very easy process and doesn’t take very long at all. Just give us a call and we’ll be in and out (or rather, up and down!)
Because damaged pipe boots are one of the most common reasons for roof leaks, it’s an important part of your roof to keep an eye on. And the best way to keep an eye on all parts of your roof is to get annual roof inspections. In addition to looking at your pipe boots, IBEX Roof will also assess the rest of your roof on the inside and outside; we want to make sure everything is in its best shape. Not only will a roof inspection give you peace of mind that your roof is working, but it will also help prolong the life of your roof by catching any problems earlier than later.
If your pipe boots need replacing or if you’re due for a roof inspection, give IBEX Roof a call at 360-218-3104.
Chances are, you will know when you need an emergency roof repair when it happens. After all, it’s an emergency! Some major examples of when you’ll need an emergency roof repair include, but are not limited to:
Any type of roof problem, small or big, should always be addressed right away. So what exactly constitutes an emergency roof repair? A roof repair becomes an emergency when penetrations in your roof allow water to infiltrate your home and when damage rapidly worsens. Some problems you may experience during an emergency roof issue are:
There are times when you may need an emergency roof repair that your roofer cannot properly assess the damage and make a repair away. Severe weather conditions, animal infestations, or major structural damage are all different reasons why this may be the case. If we are unable to make a repair right away, we may suggest using some temporary solutions in the meantime until we can implement a more permanent solution.
If there is a hole in your roof, we may cover it with a tarp or another type of protective cover to prevent anything from getting into your home.
If you are experiencing leaks in your home during severe weather conditions, use large buckets or bowls to catch the leaks. Drain any pockets of water trapped in your drywall by poking a hole with a pencil or screwdriver and catching the water into a bucket.
If you have an animal infestation in your roof, you may need to call your local animal control before a roofer can fix your roof.
No one usually plans for an emergency roof repair, but it’s always good to keep your local roofer’s number handy when you need it! IBEX Roof is proud to serve the Vancouver and Portland communities and that our customers trust to call us for all their roofing needs, emergency or not. To learn more about our roofing services, from inspections to roof replacements, give us a call today at 360-218-3104!
Don’t wait until you have a roofing emergency to find and hire a professional roofer! Even if you don’t need any roofing services today or tomorrow, it’s always handy to have a roofer’s number on hand. The friendly staff at IBEX Roof can be reached at 360-218-3108 and are happy to be on standby for your roofing needs.Â
Never hired a roofer before? No problem – here is what to expect when hiring for a roof repair.
Even if a roofing problem seems small, you’ll want to find someone who knows what they’re doing. Otherwise, what could have been a small repair may turn into a more costly roofing issue! When looking for a roofer, make sure to find someone who is local and has the right certifications and business licenses. Don’t be afraid to ask for references and reviews, and always ask for proof of bond and insurance.
Once you’ve found the right roofer for the job, they will inspect your roof and provide a quote for your roof repair. Ideally, you will get an itemized estimate so that you know what the scope of roof work needs to be done to your home.
Roof repairs range from replacing a few missing shingles to replacing rusty flashing to re-sealing your chimney, skylights, or vents. You likely won’t need to wait for us to order parts or materials as you would during a roof replacement, and most repairs can be finished in less than a day. Most roofers don’t need homeowners to be present during a repair. In fact, you may prefer to schedule your roof repair during a time you’re not home to avoid any loud noises.Â
IBEX Roof has our professional practice down to a science. If you are having an issue with your roof, call our office at 360-218-3108 to let us know what the problem is. From there, we will come and perform a thorough inspection to assess the situation. We then will give you an estimate and let you know exactly what type of works needs to be done; it’s very important to us for our customers to be on the same page as us! If there is anything we need from you, we will also let you know.
Remember – not all roofing issues can be seen from the ground and by the time you notice there’s a problem, it could have been there for a while. That’s why we recommend getting annual inspections for your roof and gutter system, especially if your roof is 10+ years old. Not only does this help your roof last longer, but it will also save you money in the long term!
It’s not always easy to determine whether or not you need to replace your roof or if you can get away with a quick repair. Every roof and situation is different. IBEX Roof is here to help guide you towards the right decision.
The average roof may last around 25 years if you’ve properly maintained it over time and there were no outstanding circumstances that might have damaged it. After having your roof for 15 years, it’s time to start getting serious about scheduling annual inspections for your roof to ensure that it’s still protecting your home. If everything is in good shape or if there are small, localized areas of damage, then a repair is likely your best option.
After your roof is past 20 years old, though, it’s time to start considering and saving up for a replacement in the near future. Even though a roof replacement seems like a large investment, it is often more beneficial to get a full roof replacement after a certain time than to continue getting repairs.
