Here’s a storm damage checklist for your reference to clearly understand what type of damage your roof may have endured:
If you’re a resident of the Pacific Northwest, chances are that you have encountered rough weather more times than you can count.
From hailstorms to heavy winds and torrential rain, storms can cause a lot of potential damage to your homes, especially the roof!
So, once a storm has passed, the first thing you should do is check for storm damage.
Walk around the perimeter of your house to check for visible signs of roof damage. This includes broken or missing shingles, curled shingles, dented flashing, exposed roof deck, granule loss, etc.
If you spot these damages from ground level, it’s time to hire a roofing company to fix these issues as soon as possible.
Take note of the area around your house and look for damaged fences, fallen tree limbs, broken posts, and patio. Also, check the ground for shingles or other roofing components that might have blown off during the storm. This will help you identify roof damage that is not visible from the ground.
The gutters, roofing vents, and overhangs can get dented or filled with loose leaves and debris. If they are clogged or dented, you should clean them out and get them fixed to avoid further damage due to standing water.
The windows around your house can get damaged too. Check the windows for cracks, loose weatherstripping, and torn screens. If the windows are damaged, you should get them fixed or replaced soon, as cracked windows cannot sustain harsh weather for long.
Even if your roof seems apparently unharmed from the exterior, there are chances of unseen leaks present under the shingles, roof deck, or underlayment that can lead to serious damage later on. To spot leaks, inspect the ceiling, light fixtures, and attic of your home for brown water spots on the inside walls. If you find any seepage, it means the roof is leaking. Find the source of the leak, and get it repaired instantaneously.
Moisture can also seep into the structure of your house through the basement and crawlspace. Storms can lead to standing water in these spaces of your home that can weaken the foundation, seep into the walls, and cause moisture accumulation, which is a serious problem on its own!
If you find any of the discussed signs and symptoms for storm damage inside, outside, or on the roof of your home, you should hire a roofing contractor as soon as possible to fix all the major and minor issues.
Contact us for help with your Storm Damage!
Storm damage is imminent! However, if you inspect your roof and exterior right after a storm and take timely action, you can avoid further damage and save time, money, and lives!
Here is a full inspection checklist for a full view!
Here in the Pacific Northwest, we know a thing or two about wind and rain! And gutters play an important part in protecting your home and landscape from such a climate. However, it’s important to invest in the right system; traditional store-bought gutters may leak while systems made of steel will rust. That’s why IBEX Roof recommends aluminum seamless gutter systems for our customers. Read on to learn more!
If you go to a home improvement store to buy gutters, you’ll see that they come in different sizes. These types of gutters need to be pieced together, creating a seam between each gutter section. Seamless gutters, on the other hand, are one continuous gutter that is cut to the dimensions of your home.
The more seams your gutter system has, the more opportunity there is for a leak in your gutters. Because it is just one long piece, a seamless gutter reduces the chances of any leaks in your gutters. This means a longer-lasting gutter system that you don’t have to worry about.
Seamless gutters are also customized to fit the dimensions of your home. This allows for a cleaner aesthetic that blends in with your home rather than a system that looks pieced together like a puzzle. So not only are seamless gutters a good investment in protecting your home but also one that improves your home value.
Gutters play a vital role in your roofing system, which is why IBEX Roof includes gutter inspections and cleanings as part of our roof maintenance program. If we notice something off about your gutter system, we will let you know what your best options are to ensure a safer roof.
Has your gutter system reached the end of its service life? We can also install a brand new, custom-made seamless gutter system designed specifically for your home! That means more effective rainwater drainage and a longer-lasting system. Our seamless gutter systems are made of aluminum, which won’t rust in the wet PNW climate, and hidden fasteners are used for a flawless look. From start to finish, IBEX Roof has thought of it all and we only deliver top quality and results for our customers.
Learn more by reaching out to the gutter experts at IBEX Roof today! Call our office at 360-218-3194 or fill out our online form for a free estimate.
It’s a given that debris can end up in your gutters and we all know it’s about that time of year to clean them out. However, did you know that putting this task off can actually risk damage to the rest of your home? Gutters play an important part in protecting your roof by shedding water away from your home. So when your gutters are clogged, it could lead to bad news if not taken care of soon.
When water cannot properly shed from your roof, it’s possible it can pool at the edge of your roof. If your roof has existing cracks and damage, this could lead to a bad water leak. But even if your roof is in good shape, excessive standing water can damage the foundation of your roof. This will lead to wood rot and you will need to replace the wood underneath your shingles sooner than later. Depending on how much water sits at the end of your roof, it could also seep into your foundation, causing foundation problems.
