All Roofing Solutions

Author: All Roofing Solutions

Leak-Free Skylight Installation Tips From a Roofing Contractor
Skylights are designed to be both functional and attractive. Essentially a window installed in the roof of your home, a skylight provides the interior room with natural light and heat.

As beautiful and functional as they are, skylights are behind many common roof leaks. A poorly installed skylight can allow moisture into your home and can cost you thousands of dollars in roof repairs later. Additionally, diagnosing & repairing skylight leaks can be tricky.

Many homeowners attempt to install skylights on their own only to find out how difficult the task can be. Skylight installation is a serious business and should be left to professionals. However, for those brave (and handy) enough, the tips below should offer some basic guidance, when it comes to proper skylight installation.

Leak-Free Skylight Installation Tips From a Roofing Contractor

The following tips from your Delaware roofing contractor can help you avoid costly mistakes when considering the installation of a new skylight.
1. Follow directions exactly as specified. If you are installing your own skylight, follow the manufacturer’s directions to a T. You may be tempted to cut corners to save time or money, but resist the urge. Product installation per the instructions optimizes the skylight’s performance, leak-free. Consult a professional contractor if you do not feel confident about your installation abilities or if you have questions.
2. Proper mounting. Skylights should be mounted above the roof’s surface to ensure they remain leak-free. Mounting a skylight flush with the roof or recessed under the roof’s surface can compromise its watertight seal. Be sure to seal all joints thoroughly to prevent water from seeping through the cracks. Water damage can cause premature deterioration of shingles, leading to roof repairs or replacement.
3. Install extra protection. Consider adding a raised lip –called a curb—around the skylight in addition to flashing. The curb acts as drainage system, directing water away from the skylight.
Again, skylight installation can be tricky and requires extensive knowledge & experience to be handled correctly. We strongly encourage all homeowners to contact a local roofing contractor for help with any skylight installations & repairs.

An experienced roofing contractors will have the skills necessary to handle such projects and guarantee leak-free system for years to come. Additionally, your local roofer will help you choose a skylight that is compatible with the slope of your roof and the type of roofing materials.

Only Hire Local Reputable Contractors

Invest in your home, and your community, by hiring local contractors!

If you need a contractor with solid experience and reputation, All Roofing Solutions is your roofer. We’re a family owned & operated reputable local roofing contractor with nearly two decades of experience in roofing inspections, repairs & installation in Delaware & Southeastern Pennsylvania. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services, or to request a Free estimate for your skylight installation.

Call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania today!
February 8, 2018
Winter Roofing: Maintenance & Repairs You Can Do Now

Many homeowners encounter a variety of roof problems during the winter, including the formation of ice dams, condensation and damage to structures such as shingles and flashings. Typically, fall is the time to prepare your roof for winter, but if you’re facing issues now don’t despair – certain roofing repairs need to be handled as soon as possible, even if they occur in the winter.

Whether you’re behind on maintenance or your roof developed a leak, we have tips to get you through winter months without a hitch.

Winter Roofing: Maintenance & Repairs You Can Do Now

1. Winter roof maintenance

Inspect the roof and gutters for damage and any signs of ice dams and icicles forming – especially after a windstorm, snowstorm or particularly cold streak. If too much ice builds up, gutters can become too heavy and rip away from the home, leaving you with damage and hefty gutter repair bills.

Additionally, clogged gutters and downspouts can’t channel water and snowmelt away from your home which can lead to serious damage. Ensure your downspouts and fascia are not clogged by ice, snow or other debris such as stray branches or dead leaves. Remove excess snow buildups with a roof rake, and use a hammer and chisel to carefully chip away the ice if you need to.

2. Flashing and chimney repairs

Many roof leaks occur in places where the roof meets up with the home’s siding, chimneys or skylights. Inspect these connection points – check the flashings for holes, cracks, or other signs of damage or deterioration. This is critical – if chimney flashing pulls away or is damaged by wind or hail, water may leak into your attic and your home’s interior.

