Tag: roofing inspection

  • 3 Most Common Post-Hurricane Roofing Repairs

    3 Most Common Post-Hurricane Roofing Repairs

    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.

  • 3 Roofing Maintenance Tips That Will Save You Money

    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

    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.

    Roofing Replacement, Newark DE
    • 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:

    New Roof GAF Shingles & Liberty Flat Roofing System, Media PA 19063
    • 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.

    Roof Leak Repairs, Newark DE
    • 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?

    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.

  • 5 Steps To Handling Water Damage Restoration After a Major Roof Leak

    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 After 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!

  • Winter Roofing & Shingle Damage: Ice Dams, Roof Leaks & How to Prevent Them

    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

    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!

  • 3 Pre-Winter Roofing Inspection Tips From Your Contractor

    3 Pre-Winter Roofing Inspection Tips From Your Contractor

    As you prepare your home for winter, don’t forget to look up! Pre-winter roofing inspection is critical!

    Your home’s roofing and gutter systems may be easy to overlook, but doing so can lead to expensive repairs as the season wears on. This is especially true before winter!

    3 Pre-Winter Roofing Inspection Tips From Your Contractor

    Roofing Inspection: 3 Pre-Winter Tips

    The first step to your regular roofing & gutter maintenance are roof inspections. In fact, roof inspections are a crucial part of your seasonal home maintenance and should be done at least annually.

    Below are a few tips regarding your pre-winter roof check that you should keep in mind at this time of the year.

    #1 – Look for interior signs of roof 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. This is why when it comes to roofing inspections it’s important to hire a professional! It’s fairly easy to detect surface problems, but it takes a specially trained eye to spot problems below your shingles and tiles.

    If you’re a DIY type. follow out last blog to learn how to locate and fix minor leaks in your roof. More elaborate and intensive repairs can be difficult and onerous, and in many cases, even experienced DIY-ers are better off investing in the safety and security of a qualified contractor.

    #2 – Inspect the condition of your shingles & flashings

    Weather damage is inevitable. While inspecting your roof, look for curled, cracked, loose or missing shingles from the ground, using binoculars if you need to. Over time, exposure to the elements, as well as storm-related debris, can damage your roof deck compromising the integrity of your roof shingles. Also, check flashings and other penetrations, including around chimneys and exhaust vents. Be sure these areas are properly sealed against the weather.

    If you hire a professional roofing company, your inspector will ascend the roof to examine its construction, flashing, vents and chimney. He will check for common problems such as missing shingles, broken shakes or tiles, cracked flashings, damaged chimney bricks, open seams or wear from extreme sun-exposure.

    If there are any problems, the inspector will determine the cause and recommend a solution.

    #3 – Check your attic insulation levels

    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. It is also largely responsible for ice dams formation.

    Insufficient insulation is especially common in older homes, which were generally constructed when building codes did not require as much insulation. Regardless of the season, a poorly insulated home can be a huge cost for homeowners due to the constant running of heating or cooling systems – there are many winterizing steps you can take to tackle that.

    Your roofing inspector should check ventilation, insulation and moisture levels and offer appropriate steps to remedy any potential problems before winter arrives

    Regular Inspections Are Key to Long Lasting Roof!

    The integrity of your roof is critical in maintaining your home’s value. A thorough inspection from an experienced roofing contractor can help to ensure that your roof is up to the task.

    If you’d like to schedule an inspection to diagnose specific problems or evaluate the overall condition of your roof, contact All Roofing Solutions. We not only offer thorough roofing inspection and professional service but also a piece of mind that nothing was overlooked.

    Family owned and operated Delaware and Pennsylvania roofing contractor with over 15 years of experience in residential and commercial roofing, we have the experience and expertise to handle all your roofing needs!

    Call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania to schedule a roofing inspection or to request a free estimate on your roofing repairs