It’s likely your gutters are not fully clogged all the way through. In fact, some areas might have more debris than others. When this happens, water ends up overflowing and splashing your home in the same areas. This could lead to flooding and other structural damage to your home’s foundation.
Another common way clogged gutters can affect your roof is by damaging the gutters themselves. When you don’t clear away the debris from your gutters, the extra weight of debris plus the weight of rainwater can cause your gutters to split, crack, or even rip away from your home. In a worst-case scenario, the water stuck in your gutters will freeze in cold weather and really damage your gutters.
IBEX Roof is passionate about keeping your roof in tip-top shape. We want to make sure your roof is taken care of and the best way to do so is to keep it clean. That includes your gutters! If you are not sure if your gutters are doing well, or if you think they need a cleaning, we can help. Schedule a roof and gutter inspection today and our roofing specialists will make the best recommendations on how to move forward.
If your gutters often get filled with debris, be sure to ask our gutter specialists about installing gutter guards! We have helped hundreds of homeowners gain peace of mind with their gutters with our gutter guard products. Give us a call today to learn more.
Keeping your gutters clean is important to protect your roof and home from water damage. But if the task of cleaning out your gutters seems to slip your mind often, or if you’re not quite comfortable climbing up a ladder, it’s time to consider the best gutter guards for your home.
For the skeptic who’s wondering, “Do gutter guards work?”, the short answer is yes. There are plenty of reasons why you should invest in gutter guards or covers. While they aren’t 100% maintenance-free, they do cost less over time than hiring someone to clean your gutters once a year. Finding the best gutter guards for your home will also greatly reduce the dangers of having to clean out gutters yourself. According to the World Health Organization, 37.3 million falls a year require medical attention. So if you’re worried about your elderly parents climbing up a rickety ladder, or if you have a serious fear of heights, then gutter guards are definitely the way to go.
We want you to get the best gutter guards for your home, so here is what to keep in mind. First, make sure you’re getting removable gutter guards; this makes any problems easy to take care of. Second, gutter guards are made out of all different materials and in different designs, but they all come with their own pros and cons.
Foam gutter guards are commonly found at large box stores. They’re inexpensive and easy to install, but they get easily clogged with decomposed organic material. Seeds could also fall into them, turning your gutters into planters. Plastic gutter guards don’t last long, either, as they easily warp and break under UV rays.
Washington and Oregon are both home to large fir trees, and screen gutter covers with large holes won’t keep the fir needles out of your gutter. The acidity from fir needles and leaves will also cause galvanized steel gutter guards to rust.
Lastly, stay wary of companies that offer “maintenance-free” covers. The right gutter guard will take care of 90% of clogging issues. However, they will still need to be cleaned every few years.
Consider the type of environment you live in when looking for the right gutter guards. IBEX Roofing services the Vancouver and Portland area, and rusting is a general problem in the Pacific Northwest. We’ve found that stainless steel mesh screens are the best gutter guards for the region. Stainless steel won’t rust, and the mesh screen will keep out most small needles. Not only do they perform better than other types of gutter guards, but our customers like that they are also less expensive than other big-name gutter covers. Gutter guards with an aluminum finish are also recommended to prevent rust issues.
IBEX Roof can help you install new gutter guards at your next roof maintenance or gutter cleaning appointment. If you have any questions or concerns about the best gutter guards for your home, or about gutters in general, feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
As you know, IBEX Roof aims to provide the best customer service in the roofing industry. We strive to make the process of getting your roof cleaned, repaired, and replaced as easy as possible. And yes, that includes your gutters, too!
That’s why we are excited to announce that IBEX Roof has recently acquired Happy Gutters to better serve our customers. We are now ready to install our custom seamless gutters to everyone in the Portland Metro and Vancouver Washington areas! Check out part of our process below:
Just as we approach all roofs, we want your next gutter project to be as straightforward and stress-free as possible. When you call us with a gutter problem, we provide all the details so you know what’s going on. Additionally, we give free estimates without any hidden fees or surprises so that you know exactly what to expect from us.
So what are you waiting for? Check out Happy Gutters to learn more or call 360-218-3194 to get your free gutter estimate today!
Did you know the average amount of rain per year in the entire US is 38 inches of rain? And here in the Portland/Vancouver area, we actually get 42 inches of rain per year. That’s four inches more than the average! With so much rain, it’s important for homeowners in the PNW to pay attention to how water gets redirected from their roof. That’s where gutters come in.
Gutters prevent water damage to your home by redirecting water away from your roof. Particularly in the PNW, water flow from heavier rainfalls can lead to lifting shingles from your roof, warping your home’s siding, flooding in basements, and landscape erosion. If your roof has even small areas of damage, too much water can worsen the damage and lead to leaks. Fortunately, all of these problems can be prevented by a reliable gutter system.
