All Roofing Solutions

Tag: roof leak

Residential Rain Gutters: 5 Fall Maintenance & Repair Tips
Rain gutters represent an important piece of your home’s defense against the elements. During a rainstorm, your home’s gutters handle the runoff from the entire roofing surface and drain it away from the home – a significant job indeed.

Gutter maintenance is critical to the longevity of the roof. The gutter system, in coordination with your roofing, protects your home’s siding, windows, doors, and foundation from water damage, and helps keep your basement from flooding.

Rain Gutters: 5 Fall Maintenance & Repair Tips

Like any of your home’s many systems, rain gutters require maintenance and occasional repair. And, with fall on the way, now is a great time to make sure your gutters are properly functioning. Here are a few tips to get started:
- Clear leaves & debris. Gutters and downspouts must be clear of leaves and debris to do their job. Clogged, dammed drain outlets lead to overflowing gutters, and may even pull the gutters loose. Avoid clogged gutters from forming in the first place by installing a gutter guard protection system, or grab a ladder and clear your regular gutters from all the accumulated debris, before fall rains start.
- Evaluate the gutter angle, making sloping adjustments as necessary. Properly installed rain gutters are slightly sloped toward the downspout, allowing water to drain efficiently. Improperly sloped gutters will result in pooling, which over time will rot or corrode your gutters. An easy way to test the slope is by spraying water into the rain gutters with a hose (do this only after cleaning your gutters to avoid potentially clogging it and making things worse). The water should flow smoothly toward the downspout – if it doesn’t, you may need to fasten a diverter that will better control the flow. Additionally, improper location of downspouts, or not having enough of them, can lead to standing water and overflows during heavy rains.
- Inspect loose gutters or gutters pulled away from the structure. If water pools in your gutters for any reason, the weight of the water may, over time, loosen the fasteners and allow the gutter to pull away from your structure. Loose gutters can be fixed by installing fascia hanger brackets. To check the integrity of your gutter system, an annual inspection is recommended.
- Check for leaks and holes. Using a garden hose, spray water on your roof to see if your gutters are leaking. If you don’t have seamless gutters, your system may begin to leak at aging seams. Leaks started at those rusty spots may be repaired with silicone sealant. Be sure to seal both the inside and outside of the gutter. Small holes can be easily repaired with roofing cement, applied with a putty knife. Larger issues may require more serious repairs such as replacing the leaky section altogether.
- Inspect downspouts. Inspect your downspouts for any leaks or signs of excessive wear. If your downspouts are joined to fascia boards, ensure that they are firmly attached.
Call Professionals For Help!

For expert advice and an inspection of your home’s gutter system, contact the professionals at 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 gutter replacement & repair needs. After examining your gutters, we will offer you maintenance tips, quote required repairs or discuss your other needs!

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!
August 28, 2018
3 Most Common Post-Hurricane Roofing Repairs

With the hurricane season fast approaching, we’d like to talk about the 3 most common roofing repairs we tend to run into after any substantial storm. From roof leaks and high wind damage to fallen trees and ripped off siding, the aftermath can be quite serious.

Storms are dangerous and destructive. After a storm passes, a thorough inspection by a professional is critical – not all roofing problems are obvious, and the absence of leaks doesn’t necessarily mean your roof is fine. Make sure to check for roof damage from wind, hail or fallen branches, document any problems, and work with your insurance company and an experienced contractor to fix any issues.

3 Most Common Post-Hurricane Roofing Repairs

Here are 3 basic things to look for when checking your roof for any potential damage.

Missing, damaged, or loose shingles

High winds in general, and particularly high sustained wind typical for hurricanes, can be very difficult on your roof. If your asphalt shingles have been blown off or damaged by flying debris, your home is far more vulnerable to roof leaks and associated problems.

Your roofer should examine each section of your roofing deck checking for missing shingles or missing pieces of metal fascia, including any chimney flashing pieces. They should also evaluate the condition of exhaust pipes, valleys, outer edges or angles where the roof meets the walls. And if there was any hail involved, check your roofing and siding for hail damage as well.

Preventative Tip: Preventative inspection prior to the hurricane season can also uncover small issues before they turn into larger problems once your home is hit with high winds – inspect your structure as part of your fall maintenance routine and to avoid potential issues later!

