All Roofing Solutions

Tag: roofing inspection

  • 3 Misconceptions About Rooftop Solar Panels

    3 Misconceptions About Rooftop Solar Panels

    If you’re considering an Eco-friendly electricity solution, photovoltaic solar panels are a durable, energy efficient option that offers a number of advantages.

    Contrary to what you may have heard, today’s solar panels are not heavy and obtrusive. In some cases, thin-film photovoltaic laminates can even be bonded directly onto metal roofing panels.

    Unlike earlier systems, there is often no need for bulky solar panel racks and expensive glass. Instead, photovoltaic laminates can be applied with a peel-and-stick method that protects your roof from leaks.

    3 Misconceptions About Solar Panels & Your Roof

    What about those other myths you’ve heard? We’re here to debunk misconceptions about solar panels and your roof. Here’s the truth of the matter.

    Myth #1: Solar power requires bright light to work well, and is therefore unreliable.

    The way that solar panels work is commonly misunderstood. While solar panels produce more energy on bright, sunny days, they continue to work on cloudy days, too. If, for some reason, electrical use is greater than solar production, the local utility makes up the difference. On days when your PV system produces more energy than your home needs, excess power is sent back through the utility grid. The result? Lower utility bills!

    During the winter, photovoltaic panels may be temporarily disabled when snow covers the cells. However, as soon as snow melts or is brushed off the panels, operation resumes.

    Myth #2: Solar panels require extensive maintenance.

    There are no moving parts in photovoltaic panels, so they require little to no maintenance. We recommend checking the panels for dirt buildup two to three times per year. If you are not comfortable climbing on your roof to do this, a qualified roofing expert can check solar panels during your seasonal roofing inspection. For basic, do-it-yourself cleaning, a garden hose will suffice. Keeping panels clean ensures optimal energy production.

    Myth #3: Solar panels are not worth the cost.

    With the advent of thin film photovoltaic (PV) laminates that bond directly to metal roofing panels, solar systems are becoming more affordable. Heavy, expensive glass is rarely needed anymore, and bulky mounting systems are becoming a thing of the past. Instead, many PV systems are composed of unbreakable silicon and Teflon films. When these films can be attached to your roof using the peel-and-stick method, you also reduce the chance of creating expensive roof leaks during installation.

    Bottom Line: Solar Panels Are Energy-Efficient & Eco-Friendly

    Rooftop solar panels are here to stay. In the long-term, PV panels will save you money while reducing your carbon footprint—and that’s good for your wallet and the environment.

    To learn more about solar PV panels, or to inquire about other solar energy options for your residential or commercial roof, call All Roofing Solutions today. We’re a family owned & operated roofing contractors based in Wilmington, DE. Backed by over 15 years of experience in the roofing industry, we can help you slash your energy costs while investing in green technology.

    To learn whether your roof is sound enough to tolerate mounting and installation of a new solar panel system, call 302-725-7663 in Delaware or 610-551-7663 in Pennsylvania or request an inspection online!

  • Composite Slate Roofing: 5 Inspection and Maintenance Tips

    Composite Slate Roofing: 5 Inspection and Maintenance Tips

    Composite slate is one of the most popular commercial roofing materials on the market today, gaining popularity in residential sectors as well . Aside from impressive durability and a relatively low initial cost, composite slate roofing owes much of its popularity to the limited maintenance that it requires.

    However, like any roofing material, certain inspection and maintenance steps should still be performed. Below are five tips on how to best prolong the life of composite slate roofs on residential or commercial structures.