If you’re thinking of moving soon, it can be hard to decide whether or not to replace a roof, especially if your roof is older but still in passable shape. A few factors to consider include:
HomeAdvisor reported that a new roof can improve a home’s resale value by almost $12,000. Additionally, a new roof could also improve your home’s curb appeal to potential buyers and most warranties are transferrable. However, every housing market and neighborhood differs; a realtor would be able to advise you on whether a repair or replacement will be best for your house.
Sometimes, there is no way around it: you NEED to get your roof replaced. Some reasons to replace your roof as soon as possible include:
These are just a few obvious reasons your roof needs replacing, but remember – not every roof replacement has to be an emergency! Stay proactive with the health of your roof by schedule routine inspections.
Not every roofing problem means you have to get a replacement. Some of the most common types of roof repairs are:
It’s not easy to spot areas of your roof that needs to be repaired from the ground or with an untrained eye. That’s why getting annual roof inspections is so important! If you think your roof may be due for a repair or replacement, call our friendly staff at IBEX Roof today.
If some of your roof shingles look like they have droplets of water on them, but there’s no rain, it could be blisters on your asphalt shingles. You may notice this problem more during the summer as heat and moisture are what causes shingles to blister. However, if you haven’t taken the time to have your shingles checked out, now is an excellent time to schedule a roof inspection!
There are two main reasons why asphalt shingles will blister. First, it could simply be from trapped moisture during the shingle’s manufacturing process. The trapped moisture will try to evaporate under the sun’s heat, causing your shingles to blister. The second reason is poor ventilation. If your roof is poorly ventilated, intense heat can cause blistering asphalt shingles, as well as damage to your attic siding and roof’s edges.
Blistering asphalt shingles definitely do not help your home’s curb appeal, but it’s not just a simple cosmetic problem. If any blisters on your shingles pop, those areas of missing granules will start to deteriorate faster. This will affect the longevity of your roof and could lead to a roof leak. Prevent blistering shingles from popping by staying off your roof and keeping it clear of debris.
If you see any blistering asphalt shingles on your roof, don’t fret! Schedule an inspection with your local roofing contractor to make sure your shingle granules are intact and replace any damaged shingles. It’s also vital to also make sure any underlying problems, like if you have a poorly ventilated roof, are resolved. Otherwise, your shingles may start blistering again.
When you see damaged or cracked shingles on your roof, call IBEX Roof right away! We specialize in roof maintenance, repair, and replacements, and service the regions around Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA. Get a free estimate for your next roofing project by filling out our online form today!
Earlier this week we talked about how to tell the difference between algae, moss, and mold on your roof. Now that you know the difference, here’s what to do when you know what you’re dealing with!
Algae and moss growth is more commonly found on roofs than mold but is often confused for mold. Although it may be ugly, having algae or moss are less damaging to roof shingles than mold. It’s still a good idea to get it cleaned right away, though, to prevent more growth which can lift shingles and cause debris to get stuck underneath.
Oxygenated bleach or trisodium phosphate (TSP) mixtures can be used to remove algae or moss growth on your roof. Some contractors may also recommend using a 50/50 mixture of bleach and water. However, it’s important to be mindful of using any chemical treatment, as the water runoff can damage any metal, wood, or landscape around your home. Always read the directions to make sure you’re using the right amount of treatment. Or, call a professional roofer and they will take care of all the cleaning for you!
Unfortunately, mold is a whole different story from algae and moss; the solution might not be as simple as just getting rid of it. Mold that grows anywhere in your home indicates there are ventilation and moisture issues. Even if you get rid of the mold on the surface, it can come back if you don’t resolve those underlying issues. Another big issue with mold is that if you discover it too late, it could have damaged or rotted construction material that will need to be replaced.
Because mold growth is a dangerous health hazard, we do not recommend you clean it yourself. Instead, call a licensed professional who can pinpoint the source, assess the damage, sanitize the affected areas, and let you know what other steps you need to take to prevent mold from growing back.
While there are different things you can do to both prevent and treat algae and mold on your roof, there are also some methods that you should never consider. This includes:
Pressure washing: What looks like your roof being cleaned is really granules on your shingles being destroyed. Pressure washing is an easy way to decrease the lifespan of your roof more quickly!
Aggressive scrubbing: Just like pressure washing, aggressively scrubbing away at your roof will cause your roof to deteriorate more quickly. Scrubbing the wrong way or using the wrong tools can also damage your shingles, requiring repair sooner than later.
Using harsh chemicals: There are a lot of different cleaners out there, some chemicals harsher than others. You always want to make sure you’re using the right solution for whatever your roof problem is. It’s also important to remember that any chemical you put on your roof will wash off onto the rest of your home and landscape. By using harsh chemicals, you risk damaging other parts of your home or hurting your lawn and plants.
