We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: always get your roof fixed the moment you realize there is a problem! Most homeowners only search out professional roofers when there’s a roofing emergency. However, that’s usually when your roofing issue will cost you the most money! By staying proactive and getting routine inspections or maintenance on your roof, you’ll both save a lot of money while ensuring your roof lasts for a long time. Here are a few costly examples of what can happen when you don’t repair or replace a damaged roof in a timely manner.
One of the most common and urgent roofing emergencies homeowners experience with their roofs is leaks. Of course – you can’t really ignore it when water is dripping from your ceiling onto your furniture and floor! Shingles will start to loosen, crack, or even fall off over time. When this happens, water can get underneath the shingles and potentially leak into your home.
If your roof isn’t that old, the repair for damaged or missing shingles is simply replacing the areas that are affected on your roof. But if you are due for a roof replacement, waiting too long will mean a more expensive replacement later on. Roofs are made up of a lot more layers than just shingles; the wood in your roof can rot under the excessive water and moisture, meaning more than your shingles will have to be replaced.
Did you know that when you put off a roof problem, it can turn into a pest problem? Bugs or small animals can make their way through cracks and holes in your roof. As more critters find shelter in your home, the bigger these roof openings can get, allowing bigger animals in. Not only can these uninvited guests make your roof problems worse, but they can also cause electrical and plumbing issues, or other types of damage within your walls.
The average roof can last about 25+ years. However, we can’t always control the weather or other external conditions our roof has to put up with. That’s why, if you think there’s a problem with your roof, get a routine inspection done right away. Most roofers offer inspections for free or for a very low cost; all you have to do is set up an appointment! Missing shingles, rusty flashings, cracked sealants, and exposed nails are all common and easy repairs. But, if you don’t fix them right away, they can turn into bigger problems. Waiting an extra week or month to get your roof fixed could be the difference between needing a repair or replacing your roof altogether.
Whether you need an inspection, roof repair, maintenance, or a full roof replacement, IBEX Roof is here for you! We make sure to deliver the best customer service and professional roof work to our customers. That’s why many of our customers continue calling us for all their roof work! Check out our reviews on Facebook or give us a call today at 360-218-3194 to talk about your next roofing project.
When a homeowner notices their bathroom ceiling leaking, their first thought might be to call the plumber. But sometimes, a wet bathroom ceiling is actually caused by a roof leak.
Pipe boots are a type of flashing that is used around exhaust pipes that come out of your roof, and they’re usually the culprit when your roof is leaking above your bathroom. Over time, old pipe boots can corrode and breakdown from ultraviolet rays. You can tell if your pipe boot needs to be replaced just by looking at it; if it’s cracked and broken, then it needs to be replaced.
The downside is, pipe boots often do not last as long as the roofs they are installed on. While you can replace a damaged pipe boot with a brand new one, we recommend installing ultimate pipe flashing instead. Ultimate pipe flashing is made of silicone and it stands up to a variety of weather conditions. These last a lot longer than regular pipe boots and you won’t have to worry about your bathroom ceiling leaking.
If you take a look at your pipe boot and it’s not necessarily broken or cracked, there could be other reasons why it’s causing a roof leak over your bathroom. If improperly installed, debris may get caught between the pipe boot and shingles, causing water to build up during heavy rainfalls and leaking into your roof. To repair, clear out the debris between the pipe boot and surrounding shingles. Then, cut the shingles back 1 inch from the base of the flashing and put a thin layer of caulk underneath the shingles. This will allow more room for water to flow around your pipe flashing without trapping debris between the spaces.
Another reason why your roof might leak above your bathroom is from exposed nails that have corroded. If exposed nails were not properly caulked, the nail heads with break down and your roof will leak. Replace any corroded nail heads with new roofing nails. Seal the new nails, as well as any old nail holes, with a little bit of caulk.
While some pipe boot problems are easily fixable, it’s important to take the right safety measures and precautions before climbing on top of your roof. Never climb your roof in the rain or if your roof is still wet from rainfall.
If you are not comfortable climbing your roof or if your roof is very steep, give IBEX Roof a call. We will be happy to inspect your roof to confirm the source of your leak and fix it the right way so that your roof will continue to last through the years.
Metal roofs are known to be durable and last a long time, but that doesn’t mean they never leak. Regardless of the material its made of, harsh weather patterns and other natural conditions can impact your roof.
After a few decades, your metal roof may have oxidized and deteriorated to the point it’s not worth repairing or restoring. In this case, you’ll simply need to get a replacement. Metal roof leaking can also be caused by loose fasteners, gaps in the seams, or damaged flashing.
The best way to prevent a potential leak is to stay proactive and practice routine maintenance for your roof. Just like an asphalt roof, you’ll want to keep your roof clear of debris. Trim back any overhanging tree branches and blow away any leaves and dust. Routine inspections can help catch a lot of small and easily fixable problems right away. Loose fasteners can be tightened, damaged flashing can be repaired, and even oxidation can be repaired if caught early on.
