All Roofing Solutions

Author: All Roofing Solutions

Why It’s Best to Replace Your Roof in the Fall
After over 25 years of experience installing all types of roofing systems, we can safely say that while roofs can be installed at any time of the year, it’s best to replace your roof in the fall.

The advantages of fall installation are obvious; the weather is still nice, but not oppressively hot. Your local roofer can work long hours on your roof completing the replacement in often just one day, all without risking heat exhaustion. Additionally, all materials will be installed under perfect weather conditions, ensuring a better quality of installation & improving your new roof’s longevity.

We’ll go into specifics below, but, simply put, if you’re considering installing a new roof, fall is the prime time to re-roof your home.

Why Replace Your Roof in the Fall?

To understand why it’s best to handle re-roofing in the fall, it’s necessary to consider some of the technical aspects of roof replacement. When new shingles are installed, they need some time to seal and create an airtight barrier that will stand up to even the harshest weather. By replacing your roof in the fall, the shingles will have plenty of time to form that barrier prior to the winter season’s first snowfall.

If it’s clear that your roof needs replacing, it’s a mistake to try to get it through another winter and tackle the project come spring. Even if the problems are relatively minor, like a few small holes or minor leaks here and there, winter can magnify them to a whole new level. A major snowfall can create nightmares for homeowners with faulty roofs since the added weight of the snow can cause further structural problems and trigger leaks and other moisture-related problems, such as ice dams, if the temperature rises above the freezing mark long enough for the snow to melt.

Unsure Whether Your Roof Can Withstand Another Winter?

In case you’re not sure whether or not your roof will make it through the coming winter, you should consider having a local contractor check your roof to evaluate its integrity.

Not all roofing problems are obvious, and the absence of drafts or leaks doesn’t necessarily mean your roof is structurally sound. And if the inspector recommends a roofing replacement over repairs, now is the time to act!

A thorough roofing inspection should include:
- checking for any interior signs of leaks
- checking for broken, cracked, curled, or missing shingles, and any signs of a loss of granulation
- assessing the condition of exhaust pipes, valleys, outer edges or angles where the roof meets the walls
- checking flashings for damage, corrosion, or holes
- inspecting loose gutters or gutters pulled away from the structure
- checking your attic insulation levels
For a roofing inspection checklist, read: Roofing Inspection 101: Contractor’s 3-Step Checklist.

Only Hire Reputable Roofing Replacement Contractors

Installing a new roof is a serious undertaking 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 roofing contractor experienced with the ins and outs of the roofing replacement process.

If you’ve never gone through the re-roofing process, it may seem a bit overwhelming and you may not know where to start. For tips, check out Homeowner’s Guide To Shingle Roofing Installation.

Need Your Roofing Repalced?

All Roofing Solutions is a family-owned and operated roofing contractor that proudly serves Delaware and southeastern Pennsylvania. We have been replacing, repairing, and inspecting roofs in the residential and commercial sectors for nearly 20 years and pride ourselves on excellent workmanship and great customer service!

To schedule your free consultation, call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania. And don’t forget to ask about our discounts!

Why Choose All Roofing Solutions
- Family-owned and operated Delaware & Pennsylvania roofing contractor.
- Fully licensed and insured.
- Over 20 years of experience with roofing & siding installation and repair.
- A+ rated BBB member
- Complimentary Extended Material warranty
- 30-year workmanship guarantee on full roof replacements
- Lien Waiver to protect the homeowners from material liens
- Own crew—no subcontractors!
- Full-service roofer handling all types of residential and commercial roofing, windows & siding projects.
- Most re-roofing projects are completed in one day.
- Because we are efficient we are able to offer very competitive prices compared to large contractors with bigger overhead.
- Each roofing/siding projects includes a meticulously performed, post-roofing inspection. We want to make sure that your roof replacement is done correctly and that it meets your complete satisfaction.
- The company owner supervises all projects to ensure high-quality workmanship.
- Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed!
July 23, 2015
3 Principles of Proper Attic Ventilation
A properly ventilated attic facilitates the natural exchange of indoor and outdoor air in your home. This, in turn, helps you reduce moisture in the attic and keep your home cooler during the summer months. However, in order to optimize the benefits of attic ventilation, it’s important to follow proper principles and procedures. Inadequate ventilation in your attic can do more harm than good.