If you discover mold growth in your home, it’s best to call a professional right away to take a look. If caught early enough, you may be able to get it removed easily. But if not, you may be looking at a more costly removal service. That’s why we always recommend scheduling routine cleanings for your roof.
Regular moss or roof cleanings should get rid of any debris that doesn’t belong on your roof and dramatically reduces the chances of mold on your home. We will also inspect your roof during cleanings for any necessary repairs to prolong the life of your roof.
If you do suspect there is mold in your attic or underneath your roof shingles, give IBEX Roof a call at 360-218-3108 to schedule an inspection. Depending on where the growth is (as well as what it is), we can better assess the situation and let you know the best solution.
Having your chimney routinely inspected is just as important as getting your roof inspected, especially if you have an active fireplace in your home. When you don’t regularly maintain your chimney, you could risk small damages becoming bigger and more costly problems.
Most homeowners who have active fireplaces in their homes will hire a chimney sweep to clean and maintain their chimneys at least once a year. This will dramatically prevent the chances of a chimney fire, which occurs when dirt and grime build-up within your chimney.
As professional roofers, we view chimneys as a big part of your roof. After all, it’s literally a giant hole coming out of the top of your home! This makes it a susceptible area on your roof that is prone to leaks and cracks. That’s why we always look for potential roof chimney repairs during inspections, particularly in the following three areas: the flashing, chimney crown, and chimney caps.
The flashing around your chimney is what prevents water from flowing into where your chimney meets your roof. It’s normal for the flashing around your chimney to get worn out over time, especially when it’s facing extreme weather conditions. Minor cracks in the flashing can be repaired using FlashSeal. But severely damaged flashing, or flashing that is improperly installed, can cause leaks and should be replaced entirely.
The chimney crown is a concrete or cement layer that sits on the top of your chimney. It’s designed to protect your chimney from extreme weather conditions and is usually found on larger chimneys. Because it sits on top of your chimney, it’s pretty difficult to see if your chimney crown is damaged without getting on top of your roof to take a look. Small cracks in the crown can be repaired as they appear over time; heavily damaged crowns should be replaced altogether.
Chimney caps are normally installed directly on top of the chimney crown. They help to prevent birds, small animals, and debris from getting into your chimney, as well as rainwater and snow. This offers extra protection for your chimney and, if damaged, are very easy to replace.
These are just a few of the most common chimney repairs when it comes to your roof. But if you think you have a different problem, give IBEX Roof a call at 360-218-3108 and we will help you get it fixed!
Leaks around the home don’t just happen overnight. One of the best ways to prevent a leaking roof is through preventative measures; schedule a roof inspection and get minor problems repaired right away! The longer you wait to repair your roof, the worse (and often more expensive) your problems will be later on.
Keeping your roof clear of debris, such as leaves and branches, one of the best maintenance practices for roofs. But keeping your roof clear is for more than just cosmetic reasons and it can make a big difference in prolonging the longevity of your roof! Debris buildup can get caught underneath shingles or around pipe boots and flashings, which can lead to water build-up and leaks when it rains. You should also make sure to cut away any overhanging tree branches over your roof to avoid damaged shingles or, worse, holes in your roof that will need patching.
Caulk is used for sealing gaps and joints around your roof. While it can be used to repair some minor repair leaks, it’s not an ideal long-term solution when your roof is already leaking. However, some leaks on your roof could be caused by old or cracked caulk around your home’s siding, corner boards, window edges, and other adjoining parts of your house. A quick inspection can catch areas that need re-caulking before a leak happens.
Flashing is used around objects that come out of your roof to protect the seams from water runoff. Over time, flashing may also get damaged or cracked and will need replacing. Just like areas on your roof that may need re-caulking, old or damaged flashing can be discovered easily from a quick roof inspection and is relatively inexpensive to replace.
Vent pipes are what let air escape from your kitchen and bathroom to the outside of your home. They’re a common source for leaks in the home; it’s possible for the seals around your roof vents to get damaged over time, especially if you live in a region with extreme weather conditions. If damaged vents don’t get fixed soon, it could leak to mold and wood rot to your home. That’s why we always check around your vents during a roof inspection. The repair could be as simple as fixing the flashing around the vent or replacing the vent housing if it’s cracked. However, if your vent is damaged itself, then you should replace it as soon as possible.
It won’t be long until we start getting more rain around here in the Pacific Northwest! That’s why now is the perfect time to schedule a routine roof inspection. Avoid any roof leaks this winter by calling IBEX Roof today. We will make sure your roof is set to protect your family for years to come. Give us a call today at 360-218-3194 or fill out our online form for a free estimate!