Your roofing contractor is likely to be able to handle any repairs of this kind, paying close attention to temperatures so that the adhesives used in repairs do not freeze. Luckily, many Pennsylvania and Delaware winters feature a number of days above freezing temperatures that are conducive to roof work.

3. Shingle repairs

If you have damaged roof shingles, it’s essential that you repair the problem promptly. Otherwise, you could end up with a leaky roof and, potentially, serious structural damage to your home’s roof, attic and frame. Shingles that are nailed down or use other types of metal fasteners can be repaired and replaced at any point in the year. Extra care is needed, however, to prevent cracking or breaking already-fragile roofing materials. An experienced roofing contractor will have no problem with this task.

4. Gutter repairs

Gutters play a huge role in keeping your roof dry and clear during the wet winter months. Gutters that are broken, run-down or blocked can cause water damage to both the roof and interior of your home. As long as the day is dry, gutters can be repaired and installed just as effectively during winter as in the warmer seasons. Leaks that develop at aging seams may be repaired with silicone sealant. Small holes can be patched with roofing cement, applied with a putty knife. Larger issues may require replacing the leaky section altogether.

5. Roof replacement

Despite a handful of obstacles, many types of roofs, including metal, wood and shingled, can be replaced regardless of the season. With certain precautions the installation can be done without a hitch. Keep in mind that shingles will be less flexible, harder to cut, and more likely to be overdriven by nails. They may also need to be hand-sealed with roofing cement to prevent the wind from lifting them before there is sufficient heat for them to self-seal.

Flat roofs, especially those made of rubber, however, have to wait until spring. The reason for this is the adhesives used in flat roofing are temperature-dependent. A roof laid during a streak of sub-40-degree weather will not be laid correctly due to problems with the adhesive.

Don’t Postpone Your Repairs Till Spring!

If you’re looking for a contractor with shingle roofing expertise, consider All Roofing Solutions, a family owned & operated Wilmington DE roofing contractor with 20 years of experience. We are fully licensed and insured to do roofing & siding work in Delaware!

Call our DE office at 302-725-ROOF (7663) or our PA location at 610-551-ROOF (7663) for a free price quote or to schedule a roof inspection.

Don’t forget to ask about our discount of 15% off any roof repair job!!!

January 25, 2018
3 Common Winter Roofing Problems to Watch Out For

Winter weather can be hard on your roof, especially in the East Coast states like Delaware or Pennsylvania. Several problems can creep up if you don’t pay attention and, if not adequately addressed, may lead to big, costly roofing repairs.

Today, we will discuss typical roofing damage resulting from condensation & ice dams and also gutter problems caused by icicles.

Common Winter Roofing Problems

Here are three common problems your roof may face over the winter.

Problem #1 – Condensation

When a cold surface meets warm air, condensation will occur. Unfortunately, an improperly insulated attic is a prime candidate for the formation of condensation, which can lead to mold and mildew, damaging the interior structure of your home. To prevent condensation, ensure your attic is properly ventilated.

Attic ventilation is a significant part of a healthy roof system yet it’s often overlooked. While you may know that attic ventilation helps control indoor temperature and saves energy costs, you may not realize that improper ventilation can damage your roof, create ice dams and reduce your roof’s overall lifespan.

Problem #2 – Ice dams

Ice dams are a fairly common occurrence over the winter, the result of an accumulation of ice and water on the roof and under the shingles. Ice dams form when the upper areas of a roof are at above-freezing temperatures, and the lower-hanging areas are below-freezing. Melting snow from the upper, warmer sections of the roof flows down and re-freezes on the colder, lower sections of the roof and gutters, creating the ice dam. As water backs up and pools behind the dam, it may leak into your home through cracks and joints on the home’s exterior, causing interior damage.

Ice dams can be a nightmare, potentially causing extensive water damage to homes. Unfortunately, there is no way to completely eliminate the possibility of ice dams, but they can be minimized. Proper roof insulation, as well as a good attic ventilation system, are key elements in an effective defense against ice dams.

Proper ventilation in the attic of your home is an affordable solution that keeps your roof at a stable temperature even on the coldest days of winter. This encourages ice to melt without damaging the roofing materials.