So are gutters required for every home? We recommend most homes in this area to install a gutter system because of the amount of rainfall we get. But there may be a few exceptions:
If you are not sure about your home needing gutters, give your local roofer a call. The biggest concern will be how well water flows away from your home, so make sure that is addressed when talking to your roofer!
As we keep mentioning, the Pacific Northwest climate includes a lot of rain, so it’s not a matter of whether or not your home has a gutter system. Rather, it’s more about what type of gutter system you choose! With all the rain we get, it’s crucial to find something that can stand up to all the water to help protect your home. Additionally, homeowners in this area may be more likely to get debris in their gutters, requiring just a little bit more maintenance.
At IBEX Roof, we understand that cleaning out gutters is the last thing homeowners want to worry about. That’s why we’ve designed a gutter system specifically for this region that is long-lasting and reliable. Our seamless gutters are essentially just one long aluminum gutter to reduce leaks and rusting so that your gutters last longer.
Additionally, we recommend adding gutter guards to our customers who often find their gutters filled with debris. We love gutter guards because they greatly reduce the need to maintain your gutters while ensuring that your gutters are still doing what they are supposed to do. It’s a win-win!
You can find both roofing experts and gutter experts, but at IBEX Roof, we are both! We recognize that gutters play an important role in your entire roofing system. That’s why gutter inspections and cleanings are a routine part of our roof maintenance program. And if you’re looking to replace or install a brand new gutter system, we’re equipped to install custom seamless gutters designed to the dimensions of your home.
Get an estimate for your next gutter system today by giving IBEX Roof a call at 360-218-3104.
When it comes to gutter guards, people either love them or hate them. However, the right gutter guards can be very beneficial in protecting your home and prolonging the life of your gutter system. Here are some reasons why IBEX Roof recommends gutter guard installation to homeowners.
First and foremost, installing gutter guards will greatly reduce the need to clean out your gutters. Gutter guards are not 100% maintenance-free, but the right gutter guards can save you a lot of time from cleaning your gutters, or a lot of money from hiring someone else to do it for you. This is especially beneficial for the elderly, handicapped, or busy homeowners who don’t want to worry about their gutters.
While gutters are designed to help water flow, they are susceptible to rusting and cracking when there is sitting moisture. Wet debris that is stuck in your gutters can dramatically decrease the lifespan of your gutters. It could also add unwanted weight to your gutter system that could cause other damage to your home.
The purpose of your gutter system is to help water properly flow away from your home. But if your gutter system is clogged with debris, then water is prone to build up in unwanted areas of your home. This could lead to mold, wood rot, or other costly damages.
IBEX Roof is dedicated to serving homeowners from the areas surrounding Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR. It’s a priority for us to find and use products that meet the needs of the regions we serve! So while there are no gutter guards that are one-size-fits-all, we’ve found a system that is designed in and for the Pacific Northwest. Not only can it be installed in under a day, but it can also be installed on both new and existing gutter systems.
If you’re unsure about whether gutter guard installation is right for your home, give us a call at 360-218-3194. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have and find a solution to fit your needs.
Just like a roof, a good gutter system can last over 20 years when properly maintained. And because they can last quite a while, it may be hard to keep track of when it’s time for a gutter replacement. IBEX Roof offers gutter inspections and cleaning with our roof maintenance program, and we’ll let you know if your gutters require any repair or if it looks like you need a replacement. Here are some tell-tale signs you can also keep an eye out for so you’ll know when it’s time to call us for a gutter inspection.
Cracks, splits, holes, dents, or rust are all big indicators that your gutters need to be replaced. We may be able to repair minor damages, but larger fractures can cause water to leak onto, and even into, your home’s foundation.
Loose brackets or excessive weight from improper drainage and debris can cause gutters to start separating from your home. If not dealt with immediately, you could be looking at extensive property damage outside of your gutters.
Any discoloration around your gutters could mean moisture damage. Look for peeling paint, corroding wood, or rust stains around your gutters, like the soffit, fascia board, or downspout. This could be from misaligned gutters, clogging from debris, or overflowing water.
Standing water is an obvious sign that your gutters are not working. This can cause water to overflow and pour over the sides of your gutters. Debris may also collect and add weight to your gutter system, causing more damage later on.
Traditional gutter systems are put together section by section. Over time, the seams between each section may break down or will clog from debris, causing them to separate from each other and cause leaks. When the seams start separating, water is unable to flow continuously to the downspout. Seams can also separate if your gutter system is improperly installed.
