All Roofing Solutions

Category: Roofing Replacement

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
Shingle Roofing Replacement: Tear-Off vs. Adding a Top Layer
There comes a time when roofing repairs just won’t do anymore – your roof sustains extensive damage, whether through a storm or just over time, and your local roofing contractor recommends installing a new shingle roof rather than repairing the damage.

Once you decide on replacing your roof, there are further decisions you will have to make. Before figuring out the color or style of your new shingles, you need to decide – with the help of your roofing contractor – whether to tear off the old shingles or simply add a top layer of new shingles to the existing roof.

Shingle Roofing Replacement: Tear-Off vs. Adding a Top Layer

The decision whether to tear off or add a new layer is an important one to make, and will potentially save you a lot of money and/or trouble down the road – it all depends on your particular circumstances.

The Case Behind An Overlay

Adding a top layer of shingles to the existing structure may sound like “quick fix,” but in certain situations, it is a safe and widely used technique for replacing a worn roof.

Called an “overlay,” this roofing method can save time and money without compromising the integrity of the roof. An overlay is your best bet assuming the wood decking is in good condition, and especially if you’re planning to sell your home soon. The cost of doing a tear can substantially increase the cost of re-roofing, so if you can avoid it that’s great for your wallet.

Check building codes in your city – most allow it once (never lay a roof over a roof over a roof).

The Case Behind a Tear Off

Re-roofing from the bottom up, or tearing off the current roof, can be more costly and labor-intensive than an overlay, but it’s often necessary, and, in some areas of the country, required.

Often, homeowners must undergo a tear-off versus adding a top layer of shingles if the current roof meets certain conditions:
- Two layers of shingles, slate, tiles or shakes already exist on the roof
- The roof is soaked from water damage
- Wood decking needs repairs or replacement
- The roof consists of asbestos/cement tile, wood shakes, slate or clay materials
Tearing the old materials off provides your roofer with an opportunity to look at any issues that might be creeping up underneath the existing roof. Additionally, an overlay cuts the life expectancy of the second layers of shingles in half, so if you want your new roof to last longer removing the old roofing materials is recommended. And while you’re at it, consider recycling the old materials!

Consider All Options When Having A New Roof Installed

Your roofing contractor should be aware of state and local regulations and requirements regarding roofing and upon inspection of your home, will be able to tell you with certainty whether you are looking at a total roof replacement or if the possibility of an overlay exists. Since a new roof can be a costly investment, all options should be considered.

If you need an inspection, or you’re considering installing a new roof and are not sure which way you should go, call All Roofing Solutions, an experienced residential roofing company serving Delaware & Pennsylvania customers since 1998. We will provide you with several new roof installation options that best suit your taste, needs, and budget.

Why Choose All Roofing Solutions
- Family-owned and operated contractor
- Fully licensed and insured for your protection
- Over 25 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 project 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!
Call today at 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania to request your Free Estimate or to learn more about our roofing, siding, door installation, gutter repair and window replacement services!
April 12, 2018
Flat Roofing Installation: Top 5 Materials, Their Cost, Benefits And Drawbacks

Utilized in both residential and commercial roofing, flat roofs offer both aesthetics (a unique architectural looks and styles) and convenience (a place to install HVAC units, for example). They also come with a bit of a reputation for causing problems, however.

Flat roofs are often more prone to leaks and damage than their sloped counterparts, and as such, both homeowners and commercial building owners tend to look after them with a little more care and caution. That extra care and caution carries over to the choices you’ll need to make when replacing your home’s flat roof.

When installing a flat roof, your main goal is to create a barrier that will be impenetrable to water. Flat roofing, also called low-slope roofing, is not entirely flat – they are slightly angled to allow water and melting snow flow into a downspout. Still, they must be able to handle pooling water, snow and ice.

Flat Roofing Installation: Top 5 Materials, Their Cost, Benefits And Drawbacks

Popular options include felt and bitumen, built-up roofing, single-ply PVC roofing, and EPDM roofing, but which of these is best? What are their advantages and disadvantages? How much do they cost? Below is an overview of most popular flat roofing materials.

Single-ply PVC Membrane Roofing

Single-ply PVC membrane roofing is one of the most popular flat roofing material. This option is made up of a PVC membrane base, which are sealed together to form a watertight barrier that is practically maintenance-free once it’s installed. PVC membrane roofing are especially strong and durable, and energy efficient (especially white-colored ones), as they reflect heat away during the summer and help keep it inside during the winter. PVC roofing often comes with lifetime warranty.

The down side? PVC membrane roofing is one of the costlier options, though it does provide excellent long-term value.

Cost of Installation: $7.00 to $10.00 per square foot.

Lifespan: 20 to 30 years.

EPDM Roofing

Ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM) roofing is another option. These rubber roofs are highly durable, lightweight, and energy efficient. Since it forms an insulation barrier, EPDM rubber helps prevent heat transfer, keeping your home cooler during the summer and warmer during the winter. They are low-maintenance and resistant to wind, hail, fire and ozone damage.

EPDM roofing is easy to install, which can be done in one of three ways: it can be attached mechanically, installed fully adhered, or ballasted together. The EPDM roofing membranes are sealed off with specially formulated tape adhesives or liquid bonding agents.

EPDM roofing is also less expensive on average than single-ply PVC membrane roofs, but at the same time, their welded seals are not quite as impenetrable. They also don’t trap heat inside your home very well, which can contribute to rising home heating costs during the winter months. EPDM is also more vulnerable to punctures than other choices.

