All Roofing Solutions

Tag: ice dams

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!

September 8, 2016
5 Steps To An Effective Winter Roofing Maintenance
While roof maintenance may be the last thing on your mind during the chilly weather, one could make the case that roof care is more important in 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 cause major damage.

5 Steps To An Effective Winter Roofing Maintenance

Here is a winter roof maintenance checklist to help you cover your bases:
1. Inspect your gutters regularly for signs of ice dams and icicles forming. Large icicles hanging off your gutters are the telltale sign of ice dams, but they aren’t always this conspicuous. Additionally, if too much ice builds up, gutters can become too heavy and rip away from the home, leaving you with damage and hefty gutter repair bills. If you find any ice dams blocking your down spouts, remove them right away.
2. Clogged gutters and downspouts can’t channel water and snowmelt away from your home which can lead to serious damage. Ensure your downspouts and fascia are not clogged by ice, snow or other debris such as stray branches or dead leaves. And while you’re at it, inspect your downspouts for any leaks or signs of excessive wear.
3. Scan your roofing surface for any sign of wind damage. If heavy winds accompany a winter storm, make a visual inspection of your roof once the weather calms down to see if any shingles have come loose or gone missing. Missing, broken, or bruised roof materials can lead to a variety of problems in your home, including leaks, mold and mildew. These will need to be replaced promptly to prevent leaks and other problems associated with shingle gaps.
4. Use a roof rake to remove excess snow buildups on your rooftop. As a general rule of thumb, more than one foot of snow could potentially cause damage. However, to be on the safe side, some experts recommend raking any accumulation greater than six inches off your roof. Never stand on an icy roof! Rake the roof from a ladder, and make sure that someone is home or nearby when you are on the ladder.
5. If you haven’t already and weather conditions still permit, apply a weatherproof coating to all parts of your roof with gentle or even slopes. This will help you avoid roof leaks down the road.
Contact Professional Roofer For Help!

Do you need your roof inspected? Are you’re facing roof leak repairs and need help?

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 10, 2015
Protecting Roof & Gutters From Ice & Snow Damage

There’s no doubt that winters can be really hard on a roof, especially asphalt shingle roof. The buildup of ice and snow, added weight, ice dams and the freeze/thaw cycle all threaten to damage your Delaware roof. Through all of this, your roof is still the first line of defense against harsh winter weather.

Protecting Your Roof From Ice & Snow Damage

There are preventitive steps you can take now, as well as during the winter months, to help your roof perform at peak efficiency.

Ice dams

Ice dams form when snow from the upper areas of your roof melts, flows down to lower areas of the roof, and refreezes to create a dam. Water can then “pool” behind the ice dam, seeping through small cracks and into the interior of your home. The best way to prevent ice dams is to keep your attic well insulated and ventilated.

Gutter ice

Ice can build up in your gutters as well, creating big headaches. If too much ice builds up, gutters can become too heavy and rip away from the home, leaving you with damage and hefty gutter repair bills. If ice does build up in your gutters, you can use a hammer and chisel to carefully chip away the ice. You’ll be better off contacting your local roofing contractor as it’s easy to make matters worse very fast.

Downspouts

Keep the areas around your downspouts clear of obstructions and debris, making it easier for snowmelt to drain away from your home.

Snow build up

Occasionally, damage can even occur when the weight of snow and ice exceeds the load-bearing capacity of your roof. This is more likely to happen on homes with flat roofs, or older homes whose roof structures may already be weakened. You may be able to use a specialized tool, called a roof rake, to remove accumulated snow and ice.

Call Your Local Roofer

For a thorough winter roof inspection and expert, affordable roofing services, contact All Roofing Solutions. We are a family-owned & operated Delaware & Pennsylvania roofing contractor with over 15 years of local experience in residential & commercial roofing.

Call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in DE or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in PA to schedule your inspection or for free repair estimate!

December 4, 2014
Residential Roofing: 5 Tips for a Leak-Free Winter
There’s nothing like prevention, when it comes to roofing. Any roof leaks or other problems you experience with your roof during the winter can be doubly difficult to deal with, since snowfall and cold temperatures make repairing roof issues even more complex than usual. Therefore, it’s important to address potential problems in the fall, before the winter weather wrecks havoc.

