All Roofing Solutions

Category: Roof Maintenance

5 Steps To An Effective Winter Roofing Maintenance
While roof maintenance may be the last thing on your mind during the chilly weather, one could make the case that roof care is more important in winter than at any other time of year. This is largely due to the threat of ice dams, which can wreak havoc on your roof and attic and cause major damage.

5 Steps To An Effective Winter Roofing Maintenance

Here is a winter roof maintenance checklist to help you cover your bases:
1. Inspect your gutters regularly for signs of ice dams and icicles forming. Large icicles hanging off your gutters are the telltale sign of ice dams, but they aren’t always this conspicuous. Additionally, 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. If you find any ice dams blocking your down spouts, remove them right away.
2. 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. And while you’re at it, inspect your downspouts for any leaks or signs of excessive wear.
3. Scan your roofing surface for any sign of wind damage. If heavy winds accompany a winter storm, make a visual inspection of your roof once the weather calms down to see if any shingles have come loose or gone missing. Missing, broken, or bruised roof materials can lead to a variety of problems in your home, including leaks, mold and mildew. These will need to be replaced promptly to prevent leaks and other problems associated with shingle gaps.
4. Use a roof rake to remove excess snow buildups on your rooftop. As a general rule of thumb, more than one foot of snow could potentially cause damage. However, to be on the safe side, some experts recommend raking any accumulation greater than six inches off your roof. Never stand on an icy roof! Rake the roof from a ladder, and make sure that someone is home or nearby when you are on the ladder.
5. If you haven’t already and weather conditions still permit, apply a weatherproof coating to all parts of your roof with gentle or even slopes. This will help you avoid roof leaks down the road.
Contact Professional Roofer For Help!

Do you need your roof inspected? Are you’re facing roof leak repairs and need help?

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 10, 2015
6 Steps to Shingle Roofing Maintenance
Regardless of the type of material covering your roof, roofing maintenance is something a homeowner can’t ignore. Your roof’s ability to protect your home, as well as its durability and lifespan, depends on regular inspection, maintenance and repair. Left unattended, minor roof maintenance issues can lead to roof leaks and thus become big, costly headaches.

Asphalt shingles, the most common material in residential roofing today, require occasional maintenance as well – all fall is the best time to handle your yearly inspection.

6 Steps to Shingle Roofing Maintenance

Here are 6 important steps in maintaining healthy shingle roofing:
1. Clear debris, moss & algae from your roof. Leaves, twigs, trash and other miscellaneous debris tends to soak up water and can damage your shingles. Your roof is designed to channel water away from your home, and excess debris makes this task more difficult. You’ll want to check for debris on a regular basis.
2. Check flashings for damage, corrosion, or holes that may need repair or replacement.
3. Loose or damaged shingles can be a common problem. Over time, high winds, hail, tree branches and other debris can take a toll on shingle roofing. 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.
4. Check caulking/sealants around the roof for cracking or other damage. Old, worn sealants should be replaced before water seepage causes problems.
October 15, 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
Protecting Roof & Gutters From Ice & Snow Damage

There’s no doubt that winters can be really hard on a roof, especially asphalt shingle roof. The buildup of ice and snow, added weight, ice dams and the freeze/thaw cycle all threaten to damage your Delaware roof. Through all of this, your roof is still the first line of defense against harsh winter weather.

Protecting Your Roof From Ice & Snow Damage

There are preventitive steps you can take now, as well as during the winter months, to help your roof perform at peak efficiency.

Ice dams

Ice dams form when snow from the upper areas of your roof melts, flows down to lower areas of the roof, and refreezes to create a dam. Water can then “pool” behind the ice dam, seeping through small cracks and into the interior of your home. The best way to prevent ice dams is to keep your attic well insulated and ventilated.

Gutter ice

Ice can build up in your gutters as well, creating big headaches. 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. If ice does build up in your gutters, you can use a hammer and chisel to carefully chip away the ice. You’ll be better off contacting your local roofing contractor as it’s easy to make matters worse very fast.

Downspouts

Keep the areas around your downspouts clear of obstructions and debris, making it easier for snowmelt to drain away from your home.

Snow build up

Occasionally, damage can even occur when the weight of snow and ice exceeds the load-bearing capacity of your roof. This is more likely to happen on homes with flat roofs, or older homes whose roof structures may already be weakened. You may be able to use a specialized tool, called a roof rake, to remove accumulated snow and ice.

Call Your Local Roofer

For a thorough winter roof inspection and expert, affordable roofing services, contact All Roofing Solutions. We are a family-owned & operated Delaware & Pennsylvania roofing contractor with over 15 years of local experience in residential & commercial roofing.

Call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in DE or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in PA to schedule your inspection or for free repair estimate!

December 4, 2014