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.
Hail, wind, and storm damage are common emergency situations that affect your roof. Even if you don’t see anything wrong with your roof after a bad storm, there’s likely some unseen damage going on. Therefore, we always recommend getting a roof inspection after a storm. Here is how you can work with your roofer to ensure a smoother insurance claim process.
It’s recommended not to wait until after a storm to get a roof inspection. In fact, getting an annual roof inspection can drastically improve the longevity of your roof. One way you can prepare for potential emergencies is by asking your roofer to document the state of your roof. That way, if a storm damages your roof, you can have before and after photos to prove exactly what was damaged by the storm.
Another way your roofer can help you with your insurance claim is by providing an estimate of costs to replace your roof. Every insurance policy is different when it comes to what is covered, but most will ask for an estimate. This way your insurance companies knows how much to pay out for your claim when it is approved.
Obviously, your roofer is always ready to help you fix your roof. Even if you are waiting for an insurance claim to process, we don’t want the damage to get worse! We can help you create a temporary fix so that you can continue living in your home safely and securely.
At IBEX Roof, we’re committed to being your roofer for the long term. That means we’re always here to help make the best decisions for your roof. While no one ever expects to file an insurance claim for their roof, we’re here to make sure that if that time comes, you’re prepared. You can count on us to be on top of all your roofing needs! Remember that time is of the essence when it comes to emergency situations and filing claims. Give our office a call to see how we can help you prepare for all and any roofing incidences in the future, and how to ensure that your roof stays safe through it all.
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!
Metal is not a new material when it comes to roofing, but many homeowners are skeptical about installing a new metal roof for their home. There are a lot of myths surrounding metal roofs and we at IBEX Roof are here to help debunk them! One question you might is if metal roofs get hotter on sunny days. And if so, wouldn’t that make the rest of your home warm?
When hearing the word “metal,” a lot of people may think that metal roofs get hotter in warmer climates. But contrary to popular belief, metal roofing is one of the best materials to help cool your home! That makes them a great choice for homes in sunny climates. First, metal roofs are lighter in weight compared to other roofing types, such as asphalt shingles. Because of its composition, metal roofs will release heat more quickly than other roofs.
Second, Metal roofs come with a reflective coating to combat UV rays. Thus, having a quality metal roof with an excellent roof coating will actually help your home be more energy-efficient. You’ll be so happy to start saving more money on your energy bills!
Lastly, no matter what roof you have, the biggest contributor to how well your home stays insulated is not your roof, but your insulation. Having proper attic insulation is crucial for keeping your home energy efficient. That’s why we also check underneath your roof, in your attic, when performing our thorough roof inspections. If you feel like your home is not properly insulated, we’re happy to help recommend the best course of action after assessing your home.
In conclusion, metal roofs do not get hotter than other roofing types. In fact, they’re great for keeping your home cool, even if your live in a hot and sunny climate. IBEX Roof is here to help you make the best roofing decisions for your home. If you’re still not sure if a metal roof is right for you, give our friendly office a call. We’re happy to help answer any questions you may have and guide you through the entire process.
When you think of a roof replacement, the first thing you think of may be our roofers tearing away your old roof and replacing it with a new one. And while that is the bulk of the process, it’s only one part of the entire project! There are many factors involved that will ultimately affect your roof installation time, from beginning to end.
Every roofing project has a beginning, a middle, and an end. In the beginning, we have to inspect your roof to assess whether or not it needs to be replaced. Sometimes, it’s possible that your roof may have extra life left in it — we don’t want to make you replace a roof if we don’t have to! If your roof can simply be repaired, we will let you know and come up with a maintenance place that will help prolong the life of your roof until it is time for a full replacement.
Once we’ve determined you need a replacement, the next step is to choose the style and color you want for your roof. Then, we will need to order the materials before getting started on the installation.
There are many things that can affect the time it takes to install your roof. One of the major factors is the type of materials you want. It may take longer to get started on your installation if we can’t get all your materials together. Additionally, not every type of roofing material is installed the same way. Some types of roofs require a longer process to install.
