All Roofing Solutions

Author: All Roofing Solutions

Residential Roofing: 5 Shingle Repair Mistakes to Avoid
Roofing repairs are seldom straight forward – many things could go wrong, and often homeowners end up dealing with unforeseen and costly complications, especially in DYI situations or when dealing with unskilled roofers.

For one, the source of a roof leak is often not easy to determine. Usually a leak is the first indication of trouble, but the location of the leak does not always point to the source of the problem directly – and so the damage continues to develop unbeknownst to the homeowner. Damaged or improperly installed shingles continue to allow water to seep underneath and sometimes accumulate several feet from the source. This pooled water can cause further degrading of the roof and sub-roof materials.

Roofing repairs that are done without a thorough inspection designed to uncover problems like these are seldom successful. This is where the expertise of a skilled roofing contractor comes in.

All Roofing Solutions has been helping Delaware homeowners install and repair their roofs for 20 years! Call (302) 725-7663 or (610) 551-7663 if you need a professional help!

Residential Roofing: 5 Shingle Repair Mistakes to Avoid

Whether you’re the DIY type, or hiring a roofer to handle your repairs, you should be aware of some of the common mistakes that often happen in roof repair:
1. Inadequate or faulty base: It’s never a good idea to simply place new shingles on top of damaged ones during repairs – something lower quality roofing companies do to cut corners. A surface repair does not address problems that arise from damaged decking or improperly installed underlayment. Your roofer must inspects all decking to make sure that it is in proper shape, and has been installed correctly – without evaluating the structural integrity of the sheathing, your chances of overlooking the damage underneath is high. For best results, all damaged shingles should be removed so that an examination of the deck and sheathing can be conducted–and properly addressed.
2. Incorrectly installed shingles: Proper alignment of shingles, especially the starter course, is critical for a successful repair job. Care should be taken to offset joints and to be sure shingles lay flat. Ignoring these considerations may lead to the development of leaks that are hard to detect until serious damage is done.
3. Improper or not enough fastening: A good repair job depends on decking, underlayment and shingles that are all properly attached. Inadequate fastening (such as using nails that are too short) allows wind to raise shingles, moisture to work its way through the layers, and leaks to develop. Make sure your roofer uses long enough nails to reach the decking in order to avoid dealing with shifting and displaced shingles down the road.
4. Poorly installed flashing or reusing old flashing: Flashing is needed to channel moisture away from critical areas. Adequate flashing in valleys and around chimneys, skylights, vents, and satellite dish installations keep these vulnerable areas from allowing water to penetrate the roof. Proper flashing installation is key to avoiding leaks around those roof connections – make sure your flashing is not misaligned, improperly overlapped or insufficiently fastened. It is also important to avoid reusing old flashing as that can be problematic down the road. Again, this is something poor quality roofers tend to do to save money – make sure your roofer only installs new flashing.
5. Ignoring manufacturers’ specifications: Failure to follow guidelines may void manufacturers’ warranties. Proper preparation and installation ensures a quality repair job and maintains the warranty. It’s best to hire certified roofers with proven experience
We Have Extensive Roofing Repair Experience

Avoid costly roof repair mistakes by working with an experience contractor like All Roofing Solutions. We’re licences and insured, and with 20 years of experience in roof repair and replacement we have the knowledge and expertise to make sure the job is done right, with quality products and following industry-leading standards.

To request a free estimate, call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania. And don’t forget to ask about our discount of 15% off any roofing repair job!
July 26, 2018
3 Roofing Maintenance Tips That Will Save You Money
If you’re like most homeowners, you don’t spend too much time thinking about the condition of your roof unless something goes wrong. If it needed a major repair or, even worse, a replacement, you’d probably think about it then!

As we all know, unfortunately, replacing a roof can be a big financial hit – you can expect to pay between $1.50 and $4 per square foot for an asphalt shingle roof. On the other hand, preventative maintenance will cost only your time. So, today we’ll show you simple ways you can put off that replacement for years to come – all with some know-how and little effort!

3 Roofing Maintenance Tips That Will Save You Money

Below are several maintenance steps you can take to extend the life of your roof and save you a lot of money in the long run.

#1. Install proper ventilation and adequate insulation.

