All Roofing Solutions

Tag: energy efficient roofing

Residential Roofing: How Poor Ventilation Ruins a Roof
When having new roof installed, most homeowners focus on ensuring they get a quality roof that adequately protects their home from the elements. One thing that’s critical yet rarely considered, however, is the issue of allowing a continual flow of outside air to enter the attic in order to keep the roofing structure well ventilated. Without proper attic ventilation, numerous problems can arise and the lifetime of your roof may be significantly shortened.

Why Poor Ventilation Is Ruining Your Roof

A properly ventilated roof creates a balance between air intake and air exhaust. Without consistent air movement, problems with temperature and moisture can arise. Because of temperature and moisture extremes, hazards result that may impact not just your roof, but the entire house—along with your finances and even your health.

By controlling extreme temperature and moisture levels through proper attic ventilation, you can:
- lower cooling bills,
- decrease the buildup of mold and mildew, which can adversely impact your health,
- lessen the potential for damage to siding, wallpaper, and interior and exterior paint,
- reduce warping and cracking of wood framing and buckling of shingles,
- eliminate ice dams that can cause leaks,
- prolong the life of the roof.
Ensure Proper Ventilation For Better Roof Health

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.

Contact All Roofing Solutions, your Delaware roofing repair contractor with over 15 years of experience in examining and repairing attic and other roof problems. We’re here to help with all your roofing needs, and are available to assist you with roof leak repairs, new installations and roofing inspections. Regardless of the problem, our staff of roofers will work with you to determine your needs and provide you with solutions tailored specifically to your home.

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 21, 2016
3 Misconceptions About Rooftop Solar Panels

If you’re considering an Eco-friendly electricity solution, photovoltaic solar panels are a durable, energy efficient option that offers a number of advantages.

Contrary to what you may have heard, today’s solar panels are not heavy and obtrusive. In some cases, thin-film photovoltaic laminates can even be bonded directly onto metal roofing panels.

Unlike earlier systems, there is often no need for bulky solar panel racks and expensive glass. Instead, photovoltaic laminates can be applied with a peel-and-stick method that protects your roof from leaks.

3 Misconceptions About Solar Panels & Your Roof

What about those other myths you’ve heard? We’re here to debunk misconceptions about solar panels and your roof. Here’s the truth of the matter.

Myth #1: Solar power requires bright light to work well, and is therefore unreliable.

The way that solar panels work is commonly misunderstood. While solar panels produce more energy on bright, sunny days, they continue to work on cloudy days, too. If, for some reason, electrical use is greater than solar production, the local utility makes up the difference. On days when your PV system produces more energy than your home needs, excess power is sent back through the utility grid. The result? Lower utility bills!

During the winter, photovoltaic panels may be temporarily disabled when snow covers the cells. However, as soon as snow melts or is brushed off the panels, operation resumes.

Myth #2: Solar panels require extensive maintenance.

There are no moving parts in photovoltaic panels, so they require little to no maintenance. We recommend checking the panels for dirt buildup two to three times per year. If you are not comfortable climbing on your roof to do this, a qualified roofing expert can check solar panels during your seasonal roofing inspection. For basic, do-it-yourself cleaning, a garden hose will suffice. Keeping panels clean ensures optimal energy production.

Myth #3: Solar panels are not worth the cost.

With the advent of thin film photovoltaic (PV) laminates that bond directly to metal roofing panels, solar systems are becoming more affordable. Heavy, expensive glass is rarely needed anymore, and bulky mounting systems are becoming a thing of the past. Instead, many PV systems are composed of unbreakable silicon and Teflon films. When these films can be attached to your roof using the peel-and-stick method, you also reduce the chance of creating expensive roof leaks during installation.

Bottom Line: Solar Panels Are Energy-Efficient & Eco-Friendly

Rooftop solar panels are here to stay. In the long-term, PV panels will save you money while reducing your carbon footprint—and that’s good for your wallet and the environment.

To learn more about solar PV panels, or to inquire about other solar energy options for your residential or commercial roof, call All Roofing Solutions today. We’re a family owned & operated roofing contractors based in Wilmington, DE. Backed by over 15 years of experience in the roofing industry, we can help you slash your energy costs while investing in green technology.

To learn whether your roof is sound enough to tolerate mounting and installation of a new solar panel system, call 302-725-7663 in Delaware or 610-551-7663 in Pennsylvania or request an inspection online!

June 2, 2016
Proper Installation & Right Roofing Material Key to Energy Efficient Roof
When it comes to energy efficiency, your roof is one of the most important features of your home. The wrong roofing materials and improper installation can lead to heat gain during the summer and loss of interior heat during the winter.

If you’re going to repair or replace your roof, it’s vital that you evaluate roofing materials and use proper installation techniques to optimize your home’s energy efficiency.

Roofing Materials for Superior Energy Efficiency

Not all roofing materials are made equal when it comes to enhancing energy efficiency. Ideally, you want to choose a roof system/type that create a strong barrier between your home’s interior and the outdoors. This prevents energy losses and helps inhibits the effects of exterior environmental factors.