Other factors that will affect your roof replacement time include the size of your home and historic status. Obviously, a larger house will take more time to install. Even so, asphalt shingle roofs often still take only a day or two to complete. Historic homes, on the other hand, have several rules that need to be followed in order to protect the historical integrity of the home. Therefore, it may take longer to install a roof on a historical home to ensure all the proper guidelines are being followed.
Another major factor that could affect your roof replacement is if your roof deck is damaged. This is a major component of your roof. If it requires repair or replacement, then we will fix it before we install the rest of your roof.
Lastly, another part of the roofing process is the cleanup! We make sure to clean up all the debris and trash from your old roof; your landscape will look as good as we found it! By the time we leave, the only thing you will notice is the amazing roof left behind.
IBEX Roof is here for you whenever you need us. Our friendly team is here to guide you through the entire roofing process. Our entire philosophy is to provide roofing services without any secrets or surprises! From the moment you call us to the moment we complete your project, we strive to be transparent in everything we do. That means being open and communicative about how long your project will take and how much it will cost.
Have a question about the roof installation time of your project? Give us a call today and we’ll be happy to answer!
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.
A brand new roof is a large investment and one that is beneficial to prepare for. Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t feel adequately prepared when it’s time to replace their roof. Even if you don’t need a new roof right now, it’s a great time to think about when it will be the right time. So when exactly do you need a roof replacement? Here are some questions to consider so you are ready for a roof replacement — when the time is right.
The first step to figuring out when to replace your roof is by knowing what type of roof you currently have. Do you have a three-tab asphalt roof, architectural shingles, or a metal roof? Different types of roofs have different lifespans and rules for maintenance.
Once you know what type of roof you have, it’s time to figure out when it was installed and its repair history. If you are not the original owner, it might be a good idea to ask the previous owners of your home about the roof’s installation. Even a ball-park estimate is good enough. Another option is to ask your realtor to see if they can look up the house records.
Knowing the age of your roof is helpful because then you can gauge where your roof is in its service life. The average service life of an asphalt roof is between 15-30 years, whereas metal can last up to 70 years. If your roof is nearing the end of its service life, it’s time to start considering and saving for a new roof.
If your roof is constantly needing repairs, a roof replacement might be more budget-friendly in the long term. Common signs of wear and tear in a roof include curling or missing shingles, clogged storm gutters, damaged flashing, or moisture in your walls. While the occasional leak can be repaired, it’s not normal to experience this often unless there is something wrong with your roof.
Any time you suspect a problem with your roof, it’s time to call your local roofer. And even if you’re roof seems to be doing well, it never hurts to schedule an inspection! At IBEX Roof, our roofing contractors begin every project with a thorough roof inspection. This allows us to provide a detailed assessment, expert recommendations, and an accurate estimate. When you give us a call, you can trust that IBEX Roof will be on top of it. We’re happy to look at your roof and let you know how much service life it has left. We can also make recommendations on how best to maintain your roof. That way it lasts as long as possible before it’s time for a replacement. And, if it is time for a replacement, we’re ready to help you with that, too! Give us a call today or fill out our online form to schedule your free inspection.
Installing or replacing a brand new roof is not just a big investment, it’s also a large job that requires some planning. The first step to any roofing project is to call your local roofer, get an inspection, and schedule an appointment. After, your roofer may have to order the right roofing materials, install your roof, and clean up when they finish.
With so many steps for such a big project, it’s recommended to consider your project timeline to ensure that your home is always secure and protected. Any step that is delayed can result in your entire roofing project being pushed back. Here are some tips to minimize the chances of that happening.
Your local roofer should be able to help you keep track of all the moving parts and details of your roofing project. We recommend talking with your contractor to make sure you’re on the same page. Of course, it’s important to first choose a roofing company that is trustworthy and professional. Once hired, talk with your roofer to make sure that everyone is on the same page. They will recommend a schedule and let you know if there are any permits required, as well as tell you how long the job will take.
We cannot control the weather, but we can do our best to work around it. If you have an intensive roofing project, choose a month with milder temperatures and clear weather. This does not mean that roof work cannot be done in other parts of the year, but heavy rains, ice, and snow can certainly delay or pause a project. Your roofer will also recommend an ideal time to start on a project that is safe for all parties.
Permit laws vary from state to state and county to county. Your roofer should be able to let you know if you’re required to get any permits for your roofing project. If so, make sure to get your permits as soon as possible. Otherwise your contractor will not be able to start on the work.
