All Roofing Solutions

Category: Roofing Repairs

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
Residential Roofing: 5 Most Common Shingle Roofing Repairs
While there are a host of roofing issues you may come across over a lifetime of your roof, some are more common than others. Sooner or later, an asphalt shingle roof will require repairs, whether for normal wear and tear or severe weather damage.

Some repairs are quite unique in nature. Most likely, however, you will be dealing with one of the few common problems we see on a regular basis when inspecting roofs across Delaware.

5 Most Common Shingle Roofing Repairs in Residential Roofing

There are several types of damage that will require repairs. The sooner you handle those the better. Waiting too long (for better weather, better contractor, better financial situation) may cause further damage – and cost you more to repair in the end.

The five most common shingle roofing repairs
- Damage from hail, wind, or ice dams: Ice dams can be more than a nuisance. 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.
DIY Repairs vs. Hiring a Contractor

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. Sometimes the cause of a problem/leak is hard to determine – the location of the leak may not directly indicate the problem’s location. This is why hiring an experienced roofing contractor is critical. Roofing repairs that are done without a thorough inspection are seldom successful, and the homeowner may then face an even costlier remedy.

When looking for professional help, do your research. By hiring a reputable, licensed roofing contractor, a homeowners will avoid the pitfalls of poor shingle roofing repairs, something quite common when dealing with an inexperienced, fly-by company.

At All Roofing Solutions, we’re proud to have a skilled team dedicated to servicing all your roofing needs. We’re a family owned and operated Delaware & southeastern Pennsylvania roofing contractor with over 15 years of experience in replacing, repairing, and inspecting roofs for residential and commercial clients.

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!
To schedule your FREE roofing estimate contact our Delaware team at 302-725-ROOF (7663), or our Pennsylvania crew at 610-551-ROOF (7663). And don’t forget to ask about our discount of $400 off any complete roofing installation job!!!
November 30, 2017
From Roofing Inspection to Repairs: 5 Fall Maintenance Tips for Homeowners
Home maintenance experts point to fall as the year’s most important maintenance and repair seasons.

Winter can bring all kinds of unruly and unpredictable weather, and if your roof has any minor or undetected structural or repair problems, you run the risk of having them get out of control at the worst possible time. Harsh winter elements can easily turn small problems into big ones, so be proactive and ensure your roof is ready for the cold weather before it arrives.

From Roofing Inspection to Repairs: 5 Fall Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

These five key items should be on your fall roof maintenance checklist:

#1. Inspect, Clean & Fix Gutters

Gutters provide essential drainage, directing rainwater and melted snow and ice off your roof and safely away from your home. However, by the later part of autumn, chances are they need some cleaning. Falling leaves, sticks, twigs, branches, and all kinds of other debris can easily become trapped. If clogged gutters interferes with their proper function, you risk developing ice dams during the winter, and they are among the most notorious and costly problems a homeowner can face.
- Clear leaves & debris. Gutters and downspouts must be clear of leaves and debris to do their job. Clogged, dammed drain outlets lead to overflowing gutters, and may even pull the gutters loose. Avoid clogged gutters from forming in the first place by installing a gutter guard protection system, or grab a ladder and clear your regular gutters from all the accumulated debris, before fall rains start.
- 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. An easy way to test the slope is by spraying water into the rain gutters with a hose (do this only after cleaning your gutters to avoid potentially clogging it and making things worse). The water should flow smoothly toward the downspout. Additionally, improper location of downspouts, or not having enough of them, can lead to standing water and overflows during heavy rains.
- 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. To check the integrity of your gutter system, an annual inspection is recommended.
- Check for leaks and holes. Using a garden hose, spray water on your roof to see if your gutters are leaking. If you don’t have seamless gutters, your system may begin to leak at aging seams. These leaks may be repaired with silicone sealant. Be sure to seal both the inside and outside of the gutter. Small holes can be easily repaired with roofing cement, applied with a putty knife. Larger issues may require replacing the leaky section altogether.
- Inspect downspouts. Inspect your downspouts for any leaks or signs of excessive wear. If your downspouts are joined to fascia boards, ensure that they are firmly attached.
#2. Inspect & Repair Your Roof As Needed

During the fall, you should also make a careful and thorough check for any obvious signs of damage to your roof. Loose or missing shingles, loose roofing elements, cracks, blisters, chipped roofing cement…all of them should be dealt with before the first snowfall. Binoculars are your best friend if you don’t feel comfortable climbing a ladder onto your roof.
- 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
- Check flashings for damage, corrosion, or holes that may need repair or replacement.
- 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.
If your roofing inspection uncovers issues that require remediation, don’t wait until spring. Have them fixed now, before the snow starts to fall. Otherwise, you risk developing problems that may be far more difficult and expensive to repair later.

Bottom line: Patch any ongoing roof leaks, or hire a contractor to handle that for you. As you work on repairing your roof, remember to stay safe and take special care to not inflict further damage to your roof.

#3. Trim Trees That Hang Over Your Roof

If you have trees with branches that hang over your roof, it’s a good idea to trim these branches away to prevent leaves from falling onto your roof. The accumulation of leaves, branches, twigs, and other debris can cause blockages in your gutters, leading to ice dams and other potentially serious issues, as mentioned earlier.

This supplemental task serves multiple purposes. First, it eliminates some of the potential debris that could end up in your gutters as winter wears on. Second, and more importantly, it reduces your chances of suffering serious damage as the result of a winter storm. High winds and heavy snowfall accumulation can cause even large, sturdy branches to break off, and they can cause big problems if they land on your roof with a crash.

#4. Don’t Forget To Check The Attic

Some problems are less obvious, and you’ll need to track down clues that might be on the inside of your home rather than outside. Head up to your attic to check for signs of leaks. Check your attics and all walls and ceilings that adjoin your roof for signs of water damage, such as leaks or discolored splotches. The presence of mold and mildew, stains, and warped wooden elements all indicate leakage, or high humidity levels.

Proper attic insulation and ventilation are the keys to fixing these issues and preventing the serious problems they can cause. Be especially vigilant about mold – roof leaks can give moisture and mold a way to get a foothold inside your house.

#5. Make a list

Keep a comprehensive record of any possible problems you find. This will make it faster and easier for you to obtain and compare quotes from roofing contractors, should you decide to hire a professional to perform any necessary repairs.

If you encounter problems you don’t know how to repair on your own, reach out to a reputable local professional roofing contractor. Making an investment in proper repairs now can pay off in spades by helping you avoid more serious and more costly problems during the winter, when snowy and slippery conditions can make repairs difficult or impossible.

Have A Leak? Hire A Repair 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.
October 5, 2017