If you look at your home’s roof, you’re likely to see several vent pipes protruding from the flat surfaces. These vent pipes allow gases to safely exit your home. The gases originate in bathrooms and kitchens, travel up through the venting pipe, and exit the home where the pipe empties above the roof.

Common Roof Leak Repairs: Vent Pipe Repairs

When trying to pinpoint the source of a roof leak, you’ll need to examine your vent pipes. Occasionally, vent pipe leaks can occur at the collar surrounding the base of the vent pipe where it breaks through the surface of the roofing material. These collars consist of a metal base, generally made out of aluminum, and a rubber boot integrated into the top of the collar.

The collar’s job is to create a tight seal, keeping rainwater and debris from getting into your attic. Over time, through exposure to the sun and harsh weather, the rubber boot may wear out and deteriorate or split. When this occurs, rainwater can seep in between the rubber boot and the vent pipe and accumulate in your home, causing damage. If the rubber boot collar is cracked or damaged, it will need to be replaced.

Not all collar leaks are due to bad rubber boots, of course. Water can also enter your home if the roof vent itself has been disrupted. During a rainstorm, some rain will fall directly into the open end of the vent pipe. This rainwater makes its way down the vent and ultimately to your home’s sewer line. If there are leaks in the elbows or joints on this line, water can seep out and cause interior damage.

Need Roof Leak Repairs?

For problems like these, you’ll need the help of an roofing contractor experienced in roof leak repairs. They have the knowledge required to accurately diagnose and repair any issues with your vents.

Contact the experts at All Roofing Solutions, your Delaware & Pennsylvania roofing repair specialists. We’re here to help with all your roofing needs, and are available to assist with roof leak repairs, new installations and roofing upgrades. To schedule your free consultation, call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania.

Today’s homeowners have a wide range of roofing options to choose from, including both natural and composite slates.

While natural slate roofing is among the most beautiful roofing options available for your home, it also comes with many drawbacks and a sizeable price tag. For many applications, today’s composite slates offer significant advantages over natural slate roofing.

Composite Slate Benefits

A composite slate roof is a manufactured product, composed of engineered polymer and other materials combined to make an attractive, durable and affordable roofing option. Benefits of a composite slate roof include:

• Cost Effectiveness: First and foremost, composite slate roof materials are considerably less expensive than natural slate. In addition, installation costs are significantly lower as well.
• Lightweight construction: One of the major drawbacks to a natural slate roof is its weight. Because traditional slate roofing is a natural quarried stone product, it is very heavy, and tends to break more easily. In fact, the roof support & truss systems of many homes are not built to bear the weight of natural slate roofing materials, forcing homeowners into additional costs. In comparison, composite slate is very lightweight. Generally weighing less than half its natural counterpart, composite roofing can be installed on almost any home.
• Style and color options: The look of natural slate roofs tend to be limited by the availability of natural stone. As a manufactured product, composite slate roofs are available in a wide variety of colors and styles that can be used to complement the curb appeal of any home.
• Proven durability: Natural stone slates tend to be easily damaged by falling branches and hail. Composite slate typically lasts much longer than natural slate, and is often warranted for 40 to 60 years. Most composite slate roofs are also virtually maintenance free. They are resistant to wind, fireproof, and freeze/thaw resistant, providing a longer lifespan than many other roofing materials.
• Mold resistance: The materials used in the manufacture of composite slate roofing can be chosen for their resistance to mold, which keeps your home healthier.

Installing slate roofing requires specialized skills and tools. If you’re considering slate roofing, contact All Roofing Solutions, a leading Delaware & Pennsylvania roofing contractor with over 15 years of experience. We’ll be happy to provide a comprehensive inspection of your roof, discuss roofing alternatives, and offer detailed installation and repair estimates.

One of the most important elements of a complete roofing structure is the rain gutter system.

A properly functioning gutter system helps prevent damage and protects the investment you’ve made in your home. An improperly draining system can cause water backups, leading to damage of your home’s fascia, soffits, shingles, and siding. In addition, an improper drain system may erode soils and affect the stability of your home’s foundation.