Ventilation allows consistent airflow through the underside of asphalt shingles. This prevents the excessive buildup of heat, cold, and moisture under a roof.

3 Principles of Proper Attic Ventilation

Attics are ventilated by strategically placed roof vents, which allow outdoor air to come in and let indoor air escape. With that in mind, here are three important principles to ensure proper attic ventilation:
- Calculate your ventilation needs. There is a formula for calculating your ventilation needs: take the total square footage of your attic and divide it by 150. That number is the number of square feet of ventilation that you will need. For example, an attic measuring 12 by 20 feet is 240 square feet in size; divided by 150, that yields 1.6 square feet of ventilation.
- Choose the right venting style. There are numerous ways to ventilate an attic, including strips along the ridge line of your home (ridge vents) as well as soffit vents and gable vents. You can also supplement by installing ventilation fans in your attic and throughout your home, but make sure your soffit vents are not blocked if you install an attic ventilation fan, as this will draw conditioned air out of your home and trigger an increase your household energy consumption.
- Allow for natural airflow at the eaves. One major mistake many people make is covering their attic soffit vents or eaves with insulation. Never do this; it inhibits airflow and defeats the entire purpose of creating the cracks and gaps! Instead, make sure there is no impediment to the airflow in and out of your soffit vents and eaves. As mentioned, this is especially important if you’re installing an attic ventilation fan to promote air transfer.
Hiring Knowledgeable Contractor Is Key To A Healthy Roof System

Your local roofing contractor can audit your roof’s ventilation system and answer all your insulation and ventilation questions. If you are concerned about your home’s attic, or if you need assistance with a ventilation project, contact All Roofing Solutions. As a leading Delaware roofing contractor, we provide a comprehensive range of roofing services, including everything from attic ventilation and roofing repairs to new installations for residential and commercial properties. Family-owned company with over 15 years of experience, we strive to provide the highest level of workmanship and customer satisfaction.

To learn more, call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania!
May 28, 2015
Cedar Roof Maintenance: Common Problems & Solutions

Cedar shake roofs have a unique and striking appearance, and make an excellent complement to rustic houses and homes with wooden exteriors. However, maintaining cedar roofs requires extra attention, and many homeowners eventually find themselves in need of cedar roof repairs. To preserve your cedar roof and minimize the need for roofing repairs, it’s important that you recognize common problems and learn how to address them.

Cedar Roof Maintenance: Common Problems & Solutions

Problem: Moss is building up on your cedar shake roof.

Solution: Affixing copper or zinc strips to your roof’s ridge caps will discourage the growth of moss. It is vital to prevent moss from building up, as it can trap moisture in your cedar roofing panels. Over time, excess moisture will damage the panels and may even cause leaks in the interior of your home.

Problem: Nearby coniferous trees shed their needles on your cedar roof.

Solution: Any accumulated debris in your cedar roofing panels can cause major problems. In addition to conifer needles, you need to keep your roof clear of dirt, branches and leaves. Professional cleaning is the recommended course of action.

Problem: You’re unsure of which preservatives to use on your cedar roof.

Solution: In addition to looking for preservatives and finishes that are specifically labeled for use on cedar shake roofs, be sure to choose a product that repels water, protects against UV damage and comes with a performance guarantee.

Problem: You want to wash your roof, but aren’t sure which techniques are and aren’t safe.

Solution: Power washers can be used on cedar roofs, so long as you follow proper techniques. Cedar roofs are subject to Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau (CSSB) guidelines and standards, so be sure to consult them before power-washing your roof. Better yet, entrust the job to a contractor.

Contact Your Local Roofing Contractor Today!

In addition to cleaning & regular maintenance, certain cedar roof problems require repairs by a professional roofer. If yours is in need of some expert care, contact All Roofing Solutions.

We are a leading roofing contractor serving residents of Delaware & southeastern Pennsylvania, and we’ll help get your cedar shake roof looking and performing good-as-new for an affordable price.

To schedule your free consultation, call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania. And don’t forget to ask about our discounts!

