All Roofing Solutions

Tag: attic ventilation

  • Winter Roofing & Shingle Damage: Ice Dams, Roof Leaks & How to Prevent Them

    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

    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!

  • 3 Pre-Winter Roofing Inspection Tips From Your Contractor

    3 Pre-Winter Roofing Inspection Tips From Your Contractor

    As you prepare your home for winter, don’t forget to look up! Pre-winter roofing inspection is critical!

    Your home’s roofing and gutter systems may be easy to overlook, but doing so can lead to expensive repairs as the season wears on. This is especially true before winter!

    3 Pre-Winter Roofing Inspection Tips From Your Contractor

    Roofing Inspection: 3 Pre-Winter Tips

    The first step to your regular roofing & gutter maintenance are roof inspections. In fact, roof inspections are a crucial part of your seasonal home maintenance and should be done at least annually.

    Below are a few tips regarding your pre-winter roof check that you should keep in mind at this time of the year.

    #1 – Look for interior signs of roof leaks

    Roof leaks will often reveal themselves as stains on your ceilings, or as stains and wet areas in your attic. However, not all roofing problems are obvious, and the absence of drafts or leaks doesn’t necessarily mean your roof is structurally sound. This is why when it comes to roofing inspections it’s important to hire a professional! It’s fairly easy to detect surface problems, but it takes a specially trained eye to spot problems below your shingles and tiles.

    If you’re a DIY type. follow out last blog to learn how to locate and fix minor leaks in your roof. More elaborate and intensive repairs can be difficult and onerous, and in many cases, even experienced DIY-ers are better off investing in the safety and security of a qualified contractor.

    #2 – Inspect the condition of your shingles & flashings

    Weather damage is inevitable. While inspecting your roof, look for curled, cracked, loose or missing shingles from the ground, using binoculars if you need to. Over time, exposure to the elements, as well as storm-related debris, can damage your roof deck compromising the integrity of your roof shingles. Also, check flashings and other penetrations, including around chimneys and exhaust vents. Be sure these areas are properly sealed against the weather.

    If you hire a professional roofing company, your inspector will ascend the roof to examine its construction, flashing, vents and chimney. He will check for common problems such as missing shingles, broken shakes or tiles, cracked flashings, damaged chimney bricks, open seams or wear from extreme sun-exposure.

    If there are any problems, the inspector will determine the cause and recommend a solution.

    #3 – Check your attic insulation levels

    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. It is also largely responsible for ice dams formation.

    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 – there are many winterizing steps you can take to tackle that.

    Your roofing inspector should check ventilation, insulation and moisture levels and offer appropriate steps to remedy any potential problems before winter arrives

    Regular Inspections Are Key to Long Lasting Roof!

    The integrity of your roof is critical in maintaining your home’s value. A thorough inspection from an experienced roofing contractor can help to ensure that your roof is up to the task.

    If you’d like to schedule an inspection to diagnose specific problems or evaluate the overall condition of your roof, contact All Roofing Solutions. We not only offer thorough roofing inspection and professional service but also a piece of mind that nothing was overlooked.

    Family owned and operated Delaware and Pennsylvania roofing contractor with over 15 years of experience in residential and commercial roofing, we have the experience and expertise to handle all your roofing needs!

    Call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania to schedule a roofing inspection or to request a free estimate on your roofing repairs

  • Preventing Ice Dam Damage: The Importance of Insulation & Ventilation

    Preventing Ice Dam Damage: The Importance of Insulation & Ventilation

    Preventing Ice Dam Damage: The Importance of Insulation & Ventilation

    Ice dams are a common winter roofing problem and while they cannot be completely avoided, there are preventative steps a homeowner can take to minimize their impact. Ice dams can become a serious issue in shingle roofing, especially, particularly if your area receives significant snowfall during winter.

    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 leading to ice dams, which form as snow on the upper part of a roof melts. The melted snow water runs down the roof slope under the blanket of snow, then refreezes into bands of ice at the roof’s edge to create a dam.

    Once the dam forms, additional melting snow continues to build up and form pools behind the dam, eventually leaking into the home through the roof or roof trim.

    3 Tips on Preventing Ice Dam Damage

    If you want to proactive prevent ice dams, make sure adequate insulation & ventilation systems are in place, before winter arrives.

    The Importance of Attic Insulation

    Proper attic insulation is the most effective way to prevent ice dams from forming.

    As heat escapes from the interior of the home and enters the attic, it warms the underside of the roof, initiating the ice dam cycle. Reducing or eliminating the heat on the underside of the roof is the most effective way to prevent ice dams. A well-insulated attic not only reduces the heat under the roof, thus stopping snow from melting too quickly—but it also increases energy efficiency and comfort.

    The Importance of Attic Ventilation

    A properly ventilated attic deters ice dams by keeping the underside of the roof cool. In some homes, an electric fan may be installed in the attic to pull in outside air, keeping the temperature inside consistent. Attic ventilation also helps to prevent moisture buildup and keeps the underside of the roof cooler in the summer, lengthening the life of the shingles.

    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.

    Maintaining a Healthy Gutter System

    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. Hence, maintaining a healthy gutter system is key in ice dam prevention.