Roof leaks

Hurricane’s hard, driving rain may exploit existing cracks or problem areas on your roof. It is critical to inspect your attic for leaks or water damage after the storm passes. Look for stains on ceiling or walls. Any water getting inside the house will damage the internal structure and can become a source of serious structural damage. Again, many leaks are hard to spot – the roofer your enlist should be experience in repairs or they might miss potential problems.

If there are leaks, 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. Likewise, any puddles of water or stagnant water forming on the roof should be removed as soon as it’s safe to do so. If left unattended, this can be a major cause of roof leaks down the road.

Preventative Tip: Again, a routine inspection every fall should be on your agenda, if you want to avoid costly repairs – especially if you own an older home or if your home is located in the path of the typical storm.

Clogged gutters and downspouts

Hurricanes stir up a lot of debris. Swirling twigs, branches, leaves, and building materials may not only damage your shingles, they may also clog your gutters, too. And, if debris remains on your roof, upcoming snow and rain is likely to wash it into your rain gutters. Malfunctioning downspouts pose hazards not only to your roof, but also to your basement, as rainwater accumulation can result in flooding.

You’ll want to be sure your roof, gutters and downspouts are clear before water or ice backs up and causes damage. Remember, stay safe, and be sure to handle roof & gutter cleaning after the storm is completely out of your area, or hire professional help.

Preventative Tip: Gutters clogging with leaves and debris is a common problem that can be prevented by installing gutter guards.

We’re Here To Help!

When your home is bombarded by heavy rains, storm, strong winds or hail, prompt emergency repairs are often necessary. If you suspect your roof has been damaged or otherwise deteriorated, 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 20 years of experience and offer affordable, expert roof repair, replacement and installation services to customers throughout Delaware and southeastern Pennsylvania.

Contact us today at 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania for your FREE estimate. And if you mention this post, you’ll receive a discount of 15% off any roofing repair job.

August 7, 2018
Residential Roofing: 5 Shingle Repair Mistakes to Avoid
Roofing repairs are seldom straight forward – many things could go wrong, and often homeowners end up dealing with unforeseen and costly complications, especially in DYI situations or when dealing with unskilled roofers.

For one, the source of a roof leak is often not easy to determine. Usually a leak is the first indication of trouble, but the location of the leak does not always point to the source of the problem directly – and so the damage continues to develop unbeknownst to the homeowner. Damaged or improperly installed shingles continue to allow water to seep underneath and sometimes accumulate several feet from the source. This pooled water can cause further degrading of the roof and sub-roof materials.

Roofing repairs that are done without a thorough inspection designed to uncover problems like these are seldom successful. This is where the expertise of a skilled roofing contractor comes in.

All Roofing Solutions has been helping Delaware homeowners install and repair their roofs for 20 years! Call (302) 725-7663 or (610) 551-7663 if you need a professional help!

Residential Roofing: 5 Shingle Repair Mistakes to Avoid

Whether you’re the DIY type, or hiring a roofer to handle your repairs, you should be aware of some of the common mistakes that often happen in roof repair:
1. Inadequate or faulty base: It’s never a good idea to simply place new shingles on top of damaged ones during repairs – something lower quality roofing companies do to cut corners. A surface repair does not address problems that arise from damaged decking or improperly installed underlayment. Your roofer must inspects all decking to make sure that it is in proper shape, and has been installed correctly – without evaluating the structural integrity of the sheathing, your chances of overlooking the damage underneath is high. For best results, all damaged shingles should be removed so that an examination of the deck and sheathing can be conducted–and properly addressed.
2. Incorrectly installed shingles: Proper alignment of shingles, especially the starter course, is critical for a successful repair job. Care should be taken to offset joints and to be sure shingles lay flat. Ignoring these considerations may lead to the development of leaks that are hard to detect until serious damage is done.
3. Improper or not enough fastening: A good repair job depends on decking, underlayment and shingles that are all properly attached. Inadequate fastening (such as using nails that are too short) allows wind to raise shingles, moisture to work its way through the layers, and leaks to develop. Make sure your roofer uses long enough nails to reach the decking in order to avoid dealing with shifting and displaced shingles down the road.
4. Poorly installed flashing or reusing old flashing: Flashing is needed to channel moisture away from critical areas. Adequate flashing in valleys and around chimneys, skylights, vents, and satellite dish installations keep these vulnerable areas from allowing water to penetrate the roof. Proper flashing installation is key to avoiding leaks around those roof connections – make sure your flashing is not misaligned, improperly overlapped or insufficiently fastened. It is also important to avoid reusing old flashing as that can be problematic down the road. Again, this is something poor quality roofers tend to do to save money – make sure your roofer only installs new flashing.
5. Ignoring manufacturers’ specifications: Failure to follow guidelines may void manufacturers’ warranties. Proper preparation and installation ensures a quality repair job and maintains the warranty. It’s best to hire certified roofers with proven experience
We Have Extensive Roofing Repair Experience