In order to reduce the need for gutter repairs, your gutter and downspout system requires regular maintenance. This is particularly important for states such as Delaware and Pennsylvania which receive a substantial amount of rain throughout the year.

Spring Maintenance of Your Rain Gutters

Now that spring is here, it’s a great time to review the health of your rain gutters. If you have a lot of trees in your neighborhood, you may be surprised at how much debris can collect in your gutters!

One simple method to determine your gutter’s performance is to go outside during the rain and check your downspouts. If there’s little to no water emptying from downspouts, or if water is overflowing the gutter edges, your gutter or downspout may be clogged. This may indicate that it is full of debris. It’s best to do unclog gutters on a dry day, when leaves and small twigs can be removed by hand or with a handheld blower. Once you’ve removed the debris, gently flush your gutters with a garden hose or a gutter cleaning tool to confirm that you have improved the drainage process.

If your downspout is still clogged, work to loosen debris from the bottom of the downspout. You might be able to clear the clog with water pressure: by running a garden hose up into the spout from the bottom. If this doesn’t work, try running a plumber’s snake up the spout. If none of these actions clear your downspout, you may need to remove it to locate the cause of the clog.

While you are removing debris, remember to examine your gutters for corrosion, holes, sagging and leaking areas. You’ll also want to look for missing, loose or bent fasteners.

Gutters may also not operate well if a section is sagging. Sagging gutters are often the result of loose fasteners—which are simple to replace or tighten. In addition, if your rain gutter has a negative slope, away from the downspout, gutter repairs will be required to enable the system to drain properly.

Need Gutters Repaired or Replaced?

If you gutters need more than seasonal cleaning, are damaged and require repairs or replacement, you will need to contact a professional roofing contractor for help. All Roofing Solutions is here to assist all your roofing & gutter needs! With 15 years of experience installing & repairing roofs & gutters all over Delaware and Pennsylvania, we have the skill and know-how to handle all types of projects, large and small.

To schedule your spring gutter repair or to diagnose issues with your home’s roof drainage system, contact All Roofing Solutions at 302-725-ROOF (7663), or visit us online. Our gutter professionals are here to answer your questions, and are available for on-site gutter evaluations and roofing repair estimates.

Over its lifetime, an asphalt shingle roof will require repairs, whether for normal wear and tear or severe weather damage. Some repairs are more common than others and knowing what to expect can make all the difference.

5 Most Common Shingle Roofing Repairs

There are several types of damage that can require roof leak repairs. The five most common repairs include:

• Damage from hail, wind, or ice dams: While shingle roofing is made to withstand assaults from mother nature, no roof can hold up to the most severe weather. An expert roofing contractor may be able to repair/replace individual shingles. In some cases, however, your roof may be beyond repair, and need complete replacement.
• Improperly sealed vent pipes: Over time, the seals around your vent pipes may wear out, requiring repair.
• Leaky skylights: A common roof leak repair, skylight leaks are generally due to either improper installation or worn-out seals .
• Chimney flashing: Flashing is the sheet metal that maintains a watertight seal between the chimney and the roof. Proper chimney flashing includes installation of both step flashing and counter flashing. If chimney flashing pulls away or is damaged by wind or hail, water may leak into your attic and your home’s interior.
• Roof valleys: A common collector for leaves, limbs, snow and ice, roof valleys can be problematic at times. Keeping your roof free of debris encourages the natural downward flow of water, which helps to keep your shingle roofing in good shape.

Need Shingle Damage Repaired?

If you notice any damage or signs of excessive wear on your shingle roofing, it’s important to address it as soon as possible to keep water from seeping underneath and rotting the underlying wood. Ignoring problems, even those that may appear to be minor, can lead to unnecessary roof leak repairs.

Some minor repairs can be done by homeowners with the right skills and the right set of tools. If you decide to go this route, however, be sure you know what you’re doing, and always remember: safety first!

For best results, however, you’ll want to turn to experts in shingle roofing repair, such as the professionals at All Roofing Solutions. We’ll be out to promptly inspect your shingle roof, and provide you with a no-cost, no obligation repair estimate for your shingle roofing. Call 302-725-ROOF (7663), or contact us online today!