    Composite Slate Roofing: 5 Inspection and Maintenance Tips

    1. To avoid potential damage, minimize the amount of walking on the roof, especially on peaks or valleys. Walk in the middle of the roof as much as possible. Also, follow all legal and company safety requirements when working on the commercial roof, exercising extreme caution on this smooth material.
    2. Schedule regular slate roofing inspections. Inspections should be done at least annually, and some roofers suggest inspecting composite slate roofs on commercial buildings every 6 months. Spring is a great time for an inspection to ensure any winter damage is addressed promptly.
    3. Check all flashings and valleys on your slate roof. Bad flashings or valleys are among the most common causes of leaks. Minor problems can often be easily repaired before resulting in leaks.
    4. Remove all debris and foreign objects to prevent ice from forming, which can damage your roof. You need to be extra vigilant when ice is melting, as it can form ice dams that refreeze and prevent natural run-off.
    5. Promptly replace or repair any cracked or broken composite slate tiles. Compromised tiles can result in numerous problems, including leaks, interior damage, moisture buildup, and mold. As with any roofing damage, the quicker you deal with the problem, the less chance that compounding problems will affect your business.

    The biggest part of ensuring the continued performance of your composite slate roof is planning and being proactive — avoiding problems rather than reacting to them. Leaks and damage to your roof can result in significant cost and hassle—both of which may be avoided with these simple inspection and maintenance tips.

    We Handle Composite Slate Roofing Inspections!

    With spring around the corner, it is critical to inspect your roofing structure for any winter-related damage. As the snow and ice have disappear, any damage or other roof issues are easier to identify and repair.

    For a thorough inspection, and piece of mind, contact All Roofing Solutions, a family owned and operated Delaware roofing contractor with over 15 years of experience. We can evaluate any damage , recommend maintenance steps—and provide you with a solution to all of your roofing needs!

    Call 302-725-7663 in Delaware or 610-551-7663 in Pennsylvania or request your Free Estimate online.

  • Residential Shingle Roofing: Deciding to Repair vs. Replace

    Residential Shingle Roofing: Deciding to Repair vs. Replace

    When it comes to fixing your roof, the decision whether to repair or replace it can be overwhelming for homeowners.

    The cost of replacing a roof is much higher than what you’d typically pay for repairs, however, you need to consider future expenses as well when deciding which way to go. At the same time, it’s not just about the cost involved – there are other factors to consider – and this is the topic of today’s post.

    The “Repair or Replace” Dilemma: Factors to Consider

    Experts recommend that you perform a thorough roof inspection at least once a year to determine if there are any underlying problems that need to be addressed. If you catch any such issues early enough, you’ll be able to address them properly with a repair job. Left unchecked for an extended period of time, minor problems can grow into major nightmares, leaving you with little choice but to undertake a more expensive and laborious replacement project.

    Generally speaking, repairing your roof makes more sense if:

    • You have a minor problem, such as a leak or crack, that can be fixed without affecting adjacent and underlying systems
    • You have localized damage but the structural components are intact
    • You’re addressing purely cosmetic issues

    If your roof has been damaged by a weather-related event or accident, your homeowners’ insurance policy may cover the cost of the repairs. Review your coverage and contact your insurance provider if you have questions about specific perils named in your policy.

    On the other hand, a full roof replacement is likely a better idea if:

    • Major structural problems, such as damaged roof decking, rotted or unstable rafters, or ineffective insulation, are present
    • Your existing roof is more than 15 to 20 years old; in this case, it will probably make more sense to replace it outright while the contractor is on-site, since you’re likely to have to install a new roof in the near future anyway
    • Signs of serious wear are present
    • You’re experiencing ongoing leaks or other issues with your current roof

    Work With Local Roofer

    The “repair or replace” decision is one you should make with the help of some professional advice and guidance.

    Bottom line: having a professional roof inspection is a good place to start if you’re unsure which path to follow; this is a low-cost and reliable way to diagnose the extent of your roof problems and choose the best course of action for addressing them.

    If you live in in Delaware or southeastern Pennsylvania, consider calling All Roofing Solutions, a full service contractor with over 15 years in the roofing business. Family owned and operated, we pride ourselves with excellent workmanship and great customer service!

    Don’t let minor damage turn into costly roof replacement. Call today at 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania for your FREE estimate.

  • 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!!!