Avoid costly roof repair mistakes by working with an experience contractor like All Roofing Solutions. We’re licences and insured, and with 20 years of experience in roof repair and replacement we have the knowledge and expertise to make sure the job is done right, with quality products and following industry-leading standards.

To request a free estimate, call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania. And don’t forget to ask about our discount of 15% off any roofing repair job!
July 26, 2018
3 Roofing Maintenance Tips That Will Save You Money
If you’re like most homeowners, you don’t spend too much time thinking about the condition of your roof unless something goes wrong. If it needed a major repair or, even worse, a replacement, you’d probably think about it then!

As we all know, unfortunately, replacing a roof can be a big financial hit – you can expect to pay between $1.50 and $4 per square foot for an asphalt shingle roof. On the other hand, preventative maintenance will cost only your time. So, today we’ll show you simple ways you can put off that replacement for years to come – all with some know-how and little effort!

3 Roofing Maintenance Tips That Will Save You Money

Below are several maintenance steps you can take to extend the life of your roof and save you a lot of money in the long run.

#1. Install proper ventilation and adequate insulation.

This is among the most critical–and often overlooked–steps in extending the life of your roof. Without proper ventilation, a buildup of heat and moisture in your attic can lead to roof rot and diminished insulation efficiency. In winter months, a poorly ventilated attic is a key contributor to the formation of damaging ice dams. In short, properly insulated and ventilated attic space allows your roof to perform well for a longer period of time.
- Attics should be insulated to R-38, which is about eighteen inches of insulation material.
- Most building codes require 1 square foot of venting for each 150 square feet of attic space.
- If there are portions of insulation that have been eroded down, remove it all then install full eighteen inches of new insulation material in its place (instead of simply adding more on top).
- Homeowners should avoid attic fan ventilators with blocked soffit vents, according to Energy Star. Turbine or fan ventilation systems are unreliable, as their moving parts are sure to break down over time. Soffit and ridge venting systems are a much better solution.
- Be aware of all soffit vents around the perimeter of the house and take steps to ensure these vents remain unblocked by debris, insulation, or outside materials.
- Install a thermometer in the attic that can remotely tell you the area’s temperature so you can monitor the situation on an ongoing basis.
#2. Keep gutters and downspouts clear.

Leaves, twigs and other debris can clog your gutter system, causing expensive water leaks in your attic and interior living spaces. If they are clogged, gutters and downspouts can’t channel water and snowmelt away from your home. While you’re cleaning out the gunk, inspect your gutters for signs of damage:
- Evaluate the gutter angle, making sloping adjustments as necessary. Properly installed rain gutters are slightly sloped toward the downspout, allowing water to drain efficiently. Improperly sloped gutters will result in pooling, which over time will rot or corrode your gutters.
- Inspect for gutters pulled away from the home. If water pools in your gutters for any reason, the weight of the water may, over time, loosen the fasteners and allow the gutter to pull away from your structure.
- Check for leaks and holes using a garden hose.
- Inspect your downspouts for any leaks or signs of excessive wear.
- Install gutter guards – we recommend and install Leaf Relief^®.
#3. Inspect your roofing.