Making small repairs before they become worse problems is key to a long lasting roof and can dramatically decrease the chances of your metal roof leaking. The longer you wait, the more damage you risk.
The most common reason why standing seam metal roofs leak is from faulty flashing. Metal flashing is used to cover joints in the roof and need to be sealed to keep water out. Temperature changes can lead to metal roofs expanding and shifting, wearing away the sealant and breaking down the flashing. It’s also possible to experience a leak if your flashing wasn’t properly installed.
Loose fasteners are another typical reason why metal roofs may leak. Tightening fasteners is part of the normal maintenance routine for metal roofs about every 10-15 years. If you live in an area with a lot of snow or freezing rain, then you may need to tighten the fasteners more frequently, as water expands when it freezes and can loosen the fasteners more quickly.
Another possibility for your metal roof leaking is a gap in the seams where the metal panels meet. Seams can separate over the years from severe weather conditions and old age. Small gaps can be fixed without replacing the panel, but large gaps and dents may require that section of the roof to be replaced.
Lastly, oxidation in your metal roofing can turn into holes that allow water to leak if not restored or repaired early on. If you notice your roof becoming dull and faded, or the paint has started to oxidize, you can restore the metal by washing it and applying a new protective coating to seal the unprotected metal.
These are some of the more common reasons why metal roofs may start leaking. However, leaks could also be caused by severe damage, too. If you’re unsure of why your metal roof is leaking or where the source of the leak is, give the roofing experts at IBEX Roof a call. Whether you need a simple repair, a roof restoration, or a roof replacement, we will let you know the best way to move forward.
When it’s time to replace a roof, most homeowners are able to choose the type of roofing material they want in a variety of colors. But there are some homes across the country that are required to adhere to a certain list of rules. That is, historic homes.
Those that live in a historically mandated home must upkeep their home in a certain way. That means that a local historical organization exercises jurisdiction over the exterior of their homes. There may also be homeowners who live in historic homes that are not officially mandated to follow any guidelines, but they still want their home to adhere to its original design.
The purpose of a roof is to help protect the rest of the home; problems arise in the home when a roof is old or damaged. When replacing historic roofing, the top priorities include preserving the structure for a longer period of time, properly representing the true historic character of the home, and trying to display as much of the original detail as possible.
You’ll want to consider what alternative materials are out there if your home’s original materials are no longer available. Once you have your roof replaced, it’s also crucial to learn the best way to maintain your new roof so that your home can stay preserved.
Historic roofs are often a key element of architectural design and character to its respective time period. That’s why, if you want to keep the historical integrity of a home intact, it’s important to find the right historic roofing materials that will fulfill the original design. This can be costly and, sometimes, the original materials may also not be available. A few common alternatives include:
If you live in a historically registered home and want to replace your roof, the first place you should visit is your city’s historical commission. Such historical organizations often require a proposal for any construction or alteration to any registered historical building, including roofing and flashing work. They will have the right resources to help you plan any type of exterior renovation to your home. You may also want to bring on an architect with experience in historic roofing to help you with your proposal.
Next, you’ll want someone who can properly install your roof while preserving your home’s historical value. Find someone who works well with the historic roofing materials you’ll be needing. Again, your local historical commission will likely have resources available to ensure the preservation of your home’s historic integrity.
Roof installations are a big project. It’s a true investment for your home and it’s often an agonizing decision to choose the right contractor. The decision might involve getting recommendations from friends, looking for great reviews, and finding a price that matches your budget.
But sometimes, a friend’s recommendation doesn’t turn out to be that great. Or maybe you hire someone who has a crew of unqualified subcontractors. And sometimes, we just end up paying too little and the final results shows.
Seeing issues after a new roof installation is a stressful situation. Not only does the time spent installing your roof feel wasted, but the security of your home is now compromised. And you may be thinking, “What now?”
Most contractors will give homeowners a couple of days after installation; this gives you time to inspect the roof and make sure everything looks and feels good. It’s natural for there to be a few small issues sometimes, and most contractors will be happy to fix them! If you are experiencing leaks or see some shingles that seem out of place, bring these concerns up immediately with your contractor. Ask for photos of the roof work to make sure everything is in place. Ideally, your contractor will work with you to correct any problems so you can feel good about your new roof.
If you’ve brought up concerns about your roof to your contractor and they refuse to take a second look, you may want to get a second opinion from other local roofing companies to verify your concerns. They can inspect your roof and let you know why something is done a certain way, or if there really is a problem with the new installation. In the event of negligent craftsmanship, they can likely take photographs for you and offer solutions or suggestions on what to do next.