Some roofing jobs take about a day to complete, but there are other times when a roofing project may take longer. Even for daytime projects, roof work can be loud and disruptive, especially for children and pets. To keep everyone safe and happy, you may want to make accommodations with a neighbor, friends, or family. Your contractor will also let you know if there are any special instructions to follow to prepare your house before they arrive.
IBEX Roof wants our customers to feel confident in one of the biggest investments of their home — the roof. We strive to be transparent and will guide you through the entire process so that there will be no delays for your roof work. When you call IBEX Roof, we’re on top of it. Give us a call today at 360-218-3194 to start your next roofing project.
When it comes to the health of your roof, never ignore anything that seems unusual. Even if you notice mystery problems that don’t seem to be a big deal, get it checked out! Small problems have the potential to become expensive problems. And sometimes, it doesn’t take much time! While there are some obvious signs that will obviously make you call your roofer, here are other signs in your home that might make you consider a roof inspection.
Not all roofing problems can be seen with the naked eye, which is why it’s a good idea to get annual inspections on your roof. In some cases, you may even be able to hear odd noises from your roof. If you hear dripping water, creaking noises, or anything else that is out of place, it’s time to call your roofer for an inspection.
How exactly does a warped window indicate a roofing problem? Often, windows will start to warp when there is moisture absorbed into your home’s foundation. When your home’s wooden frame retains excessive moisture, it starts to warp. This could be connected to your roof if you have an undetected roof leak. It could also be from a clogged gutter that is not properly draining. If that’s the case, then you should call your roofer for a roof inspection.
Just like warped windows, cracks in the walls can be from excessive moisture, or it can be from a sagging roof. If the foundation of your roof isn’t secure, then the weight of your roof can cause cracks in your walls. Alternatively, cracks in your wall’s paint can also be from moisture that is coming in from the roof or leaking into your foundation.
At IBEX Roof, we care about helping you care for your roof for as long as possible, before it needs replacing. No matter what type of roof we’re looking at, every inspection follows a thorough checklist. Then, we’ll help you come up with a plan to maintain your roof to keep it safe and secure. If it’s time to consider a roof inspection, reach out today by calling us at 360-218-3134.
There are some roofing emergencies that happen unexpectedly, like a tree falling on your roof from a bad storm. There are other roofing emergencies, however, that likely start out as small, undetected problems. Over time, small would-be repairs can turn into bigger problems. The longer they remain undetected, the bigger the emergency you will eventually have to deal with. Staying on top of routine maintenance and repairs is the easiest way to extend the life of your roof.
Roof maintenance can mean different things depending on the type of roof you have. Asphalt shingle roofs and wood shakes or shingles require more maintenance than other roofing materials. Metal roofs and tile roofs are lower maintenance. Ask your roofer how you can best maintain the type of roof you have. The shape and slope of your roof may also affect how to best maintain your roof.
Get routine roof inspections. If your roof seems like it’s in good shape, then just scheduling an inspection once a year will do. If you suspect there is something wrong with your roof, whether from old age, a bad storm, or something else, then call your local roofer for an inspection. Not all roofing damage can be seen with the naked eye or from the ground. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
If you see a lot of debris on top of your roof or in your gutters, that is a good reminder to call your roofer for an inspection or cleaning services. This is a very simple way to stay on top of your roof maintenance. Some roofs will require more maintenance to keep clean than others. For instance, debris seems to just slide right off metal roofs! But pine needles, which are more acidic, can eat away at asphalt shingles if left to sit too long.
All roofing projects should start with an inspection. When you get your roof inspected or cleaned, your roofer should be able to point out areas of your roof that need extra care or repair. It’s best to get those repairs fixed as soon as possible, or to replace any small roofing accessory in a timely manner. This will ensure your roof lasts longer!
Yes, proper roof maintenance can certainly extend the life of your roof. With proper maintenance, your roof could last 5 to 10 years longer. For more personalized advice on how to care for your roof, give our friendly roofing staff a call at IBEX Roof. We can set up a free inspection for your roof and let you know what repairs need to be made, how much service life is left, and a long-term plan to ensure your roof lasts as long as possible.
