Tag: roof leak

  • Residential Shingle Roofing: Hail Damage Inspection

    Residential Shingle Roofing: Hail Damage Inspection

    Hail is one of Mother Nature’s curiosities: small balls of ice descending from the sky in moderately warm temperatures. A hailstorm may be fascinating to watch, but can do real harm to your home’s roof shingles.

    If your area experienced a significant hail storm, you should schedule an inspection with both a qualified roofing contractor and your insurance company to determine if your roof sustained any damage.

    Hail Damage – Blistering and Bruising of Shingle Roofing

    Hail ranges in size from a half-inch in diameter to the general size of a golf ball. The combination of the weight of the hail and the direction and power of the wind is what creates problems for a shingle roof.

    Shingles are made from layers of material, usually asphalt. The striking of the hail on the surface of the shingle can remove some of the asphalt granules. This is called bruising or “blistering.” Hail can also cause shingle roofing to crack, split or become loose.

    Blistering and bruising of your shingle roof opens up the underlayment to the elements. Where previously there was a layer of protection, your roof is now exposed to UV rays from the sun and moisture. Light and moisture both play a role in the premature breakdown of your shingle roofing.

    Asphalt shingles generally last about 30 years; hail damage may lead to your needing a roof replacement well beforehand.

    Importance of Roofing Inspection

    Hail damage is not always apparent to the untrained eye of a homeowner. Call on your local roof inspection contractor to assess your roof and make the required repairs as soon as possible. Leaving your shingle roof exposed to the inevitable East Coast wet weather can contribute to leaks that damage not only your roof, but also the interior of your home.

    If you’d like to schedule an inspection to diagnose specific problems or evaluate the post-hail condition of your roof, contact All Roofing Solutions. We offer affordable, expert roof repair, replacement and installation services to customers throughout Delaware and southeastern Pennsylvania.

    We’re a family-owned business with 15 years of experience in residential and commercial roofing and are passionate about providing great service and excellent workmanship!

    For 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 15% off any roofing repair job!

  • Winter Roofing Repairs: 6 Safety Rules to Keep in Mind

    Winter Roofing Repairs: 6 Safety Rules to Keep in Mind

    Winter Roofing Repairs: 6 Safety Rules to Keep in Mind

    Winter weather can wreak havoc on a home’s roof, especially on the East Coast, causing problems ranging from ice and snow build up to loose shingles and frozen gutters. While the snow and cold may discourage you from making immediate repairs, these types of problems need to be addressed promptly before they grow into expensive nightmares.

    If you’re handling any roofing repair this winter, it’s vital that you put safety first. Winter poses unique hazards when it comes to fixing roof problems. Typical safety concerns include shorter daylight, slippery roof surfaces, hands and feet getting cold and numb, not to mention difficulty working with ladders or scaffolds. Therefore, planning and preparation are key to staying safe when repairing your roof in winter.

    Winter Roofing Repairs: 6 Safety Rules to Keep in Mind

    Here are six important safety rules that you should always follow if you’re going to attempt roofing repairs during the winter:

    • Check the forecast. Experts recommend planning roofing repairs at a time when your region has experienced two or more consecutive days of relatively mild and pleasant weather, and to perform work on a day with precipitation-free conditions.
    • Clear snow before you start. The first thing you should do if you’re going to attempt a wintertime roofing repair is clear the work area of snowfall accumulation. Be especially caution about structural hazards, such as skylights, drains, pipes, vent stacks, hatches, conduits, and roof-mounted HVAC equipment. Make sure all ladders are stable and slip-resistant, and that you wear appropriate footwear.
    • Slip and fall protection. When professionals perform roof repairs during the winter, they go to great lengths to secure the perimeter of the roof with protective implements to prevent falls. Use personal fall arrest systems and/or temporary guard rails to enhance your safety.
    • Understand materials specifications. Many roofing materials, including shingles, perform better when they’re installed during calm and stable weather conditions. Always read and follow manufacturer specifications for performance and installation.
    • Recognize the warning signs of frostbite. If you’re braving cold weather to work, carefully monitor exposed skin for signs of frostbite. The key early indicator of frostbite is a loss of feeling in the exposed area, so if you find your skin feeling numb, move indoors immediately and leave the roofing repairs for a warmer day.
    • Know when to call a professional. Some things are best left to the pros, and winter roofing repairs are one of them. Professional crews have specialized training and equipment that enables them to get the job done even in winter weather, and it’s well worth the extra investment to ensure necessary repairs are done safely and properly.

    Always put safety first. Roofing can be hazardous, even in the best weather conditions. During the winter, it can be downright perilous. Never take safety risks, and if you’re faced with a pressing problem like ice dams or leaks, you’re probably better off leaving the job to a professional experienced in all aspect of residential roofing rather than trying to tackle it yourself.

    Don’t Postpone Your Repairs Till Spring!

    If you’re looking for a contractor with shingle roofing repair expertise, consider All Roofing Solutions, a family owned & operated Wilmington DE roofing contractor with over 15 years of experience. We are fully licensed and insured to do roofing & siding work in Delaware!

