All Roofing Solutions

Tag: roof leak

Shingle Roofing: Repairing Valley Leaks in 6 Easy Steps
Though roof valleys are common leak sites on shingle roofs, repairing valley leaks is fairly straightforward to handle if you know what you’re doing.

Roof valleys are channels designed to drain runoff water, and like any other part of your roof, they can degrade over time with exposure to the elements. In other cases, water can become trapped under shingles that have been overlaid to create the valley trough.

In either situation, the leaking roof valley can be fixed by removing affected shingles and structural elements and upgrading your roof’s flashing. Flashing is a transitional roofing material that connects the roof material to some other building material or to another part of the roof. And damaged flashing is behind most roof leaks.

Roof Valley Leak Repairs, Newtown Square, PA 19073

Shingle Roofing: Repairing Valley Leaks in 6 Easy Steps

Prepare For The Repair

Follow these three preparatory steps to master repairing valley leaks:
1. Clear any debris in the roof valley and surrounding area and measure your roof flashing — most flashing is 14 inches wide, but yours may vary.
2. Move to the highest end of the valley and work your way down, cleaning shingles from both sides of the valley whether they’re damaged or not. Experts recommend that you give yourself 8 to 10 inches of clearance on each side of the valley. Use a nail bar to loosen the shingles in the affected area — insert the bar under a shingle and pry upward at the location of each nail to loosen a nail. Pull out the nails with the bar.
Repair Damaged Roof Valley

Here’s how to install new flashing in your roof valleys:
1. Begin by placing the replacement piece of flashing in the valley lining up the groove in the center with the middle of the valley. Make sure the flashing’s bottom edge is perfectly aligned with your roof’s lower edge. Valley flashing comes in standard lengths, ranging from 8 to 12 feet – if your valley is longer, install the lower piece of flashing first then overlap the lower edge of the next piece by a foot.
2. Use a metal cutter to alter the length of the flashing to ensure it lines up with your roof’s lower edges. At the top edge of your roof valley, check to make sure the flashing is properly angled to line up with the slope of the roof. Use roofing nails to secure the flashing in place, driving nails at 1-foot intervals along the outer edges of each side from top to bottom.
3. Replace all shingles you removed, making sure their edges are at least 1 inch from the elevated center of the flashing piece. Work your way up, starting at the lower edge of the roofing and moving towards the top.
4. Attach the shingles by nailing the upper edges with the appropriate 1 1/2-inch roofing nails for composition or 5d shingle nails for wood shingles. Trim and install rows of shingles that align with the existing rows at each side of the valley.
Don’t neglect repairing valley leaks in a timely manner — they can lead to additional structural problems, mold growth, and high levels of moisture and humidity, all of which can be difficult and expensive to repair.

Need Help Repairing Valley Leaks?

Repairing a roof valley leak takes experience, and is especially difficult on steep and tile roofs. If you encounter problems, be sure to consult reliable roofing professionals. We can handle these types of repairs quickly and easily, no matter what caused the leak in the first place.

Call All Roofing Solutions, your full-service roofing repairs contractor with over 20 years of experience in roofing and re-roofing. We will work with you to identify the damage and present you with options tailored specifically to your situation. Our priority is always to provide you with great service!

Call us at 302-725-7663 in Delaware or 610-551-7663 in Pennsylvania to schedule your FREE repair estimate. And don’t forget to ask about our discount of 15% off any roofing repair projects.

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!
October 19, 2022
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
Handling Leaky Chimneys: Inspection & Repair Tips From a Roofing Contractor
While roof leaks can occur anywhere on your roof, they commonly develop around chimneys, vents, skylights, and other roof penetrations around the roof.

Leaky chimney problems can quickly become costly and may include drywall warping, ceiling stains, insulation saturation, mold growth, and interior home damage.

Don’t make the mistake of ignoring small leaks and risking serious damage in the process — if your notice your chimney leaking during inclement weather, it’s time to schedule a professional roofing inspection.

Why Chimneys Are Susceptible To Leaking

How do chimney leaks develop in the first place?

There are 5 major reasons behind chimney leaks:
- Missing or damaged chimney cap
- Cracked chimney crown
- Flashing problems
- Leaky bricks
- Faulty chimney liner
One of the reasons is that, over time, chimneys tend to develop cracks and crevices that allow water to permeate them. Additionally, the sections of metal applied at the seams between the chimney and roof — called roof flashing — may come loose or break due to high winds and other inclement weather.

