All Roofing Solutions

Tag: attic ventilation

5 Steps To Ice Dam Damage Repair: How To Fix Ice Dams Fast
Ice dams are a fact of life in Delaware & Pennsylvania—and across America. They can cause major water damage to the exterior and interior as gravity pulls water inside of your home through the wood, insulation, and drywall, causing major structural damage and mold growth.

Ice dam damage repair can be really tricky. Your best bet against damage from ice dams is to so take the steps necessary to keep dams from forming in the first place. Proper attic insulation & ventilation are the key elements in preventing ice dams from developing—having the right insulation and ventilation will provide the optimal temperature balance in the attic, and prevent the thaw/freeze cycle that causes ice dams.

But, what do you do when a dam forms, and you see—or suspect—damage? We share the best way to fix ice dams fast today so read on.

Fixing an Ice Dam Fast: 5 Steps to Ice Dam Damage Repair

If you suspect an ice dam developed on your roof, there are things you can do right away to minimize the damage.
1. First, get rid of any built up snow using a roof rake (used for single family homes with pitched roofs) or shoveling it off (on flat roofs, or when there’s a significant amount of snow).
2. Next, remove the ice dam by breaking it free in small chunks. Be very careful here—you don’t want to further damage the roof, or hurt yourself by falling off.
3. If there’s a leak you notice, blow cold air into the attic to freeze it, aiming it directly at the underside of the roof where water is actively leaking in. This will stop the leak in its tracks.
4. Even when there are no obvious roof leaks, you’ll want to carefully inspect your roof & gutters when you discover an ice dam. From the attic, check the underside of the roof sheathing and roof trim for moisture in the area beneath the dam. In addition, take a look at the insulation, and see if it’s damp. You’re also looking for other signs of water penetration, including water stains and mold. Take your time to thoroughly inspect your roof.
5. If you spot problems, have a professional examine your roof surface. Your roofing inspection contractor should be looking for dark patches, missing or damaged shingles, water streaking down the side of the house, signs of uneven melting/freezing, damp attic insulation, sagging boards, signs of mold and mildew—all of these can be signs of ice dam damage. In addition to identifying the source of the leak, your roofing contractor will detail a plan to repair the damage to your roof. If it appears that mold has formed, you’ll also want to contact a contractor who is licensed in identifying and mitigating mold. Mold can be a serious health hazard, and removal is best left to an expert!
Remember, always keep safety in mind when working on the roof, especially in winter. Or better yet, hire professionals—ice dam damage repairs can be a slow, dangerous work, so hire someone experienced at roofing in all seasons.

Call Your Local Roofing Contractor

If you suspect your roof has been damaged and needs repairs—whether because of ice dams or otherwise—the best advice we can give you is to seek out the expertise and advice of an experienced, local roofing contractor. And All Roofing Solutions is ready to help!

We’re a family-owned business with over 20 years of experience and offer affordable, expert roof repair, replacement, and installation services to customers throughout Delaware and southeastern Pennsylvania. We pride ourselves on outstanding workmanship and great customer service, and have amassed a list of happy customers who love our work!

Call our DE office at 302-725-ROOF (7663) or our PA location at 610-551-ROOF (7663) for your free repair estimate today! And don’t forget to ask about our discount of 15% off any roof repair job!!!

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!
January 11, 2022
Asphalt Shingle Installation: Importance of Ventilation & Insulation

Asphalt shingles are the most popular residential roofing material available on the market today mainly due to their affordability, durability, and ease of installation.

When the roof installation process begins, most homeowners will focus on the brands and colors available. However, experienced roofing companies must also carefully consider ventilation and insulation needed for an effective roofing system.

Shingles provide a home’s first layer of defense against the elements. However, a roof must also be able to provide protection against mold, mildew, structural damage, and excessive energy costs — which is where adequate ventilation and insulation come in.

Asphalt Shingle Installation: Importance of Ventilation & Insulation

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

In summer, poorly ventilated roofs can result in extremely hot attic spaces. This heat can significantly damage shingles and reduce the effective lifetime of a roof. In cooler seasons, a lack of ventilation can trap cold air and cause moisture to build up, resulting in problems with mold, mildew, and damage to the roof and gutters. Properly ventilating a roof upon installation is vital to protecting against the problems caused by seasonal extremes and avoiding future, often costly, repairs.

Insulation is another key aspect of asphalt shingle roofs that, if overlooked, can be very problematic for a homeowner.

Poorly insulated attics provide a home with little protection against temperature extremes.

Insufficient insulation is especially common in older homes, which were generally constructed when building codes did not require as much insulation. Regardless of the season, a poorly insulated home can be a huge cost for homeowners due to the constant running of heating or cooling systems.