If you’ve gotten a second (or third) opinion that verifies an issue with your roof installation, you can try to work with your original contractor to see if they will help you fix the issue. But if they are unresponsive, it’s important to take a good look at your original contract and consider litigation. Hiring a lawyer and organizing a case can be a long, lengthy, and costly process.
Finding the right roofing contractor from the get-go is key to avoiding a bad roof installation. We know that’s easier said than done, and IBEX Roof always advises our customers to be proactive. Get proof of your contractor’s business license, bond, and worker’s compensation for every single employee that works on your roof. Otherwise, you may end up with even more serious problems than an improperly installed roof!
IBEX Roof’s great service is proven by our repeat customers, referrals, and reviews. But if you’re dealing with a bad roof installation from a different contractor, we’re here for you, too! We can help correct an improper installation with professionalism and the customer service to match. If you live in the Vancouver, WA or Portland, OR area, give us a call at 360-218-3104 and we will help you out.
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.
Do you know how to tell when you need a roof replacement? Some signs are more obvious than others, but it’s important to keep track of the state of your roof. Most of the time, simple maintenance and repair can help keep your roof in optimal condition. However, roofs don’t last forever, and when it’s time for a replacement, you don’t want to wait too long to get it done. Read on to learn when is the right time for a roof replacement.
The average asphalt roof lasts between 20 to 25 years. Take a look at your home improvement records to see when your roof was last replaced. If it’s been over 20 years and you’ve been having problems, then that’s a sign that it’s the right time for a roof replacement. If you aren’t having problems, it still might be a good idea to schedule an appointment with a roofing contractor to discuss any areas of your roof that may need maintenance or repair.
Missing or damaged shingles can sometimes be replaced if only a small area of your roof seems damaged. But if all the shingles on your roof are curled, torn, or just plain wonky, that is when you should replace your roof. If you have an asphalt roof, you should occasionally inspect the shingles for granule loss. Granules help protect your roof from water and UV rays. If it seems like your shingles have lost their granules, then it may be time for a roof replacement.
When you notice a small waterfall flowing in from your ceiling, then something definitely needs to be fixed. Small water leaks will likely just require repair, but when there are many water leaks and the repair expenses are starting to add up, consider getting a roof replacement. Otherwise, you are risking expensive damage to the rest of your home.
Here are some tips you can follow to keep your roof in good shape. Whether you’ve recently replaced your roof, or if it’s still not the right time for a roof replacement, doing your part to maintain your roof will help it live a long, lasting life.
The simplest way to keep your roof in working condition is to keep it clear of debris. This includes leaves, flowers, and branches. Using something as simple as a leaf blower is enough to keep your roof clean; there’s no need to climb up there with a brush to maintain your roof!
Get what you pay for by following the terms of your roof’s warranty! That way, if anything ever happens, you’re covered. For example, NEVER pressure wash your roof, as that can decrease the lifespan of your roof and void your warranty.
If you’re still not sure whether or not it’s the right time for a roof replacement, shoot IBEX Roofing a message. We are always happy to help!
Well, the so called killer may not be quite what you were expecting, however, it’s a pretty big deal none-the-less. Let’s discuss attic venting.
A very real issue, improper attic venting can cause big problems for your roof, your home’s structural integrity, and your family’s health. When a home’s attic is not properly vented, condensation occurs. Condensation in your attic mostly occurs during the winter months when you are heating your home and the attic is feeling the heat from below and the cold from above. However, in the summer an improperly vented attic can reach extremely high temperatures which is equally unhealthy. The closer the attic is to the outside temperature, the better. So, what’s wrong with condensation? A lot of things, like:
There are some contributing factors that you can control, such as:
So, what’s the real answer? You don’t need to panic. The recommended number of vents depends on roof slope and whether or not your attic floor has a vapor barrier. The ratio usually lies somewhere between 1:150 and 1:300 (square feet of venting to square feet of attic space).
Also, the square footage of intake vents must be equal to or greater than the square footage of exhaust vents.
Pretty simple really. If it’s all a bit too much for you, don’t worry, a quick inspection from your preferred roofer will ease your mind. Or at the least give you a sense of direction.
The bottom line here: Don’t let the monster in the attic kill your mojo. And, of course, remember that IBEX Roof has your back.
(360)218-3108
Surely you’ve heard the phrase, “knowledge is power”? Well this certainly holds true when you go to sell your home. Often, home-owners may wonder what (if anything) they need to do about their roof before they sell. And the short answer is, well, there is no short answer! But we do have a few “rules of thumb” to use as a guide.
So there you have it! Now YOU have the knowledge that will give you power when selling your home. Power to relax when your home inspection results come through, power to keep your money in your pocket (or at least boomerang it), power to negotiate when the bidding war starts, power to sell your home in the shape you would want to buy it!
And of course, if you still have burning questions or simply need a roofing contractor that will exceed all your expectations, call us!