May 14, 2015
Choosing Vinyl vs. Fiber Cement Siding

Today’s homeowners have a wide variety of choices when it comes to choosing the material for their siding installation project. Regardless of what you select for your home’s exterior, siding installation must be done right to ensure optimum results. Hire an experienced siding contractor that specializes in siding residential homes to create the perfect look for your house.

Most Popular Siding Options

Two popular types of siding materials are vinyl and fiber cement. Both of these materials are durable and attractive, and can potentially increase the market value of your home.

According to the 2010, U.S. Census Bureau, vinyl siding is the most commonly used material on North American homes valued under $500,000. Fiber cement siding does not yet possess the long history associated with vinyl siding, but is quickly becoming a favorite among homeowners. The Portland Cement Association estimates that between 12 and 15 percent of new homes use fiber cement siding.

Choosing Vinyl vs. Fiber Cement Siding

You’ll want to consider a few key points when making the important decision between vinyl or fiber cement siding.

Cost

Both vinyl and fiber cement siding are affordable solutions to give your home a new look. Fiber cement mimics the look of natural wood, but can be less costly to install than cedar siding, natural stone or other wood materials.

Vinyl siding is an economical choice as well. In many cases, vinyl siding costs less than fiber cement due to the ease of installation. Vinyl siding goes up quickly and does not require painting, which saves you both time and money.

Design

The styles and arrays of color available in these two types of siding is wide ranging. Some homeowners may even feel overwhelmed at the choices they need to make regarding color scheme and the versatility of texture. Fiber cement is a modern material, but is designed to showcase your home with very traditional styles. Available siding shapes include half rounds, square shingles, and octagons. Vertical siding is crafted for a smooth appearance or to mimic stucco. Pre-finished and primed fiber cement cladding is the most common choice, but homeowners can also have raw materials installed and painted to their exact specifications.

Vinyl siding is also extremely versatile, with more than 300 colors from which to choose. An advantage to using vinyl siding is that once you have matched your desired color, no painting is required.

Durability & Maintenance

No matter which type of siding you choose, durability is on your side. Each of these two materials is environmentally sound, and resistant to fire, wind, rain, hail and decay. Vinyl siding is very easy to care for, needing only a cool water rinse to remain bright and insect-free. Fiber cement is a bit more labor-intensive, requiring painting every 7 to 15 years.

Installation

Consult All Roofing Solutions, your Delaware roofing and siding specialist, to install fiber cement or vinyl siding. Fiber cement cladding in particular requires specialized tools to ensure safe and proper installation so don’t try to handle such project on your own.

Need new siding installed?

Proudly serving customers throughout Delaware and southeastern Pennsylvania and with over 15 years of experience, All Roofing Solutions is a qualified roofing & siding contractor handling both installations & repairs.

Contact us today to receive a free installation estimate for your siding project, or to learn more about our services. Call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania.

April 16, 2015
Slate Roofing on a Budget: Composite Slates
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. This is where composite roof comes in.

Today’s composite slates offer significant advantages over natural slate roofing: they look like the real thing but are lighter, easier to install and less expensive.

Composite Slate Benefits

A composite, or “synthetic”, slate roof is a manufactured product, composed of engineered polymer and other materials combined to make an attractive, durable and affordable roofing option. If you’re looking for a more unique, high-end look for their roof, composite slate is an excellent 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 (often a quarter of the weight of real slate), composite roofing can be installed on almost any home – no special reinforcement, straps or battens necessary.
- Ease of installation: Unlike real slates, whose fragility requires extreme care in nailing, composite slates can be installed using standard roofing nails, shot by pneumatic nail gun. They cut with a utility knife for fitting. This mean faster, and cheaper, installation.
- 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 while not as complex as with natural slate still requires specialized skills and tools. If you’re considering slate roofing, contact All Roofing Solutions, your leading Delaware & Pennsylvania roofing contractor with over 15 years of experience in roofing installation & repair. We’ll be happy to provide a comprehensive inspection of your roof, discuss roofing alternatives, and offer a FREE estimate for your installation.

Call our DE office at 302-725-ROOF (7663) or our PA location at 610-551-ROOF (7663) today. And don’t forget to ask for $400 off any complete roofing job!
January 29, 2015