Whether it’s been damaged by weather or has aged to the point where it’s just deteriorated beyond repair, an asphalt shingle roof will eventually need to be replaced.

Installing a roof is a big job, and one that very few homeowners will (or should!) tackle themselves. Because of the critical role your roof plays in protecting your home, this is a job that’s best left to your local Delaware & Pennsylvania roofer like All Roofing Solutions. Here’s what you can expect during the process of your shingle roof replacement.

Shingle Roofing Installation The Right Way

1. Getting your estimate

First, when choosing a roofing contractor, be sure to select an experienced, licensed, and insured company. Your roofing contractor will evaluate the roof to confirm its condition. You’ll receive a bid for roof replacement, which should include the entire project. Your roofing installation estimate should include necessary permits, materials, labor and installation, thorough clean-up, old materials disposal, and final inspections. The good news is that many roofing projects can be completed in just one to two days!

2. Replacing underlying materials

Your contractor will replace any soft or rotted wood decking to provide a solid base for your shingles. Drip edge will then be installed at all edges of the roof. Drip edge prevents rain and snow from getting underneath your shingles around the roof’s perimeter.

The next step in installation is the application of a special ice and water shield, or “roofing underlayment.” This is installed at the bottom few feet of the roof and around all roof penetrations, such as chimneys and pipes. Prior to installing the shingles, the remainder of the roof is covered with roofing felt (sometimes called “tar paper”).

3. Installing new shingles

Finally, working from the bottom of the roof toward the top, your Delaware roofing team will install the shingles. After cleaning up and hauling away old and excess materials, you’ll be ready for your post-installation roof inspection!

Have Your Roofing Installed Right, The First Time!

All Roofing Solutions is proud to be a team of experienced roofers who are committed to helping you with your next roofing project. We’ll consult with you regarding the right roofing materials, install your roof with the care and expertise you expect, and back it up with a comprehensive guarantee. Call us at 302-725-ROOF (7663) about your next Delaware roof, or request your FREE roofing installation estimate online!

Among the many materials used in modern residential roofing, metal roofing has become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional asphalt shingles. Typically constructed of steel, aluminum or copper strips, metal roofing offers great protection for your home and has countless advantages.

Advantages of Metal Roofing

Some of the many advantages of metal roofing:

• Lightweight & portable: About ¼ the weight of a tile roof, and roughly ½ the weight of asphalt shingles.
• Durability: Metal roofing is highly resistant to hail and wind damage.  It is also more resistant to fire, and can last up to three times the lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof.
• Low-maintenance: Most metal roofing products require very little or no maintenance.
• Energy efficiency: Metal roofs are considered amongst the most energy efficient types of roofs. They reflect a greater share of the sun’s rays and, depending on any coating applied to the metal, homes may see a savings of 20 to 30 percent on air conditioning costs.
• Style: More than any other roofing material, metal roofs are available in a wide array of colors, styles, and textures. Metal roofing can greatly enhance the appeal of a home. Copper roofing, in particular, is a very attractive option. Over time, copper roof changes color, adding character and beauty to a home.

Disadvantages of Metal Roofing

Of course, any roofing option has disadvantages to consider, but the advantages of metal roofing far outweigh these factors.

• Cost: The initial expense of a metal roof is generally higher than other roofing options. As the price of oil continues to rise, however, the cost difference between metal and asphalt roofing is beginning to narrow—since oil is a primary ingredient in asphalt shingles.
• Noise: Metal roofs can be noisier than other alternatives.
• Snow: Accumulated snow may slide off of metal roofs, causing damage and injury to people and property below. Properly installed snow guards are often used to stop snow from sliding.

There are also a couple of common misconceptions regarding metal roofing. There is some concern among homeowners that hail will dent their roof, but many reputable metal roofing materials are produced with a guarantee against denting. Another concern is whether lightning may be attracted to a metal roof, but this concern has proven to be unfounded.

Call All Roofing Solutions to Learn More

To learn more about competitively priced metal roofing options contact All Roofing Solutions, your local DE roofer.  With over 15 years of experience installing all types of roofs, we have the expertise and knowledge to handle any type of project, residential or commercial.