Improper chimney flashing installation can also open up your roof to early deterioration. Chimney leaks are the primary form of damage you will notice from a faulty chimney flashing installation. Instead of keeping rain and snow out of the roof seams, sub-par flashing allows moisture into the roof’s inner structure. Water seepage can cause mildew, mold, and premature aging of the roof.

To learn more about how chimneys develop leaks read: 5 Reasons Behind A Leaking Chimney

Handling Leaky Chimneys: Inspection & Repair Tips

So what can you do? Start by hiring a professional roofing contractor to inspect your structure then handle repairs promptly.
When your roofer arrives, he will inspect your chimney for any signs of damage:

Broken bricks or stone

Loose mortar joints

Cracks around the chimney foundation

Deteriorating flashing
After a thorough inspection, which will most likely include chimneys, vents, skylights, all areas of flashing, and your home’s drainage systems check, proper repairs will be needed.

For more tips on proper roofing inspection, check out: Roofing Inspection 101: Contractor’s 3-Step Checklist

Depending upon the extent of the damage and the cause of the leak, the roofer may seal stone or brick cracks and apply water repellant to prevent further leaks. If the chimney material is not damaged, the leak could be caused by flashing damage. Flashing is a type of metal placed around the chimney base and covered with shingles to prevent water infiltration. Some flashing can be repaired, but if it shows signs of rust or other weather wear, your contractor may need to remove shingles to install new flashing. This is not a do-it-yourself undertaking, since improper flashing installation could void your roof warranty.

Your local roofer should also check the cement chimney cap for cracks, breaks, or leak causes. If the cap or mortar joints are damaged because of structural shifts, your chimney may require masonry repair.

To learn more about chimney repair tips: Residential Roofing: 4 Steps To Chimney Leak Repair

We Handle Chimney Leak Repairs!

All Roofing Solutions is a family-owned and operated Delaware roofing repair contractor in business since 1998, based in Wilmington, DE. We specialize in residential roof leak repair services in Delaware and bordering Pennsylvania counties.

Whether you need a chimney, skylight, or valley leak repaired, we are fully licensed and insured and can handle all your roofing repair needs, large and small. Our goal is to deliver superb workmanship and outstanding customer service. We stand behind our work!
- Family-owned and operated Delaware & Pennsylvania roofing contractor.
- Fully licensed and insured.
- 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!
If your chimney is leaking or you suspect chimney damage, don’t wait to call All Roofing Solutions, your local Delaware roofing contractor with 20 years of experience in roofing repairs and roof replacement. We offer fast and free estimates and 24-hour emergency service.

To schedule your FREE repair estimate, call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania!
October 5, 2021
Emergency Roof Repairs: Stop Further Damage in 6 Easy Steps
Any roof, old or new, is susceptible to damage in the face of extreme weather conditions. When your home is bombarded by heavy rains, storm, strong winds or relentless hail, prompt emergency repairs are necessary in order to stop further damage. Immediate intervention is critical since a damaged roof can directly affect the stability of the entire structure of the house.

But what if a contractor is not available right away? What if local roofers are busy handling crisis all over town and you have to patch things up yourself while waiting for professional help?

Today, we’re discussing steps you can take now to stop further surface and structural damage to your roofing system in the aft e rmath of a storm.

Emergency Roof Repairs: 6 Steps To Stopping Further Damage
- Wait until the weather improves or you may be doing more damage than repair! You can be swept away by the winds or stuck by lightning. You will also need favorable weather conditions (and light) to asses the condition of your roof.
- Once the extreme weather conditions have passed, the roof needs to be inspected. Some basic repairs and preventative measures can be handled by a homeowner. Most likely, however, a professional roofer will need to be called in to handle more serious weather damage repairs. An initial inspection will allow you to figure out the most effective way of stopping further damage before a roofer has a chance to handle repairs.
- The most important step you can take to prevent any further damage to your roof and house is to control the spread of the water seeping in. Any water getting inside the house will damage the internal structure and can become a source of serious structural damage.
- Likewise, any puddles of water or stagnant water forming on the roof should be promptly removed. If left unattended, this can be a major cause of roof leaks down the road.
- Next, you need to locate the exact source of the leak. This may be tricky but both external and internal inspection should provide enough clues to help you figure that out.
- Plug the leak if you can. Use patches, rubber sheets, sealants, tarps or duct tape. Your solution may not be pretty or long-term but will buy enough time for the roofer to get in there and repair the damage in a more permanent and effective way.
As you work on repairing your roof, remember to stay safe and take special care to not inflict further damage to your roof.