Cost of Installation: $4.00 to $7.00 per square foot.

Lifespan: 15 to 30 years.

Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) Roofing

TPO is a single ply membrane consisting of a polymer base, mesh fabric reinforcing layer, and tough thermoplastic polyolefin top layer. TPO membranes can be adhered, fastened or ballasted. When adhesive is used, the membrane is chemically bonded to either the roof decking or to an insulation layer. Likewise, the membrane can be mechanically attached to either the decking or to an already fastened layer of insulation. In a ballasted installation, the membrane is laid down and then covered with a layer of river rock or pavers to hold it down.

Like other roofing membrane systems, TPO is an ideal choice for application on commercial buildings which have expansive roofs with little or no slope, combining the strength of EDPM rubbers with hot-air weldable seams. It’s durable, highly reflective and energy efficient, UV and heat resistant, also resistant to chemicals, dirt, and biological degrading. It’s also recyclable. A properly installed and maintained TPO roof has a lifetime of 10 to 20 years, and most manufacturers offer a full warranty.

On the downside, not all TPO membranes are created equal, and some perform a lot better than others. Longevity varies, so purchasing from a high end supplier is critical. They also don’t stand up to heat well.

Cost of Installation: $6.00 to $8.50 per square foot

Lifespan: 10 to 20 years.

Modified Bitumen Roofing

Modified bitumen roofing is a multi-ply roofing material. The traditional material used to cover a flat roof consists of a felt underlayer, which includes a fiber or paper base that is coated with bitumen. This underlayer is then covered over with a top coat of gravel to protect against weather elements. The main advantage of this option is its low cost; felt-bitumen flat roofing materials are cheap and easy to install.

Torch-down application used in their installation is a fire hazard, however, and not recommended for occupied buildings. These roofs are also prone to damage over the medium term, and most felt-bitumen flat roofs have maximum lifespans of 10 to 15 years. They can also be easily damaged, and often require intermediary repairs.

Cost of Installation: $3.00 to $6.00 per square foot.

Lifespan: 10 to 25 years.

Built-up Roofing

If you’re looking for a comparable option that’s got a lot more durability, built-up roofing (BUR)–also known as tar & gravel roof–is comprised of similar elements. However, BUR is much thicker and more durable than standard felt-bitumen roofing, enabling it to withstand more damage and last longer. Consequently, BUR roofs can withstand heavy foot traffic. Its drawbacks: relative to standard felt-bitumen flat roofing products, BUR is more expensive. It is also a lot heavier, making for a more difficult installation and introducing more weight pressure on your roof, the added weight often requiring reinforcement to the supporting structure.

Cost of Installation: $4.00 to $7.00 per square foot.

Lifespan: 15 to 20 years.

Installation Quality Matters

The advantages of each option should be carefully weighed against their drawbacks, taking factors like local weather and climate patterns into account while considering your budget. Remember that the up-front cost of a flat roof replacement only tells part of the story; the longer your roof lasts, and the more energy it helps you save, the greater the long-term value it will deliver.

If you’re shopping around for a flat roofing contractor, call All Roofing Solutions today for a no-obligation and free roofing estimate: 302-725-7663 (Delaware) or 610-551-7663 (Pennsylvania)!

February 15, 2018
Roofing Repairs: How to Replace Damaged Roof Shingles
With constant exposure to the elements, roof shingles have to bear a heavy burden over their lifetime. Eventually, it’s inevitable that they will wear down.

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.

The good news is that repairing asphalt shingle roof is usually not difficult. With a few basic tools and some replacement shingles, you can fix minor roof damage in just a couple of hours. The important thing is to know how, so you can avoid common repair mistakes made by homeowners.

How to Replace Damaged Roof Shingles in 5 Easy Steps
1. Prepare the area in need of repairs. The first thing you need to do is locate each of the damaged shingles. Then, loosen the adhesive grip of the shingles located two rows above the shingles you’re going to replace. Lift the corners of the loosened shingles to a 60-degree angle and use a crowbar to draw out the exposed nails.
2. Move towards the damaged shingles. Repeat the previous step on the first row of shingles above the area you’re repairing.
3. Remove the damaged shingles. Use the same process to loosen the shingles you’re actually going to replace, but instead of just loosening the adhesive, lifting the tabs and removing the nails, take the damaged shingle out of its position.
4. Place your replacement shingles. Put a new shingle in place of the damaged shingles you’ve removed and nail it into place. Once it’s secure, nail the two upper rows of loosened shingles back into place, as well.
5. Leave it like you found it. Your final step will be to reapply adhesive to the tabs of the loosened rows of shingles and paste them back to the roof. Once the adhesive sets, your roof will be good as new!
Hire a Roofing Contractor For More Significant Repairs

Of course, not all roofing repairs are easy. If your roof has suffered serious damage, or if you’re experiencing leaks or other problems you’re not able to fix yourself, you should consider hiring a professional contractor.

When you need an expert, contact All Roofing Solutions. With over 15 years in the roofing business, we have the skills necessary to handle any problem you’re facing, whether hail damage, high wind damage or water damage. Family owned and operated, we pride ourselves with excellent workmanship and great customer service!

Don’t let minor damage turn into costly roof replacement. Call today at 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania for your FREE estimate. And don’t forget to ask about our discount of 15% off any roofing repair job.
July 27, 2017