If you need a roofing contractor you can trust, contact us today for your free estimate: 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware and 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania. We look forward to working with You!

Now that winter’s coming to an end, it’s a good time to perform an inspection of your home’s roof. As the snow and ice have disappear, any damage or other roof issues are easier to identify and repair.

Whether you live in Delaware or other area that typically receives a generous amount of snow over the winter months, now is a great time to contact a professional roofer to schedule a roof inspection!

Post Winter Inspection of Your Shingle Roofing

There are few important things to remember when it comes to post winter inspection of your shingle roofing.

1. During the winter season, ice dams, freezing temperatures, and the weight of snow and ice can damage your roof and even the interior of your home. Damage to residential roofing can include cracking, bruising and blistering of the shingle surface material. Strong winter storms may even result in the loss of whole shingles from your roof. You’ll want to address this type of damage ASAP in order to maintain the integrity of your shingle roofing structure.
2. If you’ve noticed water spots on your ceiling, it could be from a roof leak. In addition, heavy snow loads on roofs may also be responsible for cracks in your home’s ceilings and walls.
3. Your inspection should encompass a thorough check of your entire roof. Your roofer will look at loose tiles, curled shingles and detached flashing. In order to weather upcoming spring and summer storms, you’ll need to repair flashing gaps and replace damaged roof tiles and shingles. You’ll also want to determine if the winter weather has worn away too many granules from your shingle roofing. If so, these roof tiles may need to be replaced.
4. Now is also a good time to clear debris, leaves, and tree branches from your gutters so they’ll do their job during heavy rains or a spring snowstorm. You might also have the gutters and downspouts completely cleared with a hose or pressure washer and of course have any gutter repairs handles as needed.
5. If moss or lichen is present on your roof, have it swept off or apply a moss-removal chemical and sweep it off after it has been killed.

If you decide to perform your own inspection, remember that step number one is safety! Climbing onto a roof can be dangerous, and walking on your roof has the potential to make any existing problem even worse. If you’re going to climb on your roof, be sure the roof is completely dry. Wear shoes with good traction, and make sure someone else is home. A warm day is best, because you are more likely to damage your shingle roofing on a hot day.

Hiring a roofing contractor to handle your inspection is highly recommended, though. Contact All Roofing Solutions for a thorough inspection and you’ll not only get professional service but also a piece of mind that nothing was overlooked. We can evaluate winter damage, recommend spring maintenance—and provide you with a solution to all of your residential roofing needs! Call 302-725-ROOF (7663) today!

Last week we wrote about ice dams and how they’re formed. We’ve discussed how this common residential roofing problem can be an irritating and expensive source of leaking roofs and damaged homes, requiring the help of experts in roof leak repair. However, homeowners are not entirely helpless when it comes to ice dams.

Preventing Ice Dam Damage

Ice dams and the damage they cause can be mostly avoided through proper roofing maintenance. As with many of your home’s structures and systems, proper care of your roof can mitigate the cost of roof leak repairs.

Often, ice dams may be traced to insufficient attic insulation and poor attic ventilation. As heat escapes from the interior of the home and enters the attic, it warms the underside of the roof, initiating the ice dam cycle. Reducing or eliminating the heat on the underside of the roof is the most effective way to prevent ice dams. A well-insulated attic not only reduces the heat under the roof—but it also increases energy efficiency and comfort.

A properly ventilated attic deters ice dams by keeping the underside of the roof cool. In some homes, an electric fan may be installed in the attic to pull in outside air, keeping the temperature inside consistent. Attic ventilation also helps to prevent moisture buildup and keeps the underside of the roof cooler in the summer, lengthening the life of the shingles.

In addition, cleaning your home’s gutters helps to prevent ice damming. If your gutters are full of debris, snowmelt will re-freeze when flowing into the gutter during sub-freezing temperatures, forming a dam.

Proper Maintenance is Key

If you suspect your roof is improperly ventilated, need help with seasonal maintenance or leak repairs, call All Roofing Solutions at 302-725-ROOF (7663). We offer thorough roof inspections which allow us to uncover even most hidden roofing problems and offer repair options. We also offer emergency roof repairs in case the damage requires immediate attention.