While the need for sufficient ventilation and insulation of asphalt shingle roofs is clear, meeting this need isn’t always easy. Simply adding venting and insulation to an existing roof without knowing the optimal type, amount, and location is not recommended. Homeowners should seek professional advice before attempting this type of work.

If your roof is not properly ventilated, what can your roofer do? The solution depends on what is causing the lack of airflow. In the simplest case, there may be insulation or some other material obstructing vents. If this is the problem, a roofer will simply remove the obstruction. In many cases, the lack of ventilation is caused by something more serious—such as a lack of intake or exhaust vents or the inappropriate placement of vents.

Hiring Professional Contractor Is Key To A Healthy Roof System

We can’t stress this enough: you get what you pay for. Only hire a reputable contractor after a thorough research & background check.

The bottom line? If you want a healthy and efficient roof system, you need to find a quality installer who won’t cut corners.

Contact All Roofing Solutions, a reputable DE roofing installation contractor with a team of skilled, loyal and hardworking crewmen. As a family-owned company servicing Delaware & eastern Pennsylvania for over 15 years, we strive to provide the highest level of workmanship and customer satisfaction.

To schedule your free estimate, call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania. Contact us today and receive a discount of $400 off any complete roofing job!

December 13, 2018
Fall Roofing Maintenance: 8-Point Attic Ventilation Checklist
Attic ventilation offers year-round benefits that help homeowners save energy & prevent problems.

Attic ventilation check is a critical part of fall roofing maintenance. Proper attic ventilation is critical in controlling moisture/heat buildup in an attic space – and preventing winter roofing issues such as ice dams and structural damage due to pooling water and ice build up.

During the summer, adequate ventilation can help prevent heat from building up inside the home’s upper reaches, where warm air tends to collect and stagnate. In the winter, attic ventilation helps prevent excessive indoor moisture and humidity, helping guard against potential problems like mildew and mold.

Specific to roofing, it’s also important to remember that some shingle manufacturers list suitable attic ventilation as a warranty requirement, so it’s especially important to perform a thorough check in advance of any roof upgrades.

An Attic Ventilation Checklist Used by Home Inspectors

Professional home inspectors use the following 8-point checklist when evaluating the suitability of a home’s attic ventilation strategy:
1. Does the system follow the principles of balance? Exhaust vents, located near roof ridges, and the intake vents near the soffits need to be balanced one-for-one. Many homes have inadequate intake venting, a problem best relieved by adding continuous intake vents.
2. Are the vent holes properly sized? It isn’t enough to simply balance the number of vents; they also need to have holes that facilitate adequate airflow relative to the size of the space being ventilated.
3. Does the system feature insulation baffles? Baffles prevent soffit vents from getting blocked off, which essentially renders them inoperable.
4. Is there any evidence of moisture problems? Warped or degraded wooden framing and the presence of mold and/or mildew indicate problems with excess humidity, which itself is a sign that the ventilation system isn’t performing the way it should.
5. Are the vents free of obstructions? Over time, leaves, dirt and other debris can clog vents, limiting or even eliminating their efficiency. They also get painted over sometimes, a problem that should be remedied immediately if detected.
6. Do all vents use the same system? There are various attic ventilation systems, including gable louvers, power vents and others. These systems can’t be mixed and matched in a single home; all vents should use a single system to ensure operational viability.
7. Are there cathedral ceilings? If so, you’ll need to take a different approach to inspection, physically checking for signs of moisture penetration like cracked or chipped paint, stains and evidence of condensation, mildew and/or mold.
8. Does the vent meet code standards? There are two main types of code requirements: 1/300 and 1/150. Consult the International Building Code (2000) for specifics on how to calculate the standards to achieve specific airflow rates, guided by the principle that 1/150 ventilation is needed if the attic has no vapor inhibitor or has an uncorrectable imbalance, and 1/300 ventilation is needed if it does, or if the system is already balanced.
Have Your Attic Ventilation Checked

If you’re unsure whether or not you have adequate attic ventilation, consult a professional roofing contractor. Achieving proper ventilation can be a technical undertaking, so you’ll need to eliminate any possible guesswork from the equation to achieve optimal results. A small investment today can save you thousands of dollars down the road in unnecessary repairs, not to mention hours of inconvenience.

If you want a healthy and efficient roof system, you need to find a quality installer who won’t cut corners.

Contact All Roofing Solutions, a local Delaware roofing contractor with a team of skilled, loyal and hardworking crewmen. We serve customers throughout Delaware and southeastern Pennsylvania, and are happy to check the integrity of your attic ventilation or handle any other roofing issues.

Call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania to request your FREE ESTIMATE.
September 11, 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