This is among the most critical–and often overlooked–steps in extending the life of your roof. Without proper ventilation, a buildup of heat and moisture in your attic can lead to roof rot and diminished insulation efficiency. In winter months, a poorly ventilated attic is a key contributor to the formation of damaging ice dams. In short, properly insulated and ventilated attic space allows your roof to perform well for a longer period of time.
- Attics should be insulated to R-38, which is about eighteen inches of insulation material.
- Most building codes require 1 square foot of venting for each 150 square feet of attic space.
- If there are portions of insulation that have been eroded down, remove it all then install full eighteen inches of new insulation material in its place (instead of simply adding more on top).
- Homeowners should avoid attic fan ventilators with blocked soffit vents, according to Energy Star. Turbine or fan ventilation systems are unreliable, as their moving parts are sure to break down over time. Soffit and ridge venting systems are a much better solution.
- Be aware of all soffit vents around the perimeter of the house and take steps to ensure these vents remain unblocked by debris, insulation, or outside materials.
- Install a thermometer in the attic that can remotely tell you the area’s temperature so you can monitor the situation on an ongoing basis.
#2. Keep gutters and downspouts clear.

Leaves, twigs and other debris can clog your gutter system, causing expensive water leaks in your attic and interior living spaces. If they are clogged, gutters and downspouts can’t channel water and snowmelt away from your home. While you’re cleaning out the gunk, inspect your gutters for signs of damage:
- Evaluate the gutter angle, making sloping adjustments as necessary. Properly installed rain gutters are slightly sloped toward the downspout, allowing water to drain efficiently. Improperly sloped gutters will result in pooling, which over time will rot or corrode your gutters.
- Inspect for gutters pulled away from the home. If water pools in your gutters for any reason, the weight of the water may, over time, loosen the fasteners and allow the gutter to pull away from your structure.
- Check for leaks and holes using a garden hose.
- Inspect your downspouts for any leaks or signs of excessive wear.
- Install gutter guards – we recommend and install Leaf Relief^®.
#3. Inspect your roofing.

It’s a good idea to perform a routine inspection on a regular basis. Look for signs of damage on the roof surfaces, as well as in the attic and interior of your home. Small leaks or minor damage can often be repaired for little cost. Ignoring them, and allowing them to become major problems, can be a very expensive mistake.
- Check flashings for holes, corrosion, cracks, or other signs of damage or deterioration. These metal strips installed where the main body of the roof meets up with the home’s siding, chimneys or skylights create connections that are especially prone to roof leaks.
- Check for broken, cracked, curled, or missing shingles, and any signs of a loss of granulation. Loose or damaged shingles is a common problem. Over time, high winds, hail, tree branches and other debris can take a toll. Often, a little roofing cement may be all that’s needed to repair a loose shingle tab. If the shingle is damaged, you’ll want to have it replaced.
- Check for blisters, cracks, and tears around the edges of the roof
- Inspect damaged chimney bricks and buckled or torn flashing, cracked or worn caps and joints. Check caulking/sealants around the roof for cracking or other damage. Old, worn sealants should be replaced before water seepage causes problems.
- Assess the condition of exhaust pipes, valleys, outer edges or angles where the roof meets the walls.
Need A Roofing Contractor?

A family owned & operated DE/PA roofing contractor, All Roofing Solutions has been serving Delaware and Pennsylvania for nearly 20 years! Whether you need help with inspection, maintenance or repairs, we’re ready to assist you!

To schedule your free consultation, call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania. Contact us today and receive a discount of 15% off any roofing repair job.
July 12, 2018
Roof Leak Prevention: 6 Tips For Proper Attic Ventilation
Attic ventilation is an important part of home construction, yet most homes have either no ventilation or not enough of it. Inadequate attic ventilation can lead to a host of problems, with roof leaks being among the most common.

In order to prevent these issues and extend the life of your roof, you need an attic that literally “breathes.”

The Importance of Attic Ventilation

With proper attic ventilation, you allow for warm, moist air – which naturally rises – to safely escape your home rather than building up in the form of condensation. This helps you keep humidity levels under control, which not only helps maintain the health of your roof, but also helps to keep home heating and cooling costs more manageable.

Without proper attic ventilation, warm and moist air has nowhere to go, creating potentially dangerous attic conditions in the form of condensation, mold and mildew. This, in turn, can make your paint blister and peel, compromise the structural integrity of your attic, create weaknesses in your roof and reduce the efficiency of your insulation.

Another problem that can result from improper attic ventilation is specific to the winter months: ice damming. A lack of attic ventilation can cause ice to build up in your eaves and gutters, which can buckle or fall off under the weight, causing serious and expensive damage to your home.