It’s a good idea to perform a routine inspection on a regular basis. Look for signs of damage on the roof surfaces, as well as in the attic and interior of your home. Small leaks or minor damage can often be repaired for little cost. Ignoring them, and allowing them to become major problems, can be a very expensive mistake.
- Check flashings for holes, corrosion, cracks, or other signs of damage or deterioration. These metal strips installed where the main body of the roof meets up with the home’s siding, chimneys or skylights create connections that are especially prone to roof leaks.
- Check for broken, cracked, curled, or missing shingles, and any signs of a loss of granulation. Loose or damaged shingles is a common problem. Over time, high winds, hail, tree branches and other debris can take a toll. Often, a little roofing cement may be all that’s needed to repair a loose shingle tab. If the shingle is damaged, you’ll want to have it replaced.
- Check for blisters, cracks, and tears around the edges of the roof
- Inspect damaged chimney bricks and buckled or torn flashing, cracked or worn caps and joints. Check caulking/sealants around the roof for cracking or other damage. Old, worn sealants should be replaced before water seepage causes problems.
- Assess the condition of exhaust pipes, valleys, outer edges or angles where the roof meets the walls.
Need A Roofing Contractor?

A family owned & operated DE/PA roofing contractor, All Roofing Solutions has been serving Delaware and Pennsylvania for nearly 20 years! Whether you need help with inspection, maintenance or repairs, we’re ready to assist you!

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 12, 2018
5 Steps To Handling Water Damage Restoration After a Major Roof Leak

Roof leaks are among the leading causes of water damage to residential properties. They can strike at any time and during any season, and unfortunately, they often go undetected until it’s too late.

It’s important to take prompt action if you’ve got a leaky roof, since water damage can quickly spiral out of control. However, many homeowners make mistakes during the remediation process, as they overlook essential steps in their haste to correct the problem. To that end, here’s a basic guide to the five key things you should to do handle water damage restoration if you’ve suffered a major roof leak.

5 Steps To Handling Water Damage Restoration

#1. Document the Damage

This is one important step that a lot of homeowners skip, but it doesn’t take much time and it can really help you in your dealings with your insurance provider.

Take photographs of the interior areas affected by the leak, showing its source, the water accumulation, and any damage caused by the moisture. If you’re comfortable going up on your roof, it’s also a good idea to gather a few snapshots of the exterior-side source of the problem, as doing so can help support the case that the leak wasn’t caused by your negligence.

Your insurance company will want evidence that the leak resulted from an accident, bad weather, or other uncontrollable circumstance. This is how you’ll get it.

#2. Get a Professional Inspection and Repair Estimate

Get your roof inspected promptly to identify the source of the leak and assess the extent of the damage. Next, obtain a written estimate from a licensed professional that details the nature of the problem, its possible cause(s), and how much it’s going to cost to fix it. You don’t need to commit to a contractor at this point; just get a repair quote in writing before moving on to the next step…

#3. Contact Your Insurance Company

…which is to call your insurance company.

Before you pick up the phone, though, review your policy to make sure water damage caused by a leaky roof is considered a valid basis for a claim. As long as the issue wasn’t caused by your negligence or willful failure to adequately maintain your home, chances are you should qualify for at least partial reimbursement. This is why it’s so important to thoroughly document the damage. However, reimbursement will depend on the specifics of your policy, so direct any questions in this regard to your insurance provider.

#4. File a Claim

It will take some time to complete the claims process, so you’ll want to get it started as soon as possible. Assuming the water damage and roof leak will be covered, most insurance companies will allow you to file a claim with basic documentation, such as photos of the damage and a professional repair estimate. Familiarize yourself with common filing mistakes so your claim is processed smoothly and promptly.

#5. Hire a Contractor for Repairs and Remediation

Once you’ve taken care of the documentation, estimate, and insurance claims issues, you can go ahead and choose a contractor. If your insurance company has given you particular instructions regarding the type of contractor or professional you should hire, be sure to follow their directions as your claim may be rejected if you don’t. For example, if you have extensive water damage that requires separate remediation, your insurer may want this carried out by a specialist (such as mold remediation contractor) rather than a general service provider.

At Mid-Atlantic Home Improvement, we are experts at insurance restoration. We work with your insurance company to ensure all necessary restorations are done properly so your damages is covered by your home insurance policy. We’ll handle the details of your insurance claim providing you with peace of mind during this trying time.

This article was provided by Doug Gentry of Mid-Atlantic Home Improvement, a Virginia general contractor with over 40 years of experience in home construction and renovation. Call (804) 647-0649 for your FREE ESTIMATE!

May 10, 2018