Clearing your roof thoroughly – and safely – after a snowfall can also prevent the formation of ice dams, and protects the shingle roofing from weather-related damage.

Problem #3 – Icicles

Icicles tend to form in the same weather conditions that lead to ice dams: sunny days and sub-freezing temperatures. Often the result of clogged gutters and downspouts, icicles represent a danger to people and pets. In addition, their excessive weight can cause roofing & gutter damage. To deter icicles from forming, keep your gutters clear of leaves, twigs, and other debris. Remember, when the warmer weather arrives, to attend to gutter maintenance swiftly with the help of your local roofing and gutter contractor to avoid leaking and other problems during spring rains.

What Can You Do Now?

If you’re not sure how your roof is handling all that extra moisture, contact the professionals at All Roofing Solutions. Our dedicated staff of roofing professionals will be happy to help you understand your roof’s potential problems and suggest appropriate preventative repairs.

Additionally, performing a spring roof & gutter inspection will ensure that you address any and all problems that might have developed over those harsh winter months.

Call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania to schedule your inspection or for free repair estimate.

January 18, 2018
Winter Roofing & Shingle Damage: Ice Dams, Roof Leaks & How to Prevent Them
Winter weather can be hard on your roof, especially on the East Coast. In places like Delaware, the wet winter can put a significant strain on your shingle roofing. Several issues can creep up if you don’t pay attention and, if not adequately addressed, may lead to costly repairs come spring.

Today, we’re discussing the two most common winter-related problems in residential roofing and how to prevent your home from incurring expensive and extensive roof repairs.

Winter Roofing & Shingle Damage: Ice Dams, Roof Leaks & How to Prevent Them

Problem #1 – Ice Buildup

Ice buildup can become quite a problem in shingle roofing, particularly if your area has received significant snowfall. The fluctuating temperatures consistent with a DE winter can cause ice to melt and re-freeze on the surface of the roof. The ice that accumulates on the edge of the roof forming ice dams.

Ice dams create a barrier that impedes melted snow from draining normally through your gutter system. Sections of ice that remain on the upper portions of the roof are problematic as well, for similar reasons.

3 Ice Dam Prevention Tips:
1. There is no doubt that ice dams lead to shingle damage & roof leak incidents. Clearing your roof thoroughly – and safely – after a snowfall can prevent the formation of ice dams, and protects the shingle roofing from weather-related damage.
2. A more proactive solution is to ensure adequate insulation & ventilation systems are in place, before winter arrives. Proper ventilation in the attic of your home is an affordable solution that keeps your roof at a stable temperature even on the coldest days of winter. This encourages ice to melt without damaging the roofing materials.
3. Additionally, make sure your home’s gutter system is in good condition before the first frost. Your Delaware roofing professionals can provide comprehensive gutter inspection as part of your fall roof inspection, so remember to schedule one this year!
Problem #2 – Roof Leaks

Roof leaks are an extremely common problem in roofs of all kinds, including shingled types. Leakage in the flashing near chimneys and skylights are perhaps the most common areas that sustain damage. Water damage can impact not only your roof but your home’s interior as well, but can be easily prevented.

Other damage include cracking, bruising and blistering of the surface of the roofing material. Aggressive storms could even cause you to lose whole shingles from your roof. Damage of this kind must be repaired to retain the function and integrity of your roofing structure.

3 Winter Leaks Prevention Tips:
1. Combat potential water damage in your home by making any required repairs to your siding, windows, flashing or shingles in the summer or autumn. A leaky roof can also occur during the spring rainy season – fixing minor issues during the dryer times (fall and summer) of year may help prevent more costly roofing repairs later.
2. Schedule a pre-winter roof inspections to make sure your home is ready for the cold and wet winter conditions. Aside from typical external check of your roofing structure, your roofing inspector should check ventilation, insulation and moisture levels and offer appropriate steps to remedy any potential problems before winter arrives.
3. After big storm, clear your roof of snow as quickly as possible after the storm. Speedy yet safe snow removal does not give the precipitation time to melt and refreeze on the roof, creating ice dams.
Need a Reputable Shingle Roofing Contractor?