    Call our DE office at 302-725-ROOF (7663) or our PA location at 610-551-ROOF (7663) for a free price quote or to schedule a roof inspection. And don’t forget to ask about our discount of 15% off any roof repair job!!!

  • 5 Steps To An Effective Winter Roofing Maintenance

    5 Steps To An Effective Winter Roofing Maintenance

    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!

  • Flat Roofing Repairs v. Replacement: Making The Right Call

    Flat Roofing Repairs v. Replacement: Making The Right Call

    Flat Roofing Repairs v. Replacement: Making The Right Call

    If you have a low-slope roof or flat roof, you need to make special considerations when you’re faced with a “repair or replace” dilemma.

    Flat roofs have their pros and cons. They are often easy and much cheaper to install comparable to tile or cedar roofing.  At the same time, they tend to be difficult to maintain and pricey to repair. Making the right call – whether to repair or replace – can be hard, so it’s a good idea to call an experienced roofing contractor for help.

    Flat Roofing Repairs v. Replacement: Making The Right Call

    A number of factors contribute to the inevitable degradation of a flat roof, including sun and shade exposure, the type of flat roof material, and the overall structural integrity of the house, itself. Flat roofs also demand intricate flashing at the points where they join the outer walls of the house, and if this flashing was not properly installed, it can break down quickly and cause leaks.

    First, consider the average lifespans of materials commonly used in flat roofs:

    • Modified Bitumen/Tarpaper/Asphalt BUR: 10 to 12 years
    • PVC/TPO: 20 to 30 years
    • EPDM synthetic rubber: 25 to 30 years
    Flat Roofing Repairs v. Replacement: Making The Right Call

    Thus, if you’re having problems with your tarpaper roof, it could just be that the material has reached the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced. It typically isn’t worthwhile to repair a roof that is up for replacement or will be within the next three to five years.

    It’s always a good idea to get an expert opinion when it comes to a “repair or replace” roofing dilemma. Having an experienced roofing contractor make a thorough inspection of your roof to diagnose its problems and make a recommendation makes the most sense, considering that most homeowners lack the detailed knowledge and technical expertise required to make an accurate diagnosis.

    If you do choose to replace your flat roof, there are several things you can do to protect it. Applying a reflective coating will extend its life, as this will inhibit the effects of sun exposure. If you have tar paper or asphalt roof, you should apply roofing tar every few years to ensure your roof stays watertight.

    Need a Reputable Flat Roofing Contractor?

    If you’re looking for a contractor with flat roofing installation expertise, consider All Roofing Solutions, a family-owned & operated Delaware roofing contractor with over 15 years of experience. We proudly serve homeowners throughout Delaware and southeastern Pennsylvania, and look forward to discussing your low-slope roofing repair project!

    Call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania for a free estimate!

  • Cedar Roof Maintenance: Common Problems & Solutions

    Cedar Roof Maintenance: Common Problems & Solutions

    Cedar Roof Maintenance

    Cedar shake roofs have a unique and striking appearance, and make an excellent complement to rustic houses and homes with wooden exteriors. However, maintaining cedar roofs requires extra attention, and many homeowners eventually find themselves in need of cedar roof repairs. To preserve your cedar roof and minimize the need for roofing repairs, it’s important that you recognize common problems and learn how to address them.

    Cedar Roof Maintenance: Common Problems & Solutions

    Problem: Moss is building up on your cedar shake roof.

    Solution: Affixing copper or zinc strips to your roof’s ridge caps will discourage the growth of moss. It is vital to prevent moss from building up, as it can trap moisture in your cedar roofing panels. Over time, excess moisture will damage the panels and may even cause leaks in the interior of your home.

    Problem: Nearby coniferous trees shed their needles on your cedar roof.

    Solution: Any accumulated debris in your cedar roofing panels can cause major problems. In addition to conifer needles, you need to keep your roof clear of dirt, branches and leaves. Professional cleaning is the recommended course of action.

    Problem: You’re unsure of which preservatives to use on your cedar roof.

    Solution: In addition to looking for preservatives and finishes that are specifically labeled for use on cedar shake roofs, be sure to choose a product that repels water, protects against UV damage and comes with a performance guarantee.

    Problem: You want to wash your roof, but aren’t sure which techniques are and aren’t safe.

    Solution: Power washers can be used on cedar roofs, so long as you follow proper techniques. Cedar roofs are subject to Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau (CSSB) guidelines and standards, so be sure to consult them before power-washing your roof. Better yet, entrust the job to a contractor.

    Contact Your Local Roofing Contractor Today!

    In addition to cleaning & regular maintenance, certain cedar roof problems require repairs by a professional roofer. If yours is in need of some expert care, contact All Roofing Solutions.

    We are a leading roofing contractor serving residents of Delaware & southeastern Pennsylvania, and we’ll help get your cedar shake roof looking and performing good-as-new for an affordable price.

    To schedule your free consultation, call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania. And don’t forget to ask about our discounts!