In Delaware, like in many other places, ice dams can be a fairly common residential roofing problem. Ice dams can be an irritating and expensive source of leaking roofs and damaged homes, requiring the help of experts in roof leak repair.

Ice Dams 101

There are three “ingredients” necessary for an ice dam to form: snow, heat to melt the snow, and cold temperatures to refreeze the melted snow into solid ice.

Ice dams are created as snow on the upper part of a roof melts. The melted snow water runs down the roof slope under the blanket of snow, then refreezes into bands of ice at the roof’s edge to create a dam. Once the dam forms, additional melting snow continues to build up and form pools behind the dam, eventually leaking into the home through the roof or roof trim.

The reason ice dams form along the roof’s lower edge, usually above the overhang, is fairly simple. Heat lost from the home warms the upper roof surface, toward the ridgeline. However, the lower part of the roof surface, along the uninsulated eaves and gutters, is below freezing.

Although ice dams can form when as little as one or two inches of snow accumulates on a roof, deeper snow and cold temperatures increase the likelihood and size of ice dams. Every inch of snow accumulating on the roof adds insulation to the roof deck, trapping more indoor heat beneath the roof deck and warming the roof sheathing.

Ice Dam Damage & Prevention

Damage from ice dams includes shingle damage as well as mildew, both on the exterior and interior of your home—and water leakage within the walls of your house. Ice dam damage can be significant but there are some preventative steps you can take to try to avoid them. We’ll discuss ice dam damage prevention next week.

Meanwhile, if you suspect your roof is improperly ventilated or has already succumbed to ice dam damage, call All Roofing Solutions at 302-725-ROOF (7663). We offer thorough roof inspections which allow us to uncover even most hidden roofing problems and offer repair options. We also offer emergency roof repairs in case the damage requires immediate attention.

Skylight leak repair are among the most common roof leak repairs seen in residential roofing.

A leaky skylight isn’t just an eyesore; it may be an indication of more serious, hidden damage. If you notice a leak around your skylight, you’ll want to diagnose it and have skylight repairs performed as soon as possible. In some cases, a leak around the skylight may indicate an overarching need for roofing repairs.

Diagnosing Skylight Leaks

The first step in any skylight repair is to identify the source of the leak with a thorough inspection. You’ll want to make sure the leak is not just excessive condensation that has moved along the underside of the glass and dripped down the side of the interior. This occurs more often in very cold climates, in single-glazed skylights, and in damp locations like bathrooms, kitchens and greenhouses.

If your skylight opens, check that it is fully closed, and that weather seals are in good condition. In addition, think about whether the leak occurs only in winter, in fall, or when there is snow or ice on the roof. If so, then look behind the skylight for leaves, ice, snow or other debris that might be blocking the downhill flow of water and causing it to back up under the roof shingles.

You’ll also want to look carefully at your roofing, paying particular attention to vent flashing or other roof penetrations. A leak in these locations can travel quite a distance before finding its way to an indoor opening at the skylight. For roof and skylight inspections, hire a contractor skilled in roofing repairs.

Skylight Repair Tips

Leaks at the insulated-glass frame may have permitted water to enter the window structure, forcing apart and damaging the seal of the insulated glass itself. If it’s determined that the insulating glass unit of the skylight has failed, you may be able to re-seal the unit against further water leakage. However, only a replacement of the skylight will remove the condensation and opaque skylight glass of a failed window unit.

If the skylight leak is at the roof flashing, it may be possible to make temporary repairs using roof flashing cement around the perimeter of the unit. However, proper repairs will require removing shingles near the skylight, installing appropriate flashing, and reinstalling new shingles in the area. Most skylights have integral flashing or a special flashing kit that is specifically designed for the skylight and roofing material.

Is Your Skylight Leaking?

If you notice leaks around your skylight, contact All Roofing Solutions for a comprehensive leak evaluation. We’re here to help with all your roofing installation and repair needs, and have over 15 years serving Delaware and Pennsylvania. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 302-725-ROOF (7663) or request your free quote online!