    Make sure your home’s gutter system is in good condition before the first frost. Additionally, simple things like cleaning your home’s gutters help prevent ice damming. If your gutters are full of debris, snowmelt will re-freeze when flowing into the gutter during sub-freezing temperatures, forming a dam.

    Your Delaware roofing professionals can provide comprehensive gutter inspection as part of your fall roof inspection – there’s still time to schedule one before winter storms hit!

    Take Care of Your Roof BEFORE Problems Develop

    If you suspect your roof is improperly ventilated/insulated, need help with seasonal maintenance or leak repairs, call All Roofing Solutions, a family-owned roofing contractor with over 15 years of experience in residential and commercial roofing.

    We offer thorough pre-winter roof inspections which allow us to uncover even most hidden roofing problems and offer repair options. We also offer emergency roof repairs in case the damage requires immediate attention.

    Join the ranks of our happy clients today! Call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in DE or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in PA to schedule your inspection or for you FREE ESTIMATE!

  • Fall Roofing Maintenance: 6 Tasks You Shouldn’t Ignore

    Fall Roofing Maintenance: 6 Tasks You Shouldn't Ignore

    Preventative maintenance is the key to avoiding leaks and other roofing problems.

    It’s difficult to repair roofs during the winter, when cold temperatures and snowfall accumulation make access a tricky proposition. The added weight of ice and snow can also worsen existing problems, so it’s essential to care of any underlying issues before the winter elements arrive in full force.

    Ice dam formation, flashing leaks, and structural damage pose a real threat to your roof, but they are all preventable – this is where a quick fall inspection & maintenance come in.

    Your 6-Point Fall Roofing Maintenance Checklist

    Experienced roofing contractors emphasize the importance of these six key fall roofing maintenance tasks:

    • Trim your tree branches. 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.
    • Clean out your gutters. To that end, you should also hop on your ladder and check your gutters. Manually remove any debris you find, since buildups of leaves, branches, and twigs can impede the flow of water as it tries to drain from your roof.
    • Add gutter guards. This is a good idea if you have tree branches hanging over the perimeter of your roof. Gutter guards are inexpensive accessories that create a barrier between your roof’s edges and your gutters, preventing leaves and debris from getting into your gutters in the first place.
    • Check your attic. Head up to your attic to check for signs of leaks. 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.
    • Hire a roofing professional to perform an inspection. Most homeowners lack the specialized knowledge needed to detect roofing problems during a casual inspection. It’s far better to hire an experienced inspection contractor to carry out a .
    • Repair any underlying problems promptly. 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.

    To arrange a professional roofing inspection, reach out to a local contractor. The experienced eye of a roofing pro can detect problems that might otherwise escape your notice.

    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 installation contractor with a team of skilled, loyal and hardworking crewmen. We serve customers throughout Delaware and southeastern Pennsylvania, and are happy to offer advice about attic ventilation or other roofing issues.

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

  • The Importance of Attic Insulation in the Health of a Roof

    The Importance of Attic Insulation in the Health of a Roof

    The Importance of Attic Insulation in the Health of a Roof

    A lot of homeowners underestimate the importance of installing proper insulation in their attics, thinking it isn’t worth the time or money to improve a space that’s usually used only for storage.

    The reality is that attic insulation plays an extremely important role in the health of your roof and the energy efficiency of your home. It helps keep your home cool during the summer and warm during the winter, and when paired with an effective ventilation strategy, attic insulation also helps to prevent potentially costly problems like ice dams.

    Attic Insulation and Its Role in Home Energy Efficiency

    Insulation creates a thermal barrier that inhibits heat transfer. This means that it helps keep hot air out in the summer and prevents the loss of warm air during the winter. Given that heating and cooling accounts for between 50 and 70 percent of the average home’s energy usage, you can significantly lower your costs and improve efficiency by adding proper insulation to your attic.

    It’s important to carefully consider the climate in which you live when selecting a product or determining how much insulation to install. Look at a metric known as the “R-value” of a given type of insulation; this value tells you how effective the insulation is at inhibiting heat transfer. The higher a given insulation’s R-value, the better it is at preventing heat gain or loss.

    Keep Ice Dams at Bay with Proper Insulation

    Ice dams happen when snow that’s collected on the roof is melted by heat coming from the attic, then runs off to lower sections of the roof or into the eaves. There, it freezes again, and the ice thus formed can prevent water from draining properly. The water can then become trapped under the shingles, causing serious damage to your roof that can permanently alter its structural integrity and require expensive repairs.

    When paired with proper attic ventilation, insulation is the most effective way to prevent ice dams from forming. It helps keep the temperature of your attic at a controlled level, thus stopping snow from melting too quickly.

    The Benefits of Professional Installation

    Professional installation of attic insulation removes all guesswork from the product selection and installation processes. Experienced pros know what type of insulation is best for your home and climate, and they can also help with ventilation strategies and other improvements that will ensure your attic supports the health of your roof. Reach out to a dependable professional in your area to get your questions answered or obtain a project-specific custom estimate.

    And if you need help with attic ventilation or roof damage repairs, contact All Roofing Solutions, your local roofing contractor with over 15 years of experience in residential and commercial roofing. We’ll can help you ensure your roof is as energy efficient as possible, repair leaks, handle any ventilation issues, or replace your entire roof, gutters, windows or siding – whatever services you may need!

    Call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania or request your free estimate online!