Bottom line: a well-ventilated attic offers many benefits
1. It prevents mildew growth and rot on your roof’s framing and sheathing by reducing moisture buildup.
2. It helps prevent ice dams in winter by keeping your roof colder.
3. It extends the life of your shingles by keeping the roof cooler in hot weather.
4. It reduces cooling costs in the warm season.
Improving Attic Ventilation

There are many different options available to provide adequate ventilation to your attic space. The most common are:
- ridge vents – installed at the peak of a sloped roof, the ridge vent allows damp, warm air to escape from the attic,
- soffit vents – a vent installed into the underside of your home’s eaves that permits fresh outside air to be drawn up into the attic,
- gable vents – usually installed on the exterior wall of your attic, gable vents are cheap, easy to maintain, save money, and maximize the area in your roof since you won’t have to waste space and money running a whole-house fan,
- powered attic fans – most controversial of all vent systems, they’re intended to cool hot attics by drawing in cooler outside air from attic vents (soffit and gable) and pushing hot air to the outside, but don’t always work as well as intended.
Your roofing contractor will be able to help you select the right option for your home. Remember: more is not necessarily better.

6 Tips For Proper Attic Ventilation & Insulation
- Attics should be insulated to R-38, which is about eighteen inches of insulation material.
- Most building codes require 1 square foot of venting for each 150 square feet of attic space.
- If there are portions of insulation that have been eroded down, remove it all then install full eighteen inches of new insulation material in its place (instead of simply adding more on top).
- Homeowners should avoid attic fan ventilators with blocked soffit vents, according to Energy Star. Turbine or fan ventilation systems are unreliable, as their moving parts are sure to break down over time. Soffit and ridge venting systems are a much better solution.
- Be aware of all soffit vents around the perimeter of the house and take steps to ensure these vents remain unblocked by debris, insulation, or outside materials.
- Install a thermometer in the attic that can remotely tell you the area’s temperature so you can monitor the situation on an ongoing basis.
Have Your Attic Ventilation Checked

A small investment today can save you thousands of dollars down the road, not to mention hours of inconvenience.

If you’re unsure whether or not you have adequate attic ventilation, or if your attic is not ventilated altogether, contact All Roofing Solutions. We are a reliable, honest and skilled roofing contractor with nearly 20 years of experience in the industry. Family owned and operated, we serve customers throughout Delaware and southeastern Pennsylvania, and are happy to solve all your roofing problems, large and small.

Call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania for your FREE ESTIMATE today!
June 28, 2018
Roofing Estimates: What You Need To Know
Getting a roofing estimate is more than just finding out how much your new roof might cost. From the decision who to hire to what materials to use and what warranties will be applied, a roofing estimate is the first step in a successful roofing replacement process, having especially important role in selecting the right roofer for the job.

Just like with any other project, you want to gather multiple estimates so that you can compare the contractors and the packages they offer in order to choose who to hire. Your process should involve the following three steps:
1. Know What You Want – The easiest way to avoid confusion when comparing multiple estimates is to make a che c klist of everything you want and need, present the checklist to each contractor, and have them submit competitive bids.
2. Get Multiple Estimates – Meet with few reputable contractors in your area and ask for written estimates based on your checklist. Getting multiple roofing estimates is critical – only when facing with comparable choices, you will know who’s the best fit for the job and what the project is going to involve. The appointment will last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour and will give you a chance to meet your prospective roofer face to face.
3. Hire Your Top Choice – Once you have few written estimates from all of the contractors you’ve contacted it’s time to compare the contractors and the packages they offer. Finding the right roofing contractor for the job is key – contractors vary in skill, experience and track record.
Roofing Estimates 101

Estimates act as a roadmap to the final contract so it’s important you have written documentation you can evaluate before making any final decisions. In order to read the estimates properly, however, you need to be able to understand what they are all about.

All quality roofing estimates should include:
- Time frame – Estimated project duration.
- Materials – Detailed description of work, including roofing materials, flashing locations, type of sealant used to weatherproof flashing and nail holes, underlayment type, etc.
- Cost – Total project cost and payment schedule:
  - building material costs (roofing material, fasteners, flashing)
  - labor costs, broken down by man hours or listed as a project bid
  - additional expenses, such as sheathing repairs, tear-out of old shingles, etc.
  - preferred payment method and when the funds are due
- Guarantees – How will any issues that may come up after project completion be dealt with? What is the contractor’s guarantee?
- Warranty – When obtaining a roofing estimate, inquire about the types and lengths of warranties or guarantees for materials and workmanship. These warranties should be detailed in writing within your final contract.
- Liability – Liability insurance information is another important information you should request. Reputable roofing companies should supply general liability insurance while on the job, and should provide all employees and site managers with worker’s compensation coverage.
- Cleanup – What are the cleanup expectations? Who will be responsible for interior and exterior cleanup? Is the cost of hauling old materials away included in the replacement estimate? What about recycling cost?
- Permits – The cost of local permits and who will obtain them.
For more helpful tips, please check our recent post on 7 crucial points to remember when requesting an installation estimate.