Residential Roofing: 5 Tips for a Leak-Free Winter

The old adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure definitely applies when it comes to wintertime roof leaks.

With that in mind, here are five tips to follow to ensure you enjoy a leak-free winter:
1. Keep your roof clean. Debris is one of the leading causes of roof damage and leaks. Ensure that it is free of dead leaves, wayward branches, garbage and other waste.
2. Trim overhanging tree branches. If you have trees with branches that hang over your roof, have the branches trimmed. This will greatly reduce the amount of organic debris that ends up on your roof in the first place, making the need for roofing repairs less likely.
3. Clean your gutters. Clogged gutters lead to ice dams, which can cause major problems in your attic and the upper floor of your home. Be sure your gutters are free of leaves and other debris before the temperature starts to drop below freezing on a regular basis.
4. Upgrade your attic insulation. A well-insulated attic can prevent a lot of roof leaks, since many winter leaks are caused by snow which melts because too much heat escapes through the roof you’re your home. Insulation inhibits heat transfer, making this scenario less likely to occur.
5. Use a roof rake. These handy products are ideal for removing excess snow accumulation from your roof, which is another excellent way to prevent roof leaks & ice dams. Just take care not to snag the rake on your gutters as you draw it back down.
Should you need any further advice on winter roof maintenance, or help with roofing repairs for your home, contact the roofing professionals at All Roofing Solutions. We provide affordable, professional roofing repair and maintenance services to both residential and commercial clients throughout Delaware and southeast Pennsylvania.

Call our DE office at 302-725-ROOF (7663) or our PA location at 610-551-ROOF (7663) for your free estimate today!
October 16, 2014
Post Winter Inspection of Your Shingle Roofing
Now that winter’s coming to an end, it’s a good time to perform an inspection of your roof. As the snow and ice have disappear, any damage or other roof issues are easier to identify and repair.

Whether you live in Delaware or other area that typically receives a generous amount of snow over the winter months, now is a great time to contact a professional roofer to schedule a roof inspection!

Post Winter Inspection of Your Shingle Roofing

There are few important things to remember when it comes to post winter inspection of your shingle roofing.
1. During the winter season, ice dams, freezing temperatures, and the weight of snow and ice can damage your roof and even the interior of your home. Damage to residential roofing can include cracking, bruising and blistering of the shingle surface material. Strong winter storms may even result in the loss of whole shingles from your roof. You’ll want to address this type of damage ASAP in order to maintain the integrity of your shingle roofing structure.
2. If you’ve noticed water spots on your ceiling, it could be from a roof leak. In addition, heavy snow loads on roofs may also be responsible for cracks in your home’s ceilings and walls.
3. Your inspection should encompass a thorough check of your entire roof. Your roofer will look at loose tiles, curled shingles and detached flashing. In order to weather upcoming spring and summer storms, you’ll need to repair flashing gaps and replace damaged roof tiles & shingles. You’ll also want to determine if the winter weather has worn away too many granules from your shingle roofing. If so, these roof tiles may need to be replaced.
4. Now is also a good time to clear debris, leaves, and tree branches from your gutters so they’ll do their job during heavy rains or a spring snowstorm. You might also have the gutters and downspouts completely cleared with a hose or pressure washer and of course have any gutter repairs handles as needed.
5. If moss or lichen is present on your roof, have it swept off or apply a moss-removal chemical and sweep it off after it has been killed.
Roofing Safety!

If you decide to perform your own inspection, remember that step number one is safety! Climbing onto a roof can be dangerous, and walking on your roof has the potential to make any existing problem even worse. If you’re going to climb on your roof, be sure the roof is completely dry. Wear shoes with good traction, and make sure someone else is home. A warm day is best, because you are more likely to damage your shingle roofing on a hot day.

Hiring a roofing contractor to handle your inspection is highly recommended, though.

Contact All Roofing Solutions for a thorough inspection and you’ll not only get professional service but also a piece of mind that nothing was overlooked. We can evaluate winter damage, recommend maintenance steps—and provide you with a solution to all of your residential roofing needs!

Call our DE office at 302-725-ROOF (7663) or our PA location at 610-551-ROOF (7663) for your free estimate today!
March 20, 2014