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Tag: ice dams

Shingle Roofing: 4 Winter Snow Storms Damage Prevention Tips
In protecting your home from the elements, your shingle roof takes a lot of abuse in winter. As a homeowners, you can help your roof perform best with a few preventative measures. Roof care is more important in around winter than at any other time of year. This is largely due to the threat of ice dams, which can wreak havoc on your roof and attic and potentially cause major, costly damage.

Shingle Roofing & Winter Snow: 4 Damage Prevention Tips

1. Inspect the roof & attic.

While it may sound like common sense, it’s important to perform a regular inspection of your roof. Look for curled, cracked, loose or missing shingles. Check flashings and other penetrations, including around chimneys and exhaust vents. Be sure these areas are properly sealed against the weather. If anything doesn’t “look right”, contact a roofing contractor for a professional inspection.

Look in your attic, as well as interior walls, for evidence of current or prior 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.

2. Clear roof debris.

Check your roof for any leaves, twigs or miscellaneous debris. These materials tend to collect in concentrated areas, where they may gather water or moisture which can break down the shingles on your roof. Roof debris concentrated in valleys also prevents water from properly flowing away from your roof and into your roof’s gutter system.

Don’t forget to trim your trees. If there are any limbs or branches hanging over your roof (or growing close), have them removed. Falling branches can lead to expensive roofing repairs.

3. Check the gutters and downspouts.

Keeping your gutters clear is important in allowing snow melt to properly drain from your roof and into the downspouts. In the winter, the weight of ice buildup from clogged gutters can cause significant damage. If they are clogged, gutters and downspouts can’t channel water and snowmelt away from your home which can lead to serious damage.

Additionally:
- perform a quick check of the gutter angle, making sloping adjustments as necessary
- look for gutters pulled away from the home
- check for leaks and holes (using a garden hose, spray water on your roof to see if your gutters are leaking)
- Inspect your downspouts for any leaks or signs of excessive wear.
4. Prevent ice dams.

Ice dams can form from the buildup of ice and snow inside gutters and along roof ridges. When a dam forms, water may pool up behind it, where it can seep into the interior of your home. Ice dams can cause significant damage not just to the surface but to the entire roofing structure.

While there’s no 100% effective way to eliminate ice dams, 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 attic ventilation means a consistent & efficient flow of cool, dry air through your attic: intake through eave and soffit vents, and exhaust through vents in the gables, deck or ridge. Typically, a correctly sized exhaust fan coupled with adequate soffit venting will ensure proper attic ventilation.

Don’t Postpone Your Repairs Till Spring!

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. Family owned and operated Delaware and Pennsylvania roofing contractor with 20 years of experience in residential and commercial roofing, we have the experience and expertise to handle your roofing problems, large and small

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!

Don’t forget to ask about our discount of 15% off any roof repair job!!!
October 23, 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
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!

December 15, 2016
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.
November 23, 2016