The integrity of your roof is critical in maintaining your home’s value. Proper maintenance and inspections, especially before winter snow storms, can significantly extend the life of your roof.

If you’d like to schedule an inspection to diagnose specific problems or evaluate the overall condition of your roof, contact All Roofing Solutions. Serving residential and commercial customers in Delaware and southeastern Pennsylvania, we’ve been installing & repairing roofs since 1998!

Backed by our satisfied customers and a proven track record for excellence, we offer generous warranties, top-quality materials and experienced contractors who get the job done right the first time. We are proud of our craft and stand behind our work 100% – please check our project gallery & read customer reviews on Google.

Protect your home by scheduling a roofing & gutters inspection/maintenance today! Call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania or request a Free Quote online!
December 28, 2017
3 Pre-Winter Roofing Inspection Tips From Your Contractor

As you prepare your home for winter, don’t forget to look up! Pre-winter roofing inspection is critical!

Your home’s roofing and gutter systems may be easy to overlook, but doing so can lead to expensive repairs as the season wears on. This is especially true before winter!

Roofing Inspection: 3 Pre-Winter Tips

The first step to your regular roofing & gutter maintenance are roof inspections. In fact, roof inspections are a crucial part of your seasonal home maintenance and should be done at least annually.

Below are a few tips regarding your pre-winter roof check that you should keep in mind at this time of the year.

#1 – Look for interior signs of roof leaks

Roof leaks will often reveal themselves as stains on your ceilings, or as stains and wet areas in your attic. However, not all roofing problems are obvious, and the absence of drafts or leaks doesn’t necessarily mean your roof is structurally sound. This is why when it comes to roofing inspections it’s important to hire a professional! It’s fairly easy to detect surface problems, but it takes a specially trained eye to spot problems below your shingles and tiles.

If you’re a DIY type. follow out last blog to learn how to locate and fix minor leaks in your roof. More elaborate and intensive repairs can be difficult and onerous, and in many cases, even experienced DIY-ers are better off investing in the safety and security of a qualified contractor.

#2 – Inspect the condition of your shingles & flashings

Weather damage is inevitable. While inspecting your roof, look for curled, cracked, loose or missing shingles from the ground, using binoculars if you need to. Over time, exposure to the elements, as well as storm-related debris, can damage your roof deck compromising the integrity of your roof shingles. Also, check flashings and other penetrations, including around chimneys and exhaust vents. Be sure these areas are properly sealed against the weather.

If you hire a professional roofing company, your inspector will ascend the roof to examine its construction, flashing, vents and chimney. He will check for common problems such as missing shingles, broken shakes or tiles, cracked flashings, damaged chimney bricks, open seams or wear from extreme sun-exposure.

If there are any problems, the inspector will determine the cause and recommend a solution.

#3 – Check your attic insulation levels

Improperly insulated attic is a prime candidate for the formation of condensation, which can lead to mold and mildew, damaging the interior structure of your home. It is also largely responsible for ice dams formation.

Insufficient insulation is especially common in older homes, which were generally constructed when building codes did not require as much insulation. Regardless of the season, a poorly insulated home can be a huge cost for homeowners due to the constant running of heating or cooling systems – there are many winterizing steps you can take to tackle that.

Your roofing inspector should check ventilation, insulation and moisture levels and offer appropriate steps to remedy any potential problems before winter arrives

Regular Inspections Are Key to Long Lasting Roof!

The integrity of your roof is critical in maintaining your home’s value. A thorough inspection from an experienced roofing contractor can help to ensure that your roof is up to the task.

If you’d like to schedule an inspection to diagnose specific problems or evaluate the overall condition of your roof, contact All Roofing Solutions. We not only offer thorough roofing inspection and professional service but also a piece of mind that nothing was overlooked.

Family owned and operated Delaware and Pennsylvania roofing contractor with over 15 years of experience in residential and commercial roofing, we have the experience and expertise to handle all your roofing needs!

Call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania to schedule a roofing inspection or to request a free estimate on your roofing repairs

December 14, 2017