Problems with your gutters may lead to excessive overflow around your home. Pooling water leads to flooding in your basement or other water damage to your home’s foundation when not properly drained. If you notice any of these signs, call for a gutter inspection to find the root of the problem.
Another sign you may need a gutter replacement is if your landscape starts to thin out. Malfunctioning gutters can lead excess water into your yard, eroding the soil and ruining your lawn.
IBEX Roof’s gutter systems are designed specifically for the Pacific Northwest’s wet climate, meaning they don’t rust and are durable against wind and rain. The gutter experts at IBEX Roof are ready to answer any questions you have about your home’s gutter system! Whether you’re looking for maintenance on your current gutters or needing to install a new system, we’re here for you. To learn more about how our gutter products will protect your home, call our office today at 360-218-3108.
If you’re one of the many people who are staying at home over the next few weeks, you may be finding yourself finally getting around to some of those home projects on your to-do list. And as we enter the beginning of spring, one of those tasks may be cleaning out your gutters. If you are planning on tackling the debris in your gutters soon, read on for some of our ladder safety tips to avoid a bad fall.
Do check your ladder: Always check your ladder before using it. Make sure there are all the rungs are solidly in place and that there are no areas of damage or rust. There are also different types of ladders and you want to make sure you’re using one that is appropriate for safely reaching your gutters.
Do secure your ladder: Ensure that your ladder is placed securely on the ground and always on a level surface. Never climb a wobbly ladder.
Do keep three points of contact: Always maintain a 3-point contact when climbing a ladder, either two hands and a foot or two feet and a hand. You should also face the ladder when climbing and keep your body near the center of the steps.
Do ask for help: Have a partner to help spot you. They can help make sure your ladder stays secure on the ground and help keep your hands free while you are on the ladder.
Don’t climb onto your roof: Avoid climbing onto your roof, especially if you are not experienced doing so or if you suspect any damage on your roof. If you have gutters on a second story and are unable to reach those areas, call your local roofer for a professional gutter cleaning.
Don’t go out in the wind or rain: There are already risks to climbing a ladder even in the best conditions; there’s no need to endanger yourself even more by climbing a ladder in a precarious environment.
Don’t overload your ladder: Ladders have weight restrictions and carrying too much can damage your ladder or make it wobbly and cause a fall. Not to mention, carrying things up and down your ladder means you’re not keeping the proper 3-point contact to stay safe!
Don’t lean or reach out too far: When cleaning out your gutters, always work in sections. Never lean out farther than arm’s reach or else your ladder may tip over from the weight. Once you’ve finished cleaning one section, climb off your ladder and move it over before continuing.
Falls are one of the leading causes of injury and our customers’ safety is IBEX Roof’s top priority. Follow the above ladder safety tips if you’re ever working on the exterior of your home. Or, you can also give us a call and let us do the work for you! Gutter cleaning is part of IBEX Roof’s roof maintenance program and all of our employees are experienced and insured. In addition to clearing out your gutters, we will also perform a thorough inspection to make sure everything is in working order!
To schedule your next gutter cleaning, give IBEX Roof’s office a call at 360-218-3194.
You might not think of gutters when you’re thinking of your roof. However, gutters are actually a very important part of your roofing system! They are what help direct water flow away from your roof and your home. This helps your roof to last longer and also keeps the rest of your home safe from excess moisture and water damage.
Although regular gutters will certainly do their job and lead water away from your roof, custom gutters are truly designed to fit your home like a glove. That means more effective drainage, even during the most severe downpours, and customizations that will minimize work needed to maintain your gutter system.
If you’re considering a new gutter system for your home, you may also be considering installing gutter guards. We’ve found that gutter guards are quite beneficial for roofing systems in the Pacific Northwest and help to prolong the life of your gutters. While gutters are designed to help water flow away from your home, gutter guards are what keep your gutters clear and unclogged. This reduces the need to clean out your gutters and gives you peace of mind that your gutters are doing their job.
For a free, no-obligation consultation on our custom seamless gutter installation, give IBEX Roof a call at 360-218-3194! Before we do anything, we will perform a thorough inspection and get measurements of your home’s exterior. Once we have the measurements we need, we’ll give you an accurate estimate of how much it will cost.
When you’re ready, we will then schedule your custom gutter installation. As roofing and gutter experts of the Pacific Northwest, we choose to use aluminum gutters, instead of steel. This gives you a gutter system that will hold up well and last longer in the PNW climate. Gutters will usually take up to one day to install; we’ll let you know if we need to come back for an extra day. All of our gutter systems come with a 10-year workmanship warranty and we also offer gutter cleaning services! With IBEX Roof, you’ll never have to worry about your gutters ever again.