Need a Reputable Roofing Contractor?

All Roofing Solutions is a family-owned business with 20 years of experience in residential and commercial roofing. We are passionate about providing great service and excellent workmanship, and offer a wide range of roofing services to customers throughout Delaware and southeastern Pennsylvania!

We offer generous warranties, top-quality materials and experienced installation professionals who get the job done right the first time.

What Sets All Roofing Solutions Apart

Call All Roofing Solutions today for a no-obligation and free roofing estimate: 302-725-7663 (Delaware) or 610-551-7663 (Pennsylvania)!
June 15, 2018
How to Compare Roofing Replacement Estimates?
If you’ve decided to replace your roofing, you’ll want to compare the prices and services offered by multiple local contractors in order to decide which roofer is the best for the job. But in order to do that effectively you will need a checklist of everything you want so that you can present identical requirements to each contractor and receive comparable bids.

Save yourself some time and take the guesswork out of quote comparisons by building your roofing checklist before you start making the calls. Without a checklist, you’ll likely find that estimates can vary wildly from one contractor to the next, making the comparison that much harder.

Build a Checklist of What You Want

The first decision you’ll need to make is whether you want to repair your current roof or replace it outright. Generally speaking, if you’ve had recurring problems, or if your roof is more than 15 years old and is showing signs of significant wear, you’re better off replacing it than going with repairs.

Once you’ve decided that replacement is the way to go, spend some time building your requirements list so that you can present it to your selected contractors for bids. Here’s a rundown of all the items your roofing replacement checklist should include.
- Tear-off vs overlay. Will you be tearing off or adding a new layer? In most places, homeowners are allowed up to two layers of shingles on their roofs. If your underlayment is still in good shape, you can save a bit of money by leaving it intact and adding a second layer of shingles. However, if your underlayment is worn, you should replace your roof outright instead of trying to cut corners.
- Size and materials. Calculate the total square footage of your roof, then decide which roofing material you want:
  - Asphalt shingles are one of the most common and affordable options, but there are many others on the market.
  - Slate roofing is costly, but extremely durable and very attractive.
  - Metal roofing offers energy savings, outstanding fire protection and a lengthy lifespan.
  - Concrete and ceramic tiles provide yet another strong and aesthetically pleasing option.
- Product comparisons. Once you’ve settled on a material, do some research into the various products available from manufacturers of that roofing material. Not all asphalt shingles are made equal, and you’ll want to choose a product with a high customer satisfaction rating. If you’ve opted for metal, consider the relative merits of stainless steel, aluminum and copper. Concrete tiles are generally more affordable than their ceramic counterparts, with ceramic offering enhanced performance characteristics that may make the extra investment worth it, depending on where you live.
- Warranty protections. In addition to comparing manufacturer warranties on the roofing materials you’ve selected, you should ask each contractor what kind of installation guarantees they offer. Workmanship isn’t covered by product warranties, so contractors need to provide added assurances that they stand by their work. Contractor warranties range from 5 to 20 years depending on the system they install. The average workmanship warranty is 5 years.
If you’re considering a new roof, the best place to start is by hiring an experienced roofing contractor to do a thorough roof inspection or request a re-roofing estimate directly. Remember that the lowest estimate you get isn’t necessarily the best! Make sure any contractor you consider provides several local client references, serves the area from a permanent location, and presents you with valid licensing and insurance information

Need A Roofer You Can Trust?

If you need an experienced Delaware or Pennsylvania roofing contractor, well versed in the art of shingle roofing installation, call All Roofing Solutions. We offer generous warranties, top-quality materials and experienced installation professionals who get the job done right the first time.

WHAT SETS ALL ROOFING SOLUTIONS APART
- Family owned and operated Delaware & Pennsylvania roofing contractor.
- Fully licensed and insured.
- Nearly 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 Waver to protect the homeowners from material liens
- Own crew – no subcontractors!
- 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 comparing 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 with your complete satisfaction.
- All projects are supervised by company owner to ensure high quality workmanship.
- Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed!
Call today at 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania to request your Free Estimate! And don’t forget to ask about our discount of $400 off any complete roofing installation job!!!
May 24, 2018