Call Professionals For Permanent Solution

For professional help with your emergency roofing repairs contact All Roofing Solutions, your local, family owned and operated Delaware roofing repair contractor. We’ll be happy to assist your with your emergency roofing repair, large and small.

Serving residential and commercial customers in Delaware and Southeastern Pennsylvania, All Roofing Solutions has extensive experience with all types of roofing systems and materials. With multitude of satisfied customers and a proven track record for excellence, we offer generous warranties, top-quality materials and experienced installation professionals who get the job done right the first time.

If you need a quality Delaware roofing contractor, call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania and request your FREE estimate today!
August 29, 2019
6 Main Causes of Shingle Roof Deterioration
The roof over your head is your home’s first line of defense when it comes to exposure to sun, rain, snow, wind and other weather elements. And if you live in Delaware or any other East Coast state, you’re sure to be exposed to all types of extreme weather conditions, from scorching heat to heavy rains, blizzards or hurricanes.

The unfortunate truth is that weather damage is inevitable. Your roof is constantly exposed to the elements, and it is only natural that it will wear and age over time.

6 Common Reasons Behind Deterioration of Your Roof

Harsh weather is the main reason shingles deteriorate sooner than expected and the following elements are the most common culprit:
- Rain, snow & ice – Moisture is roof’s enemy #1. It can damage its structure, cause mildew, rot decking and even damage the insulation. While rain is behind most roof leaks, melting snow often ends up re-freezing and forming ice dams, which block proper drainage of water into the gutter and can result in water backing up under your roofing materials. This can lead to serious structural damage.
- Sun – The most common roofing enemy, sun blasts your roof with damaging rays and heat causing shingles to break down over time. Thermal expansion, IR radiation and UV light from the sun are to blame for the majority of issues related to sun exposure overtime.
- Wind – High winds lift, curl, and pull shingles away from the roof exposing its underpayment which can leave your roof vulnerable to water damage and significant structural deterioration. The corners, the edges of the roof, and the ridge line are especially susceptible to damage from high winds, but the entire roof structure often ends up getting shredded and punctured by fling debris nonetheless.
- Hail – Hail can leave dents dislodging the tiny protective granules that typically protect your home from damaging UV-rays and improve the roof’s water-shedding capabilities. Loss of mineral granules can lead to the asphalt coating and even fiberglass matt being directly exposed to the elements which dramatically reduces the roof shingles life expectancy.
- Lichen – Moss and algae can cause wood rot and structural damage over time while also discoloring your roof. Lichen doesn’t trap as much water against the surface of the roof as moss, but it can be acidic and has strands that can penetrate into the shingles both of which can cause significant damage.
- Overgrown trees -Tree limbs can become a serious problem puncturing your roof. Leaves that accumulate on your roof can clog your rain gutters and retain moisture. Lack of proper drainage, the presence of water, and excess moisture can cause water to seep into your roofing materials and result in rotting and other damage.
The Importance of Regular Roofing Inspections

A typical asphalt shingles can be expected to last 20-30 years, depending on what they’re made of, weather conditions, quality of installation and maintenance. To prolong the life of your roof, regular roofing & gutter inspections should be a part of your regular roofing maintenance.

Homeowners can uncover those visible and hidden signs of damage through regular inspections. We recommend that only professional roofers climb up on the roof, so have your roof inspected by a contractor you can trust to provide an honest assessment. Your local roofer will assess the condition of your roof uncovering potential problems and suggesting steps you can take to increase the lifespan of your roof. And if there are any minor repairs that need to be handled, you’ll be glad to have caught them before they caused significant damage.

Homeowners should have their roofs inspected yearly, especially if the roof is 15 years old or older.

Schedule Your Roof Inspection Today!

Even if your inspection uncovers potential roof damage, it does not necessarily mean that you must re-roof. The age of the roof and the extent of the damage will ultimately determine whether repairs or complete replacement makes more sense.

If it’s been awhile since you had a Delaware roofing contractor look over your home’s roof and gutter systems request a comprehensive roofing inspection from All Roofing Solutions, family owned & operated Delaware roofing contractor with over 20 years of experience. We not only offer thorough roofing inspection and professional service but also a piece of mind that nothing was overlooked.

Call today at 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania to schedule your inspection or request your Free Roofing Repair Estimate!
February 21, 2019