Experts recommend these roofing materials for superior energy efficiency:
- Metal roofing – Not only does metal inherently absorb less heat than shingles, but it also naturally reflects heat away. This dramatically reduces summertime heat gain, helping you slash cooling costs.
- Clay and slate roofing – Both of these materials boost energy efficiency by promoting natural airflow on the roof’s surface, which keeps your home cooler. Slate roofing is the more durable option, as clay can shatter in a heavy hailstorm.
If you’re still drawn to the relative affordability of roof shingles, one thing you should do is apply a special reflective coating. Without a reflective coasting, asphalt shingles will absorb upwards of 75 percent of the heat that strikes them – and most of that heat will end up penetrating your home. By contract, shingles treated with a coating reflect about 80% of the heat they’re exposed to, boosting home energy efficiency in all seasons.

16

Installation Techniques for an Energy-Efficient Roof

Beyond ensuring that your roofing materials are properly installed, fully sealed and protected with reflective coatings, you can also benefit by adding roof insulation and building a radiant barrier in your attic. Both insulation and radiant barriers inhibit heat transfer, helping you dramatically reduce heating and cooling costs.

Professional roof installation is the best way to ensure your roof performs at peak energy efficiency. Shop around for a local, licensed & insured quality roofing contractor with experience and expertise in the type of roofing material you decide to go with!

We Can Help!

At All Roofing Solutions, we offer affordable services, from roof repair to complete replacement, to customers throughout Delaware and southeastern Pennsylvania. We’re a family-owned business with 15 years of experience in residential and commercial roofing. We are passionate about providing great service and excellent workmanship!

To get your free estimate, call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania. Don’t forget to ask about our discount of $400 off any complete roofing job!

Don’t hesitate – fall is the best time to handle all your roofing and re-roofing needs!
June 5, 2014
Residential Metal Roofing Materials: Copper, Aluminum & Steel
Metal roofing is making major inroads in both the residential and commercial roofing. In addition to excellent durability, metal roofing materials like copper, aluminum and steel help improve building energy efficiency, and are among the most attractive options available.

Metal roofs also add significantly to the resale value of both residential and commercial property, all while reducing maintenance needs because they’re so strong and easy to maintain. Properly installed, a metal roof can last half a century or more. Many metal roofing materials also come with lifetime warranties.

Residential Metal Roofing Materials: Copper, Aluminum & Steel

Here’s a closer look at the three most common metals used in residential roofing projects:
- Copper. This is one of the most attractive roofing materials on the market, bar none. Copper roofing is unique because the panels slowly change color over time, when exposed to sunlight and the elements. It can dramatically transform the look of your home, adding to its curb appeal and value.
- Aluminum. Like other metal roofs, aluminum is resistant to fire, wind, moss and rot. Rainfall and snow accumulation slide right off, freeing you from many of the typical roof leak risks associated with shingles. Aluminum roofing panels are also lightweight, reducing your roof’s load-bearing stress.
- Steel. Steel roofs are self-ventilating, and shake panels are usually available in a variety of configurations, allowing you choose your preferred look.
In addition to the proven benefits of metal roofing, some insurance companies also offer homeowners reduced insurance rates if they install a copper, aluminum or steel roof. These lower rates are possible because, from a statistical standpoint, metal roofs perform better, last longer and have inherently superior fire, wind and weather resistance.

We Install Metal Roofs

If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of metal roofing, or if you are interested in obtaining a free installation estimate for your home or commercial building, please contact our team at All Roofing Solutions. We offer timely, affordable and courteous professional services to residential and commercial customers throughout Delaware and southeastern Pennsylvania.

Call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania. And don’t forget to ask about our discount of $400 off any complete roofing job!
January 10, 2013
Cedar Shakes Roofing: What You Should Know
When your home needs a new roof installed, you may want to consider cedar shakes roofing. Cedar shakes are a classic choice that gives your home a distinct beauty as well as an increased market value. Brush up on the basics about wood shakes roofing in order to better understand your residential roofing options.

Cedar Shakes Roofing: What You Should Know

Wood shakes are shingles that have been split to give them texture. Cedar shakes are often pressure treated to not only give your home character, but to protect against fire, insects, and decay. Cedar also contains its own natural oils that hamper decay and rot.

The butt end of a cedar shake is a bit thicker than a wooden shingle, giving it an increased life span. The length of life of your roof depends, of course, on the climate in which you live. However, the average cedar shake roof lasts for an impressive 30 to 40 years as long as it receives proper installation and care.

Cedar shake roofing is not only full of natural beauty, but is also appealing to environmentally conscious homeowners. Shakes are made from wood, a naturally occurring resource, and are thus biodegradeable materials and a renewable resource.

Consider your energy costs as you discuss your installation project with your roofing contractor. According to the USDA Forest Service, wood roofing provides a higher insulation value than the other leading roofing materials, including:
- Asphalt
- Aluminum
- Fiberglass
- Laminate
A high insulation value means you’ll need to expend less energy to heat or cool your home. Less energy spent translates into financial savings.

As cedar shakes are natural, they need breathing room to maintain their patina and function. Care for cedar shakes by removing stray branches, leaves, and miscellaneous debris from the roof on a regular basis. Clear the gutters and downspouts on your home with each change of season to prevent blockages that can create leaks and water damage. You may also want to treat your roof periodically to keep it in tip-top shape. Consult your roofing contractor for recommended maintenance products.

Considering Cedar Shakes Roofing Installation?

Contact All Roofing Solutions to learn more about cedar shake roofs or our long list of products and services. Proudly serving customers throughout Delaware and southeastern Pennsylvania, roofing has been our passion and our profession for more than 15 years.

Call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania to talk to one of our experienced roofing contractors or request your FREE ESTIMATE!
June 14, 2012