All Roofing Solutions

Tag: shingle roofing

Shingle Roofing Installation: Common Mistakes Made by Contractors

Installing a shingle roof may seem straightforward, but even minor mistakes can lead to costly repairs and shorten your roof’s lifespan. Whether you’re a homeowner tackling a DIY project or a contractor aiming for excellence, understanding common shingle installation mistakes is essential for a durable, weatherproof roof.

We’ll explore the most frequent errors here today—from improper nailing to inadequate ventilation—and provide expert tips on avoiding them to ensure your roof stands strong for years to come.

Shingle Roofing Installation: Common Mistakes Made by Contractors

Here are some of the most common mistakes to watch out for when installing shingle roofing. Each of these errors—whether it’s incorrect underlayment application, improper nailing, missing starter strips, reusing old flashing, or inadequate overhang at the eaves—can compromise your roof’s durability and weather resistance. By understanding these issues, homeowners and roofing professionals alike can take the necessary steps to avoid costly damage and ensure a high-quality, long-lasting installation.

Inadequate or improper underlayment application.

Underlayment is a vital weatherproofing layer beneath asphalt shingles, protecting the roof’s structure from moisture intrusion. When improperly applied, it leaves the roof vulnerable to leaks and water damage. A skilled roofing contractor will ensure that waterproof, adhesive membranes are installed correctly along valleys and eaves, with additional ice and water shields around vulnerable areas like chimneys, pipe flanges, and roof connections. This meticulous installation is crucial for safeguarding the wood decking and enhancing the roof’s overall durability and weather resistance.

Improper shingle nailing.

Proper nailing is essential for secure, leak-resistant shingle installation. Nails should be driven straight into the decking, penetrating at least 3/4 of an inch, to anchor each shingle effectively. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines on nail placement and quantity ensures a firm bond between the shingles and the deck, reducing the risk of shingles lifting or blowing off during storms. Attention to these details is key for maintaining the roof’s integrity and protecting it from water infiltration.

Leaving out the starter strip.

Omitting the starter strip is a frequent mistake made by inexperienced roofers that can lead to improper shingle application. The starter strip provides a crucial foundation for the shingles, ensuring a secure and weather-tight seal. According to manufacturer specifications, starter shingles should be installed along the eaves and at the rake, creating a solid base that supports the entire roofing system. Neglecting this essential step can compromise the roof’s effectiveness and longevity, making it vital to adhere to best practices in shingle installation.

Reusing old flashing.

Reusing old flashing during a roof replacement can be a costly mistake. Although the old flashing may appear intact, it could be compromised by punctures or deterioration that aren’t immediately visible. Investing in new flashing is a small price to pay in comparison to the potential damage that can result from leaks. Always opt for new flashing to ensure a reliable seal at critical roof transitions and protect the integrity of your roofing system.

Shingles do not overhang at the eaves.

Ensuring that shingles properly overhang the eaves and rakes is crucial for effective water drainage and protection against moisture intrusion. A minimum overhang of 1/2 inch is recommended to prevent water from running back under the shingles and into the roof structure. This detail is often overlooked, but it plays a significant role in maintaining the roof’s integrity and prolonging its lifespan. Proper overhang not only enhances aesthetics but also helps direct water away from vulnerable areas, reducing the risk of leaks.

Ensuring a Successful Shingle Roof Installation

By avoiding these common shingle roofing installation mistakes, you can ensure a more durable and effective roof that stands up to the elements. Proper underlayment, correct nailing techniques, and adherence to manufacturer specifications are all vital components in achieving a high-quality installation.

Additionally, don’t overlook the importance of new flashing and the proper overhang of shingles. For a successful roofing project, consider working with experienced professionals who can provide the expertise needed to avoid these pitfalls and ensure your roof’s longevity. If you’re ready to get started or need assistance, contact All Roofing Solutions today!

We’ve Been Installing Roofs Since 1998!

At All Roofing Solutions, we have a team of reliable, experienced roofing professionals dedicated to servicing all your roofing needs. We’re a family owned and operated Delaware & southeastern Pennsylvania roofing contractor with over 15 years of experience in replacing, repairing, and inspecting roofs for residential and commercial clients.

All Roofing Solutions specializes in installation of GAF Timberline shingles, including High Definition (HD), Ultra HD, Prestique, energy-efficient Cool series and Lifetime Designer shingles. GAF offers #1-selling shingles that are durable, practically priced and provide genuine wood shake look.

To schedule your FREE roofing estimate contact our Delaware team at 302-725-ROOF (7663), or our Pennsylvania crew at 610-551-ROOF (7663). And don’t forget to ask about our discount of $400 off any complete roofing installation job!!!

October 20, 2016
Delaware Roofing: Top Asphalt Shingle Roofing Products We Love
Shingle roofs continue to be very popular with Delaware homeowners, given their excellent combination of durability and affordability. However, not all shingle roofing products are made equal, and choosing high-performing shingles with a proven track record of customer satisfaction is the key to extracting value from your roofing investment.

Factors that contribute to the relative quality of asphalt shingles include:
- Warranty protections – the more generous and inclusive the warranty, the more confidence the brand tends to inspire
- Manufacturer reputation – companies that commit extra research and development resources to their products tend to have better performance track records
- Quality of materials – this is an especially important consideration with composite shingles, which show wide variations in quality and durability
Delaware’s Most Trusted Shingle Roofing Products

Some of the most popular and widely trusted shingle roofing products on the DE market include:
- GAF Timberline and Lifetime shingles. GAF’s Timberline shingles offer an attractive natural wood shake appearance, while its Lifetime line offers classic beauty and excellent durability at a fraction of the cost of expensive slate or wood shakes. Both product families are renowned for outstanding fire resistance, excellent stain and algae protection, and one of the most generous and inclusive warranties in the industry. This is the product we recommend and install most often.
- Owens Corning Duration shingles. Available in a wide range of colors and styles, Owens Corning Duration shingles deliver outstanding value for an affordable price. With thick textures, generous dimensions, exceptional strength, a limited lifetime warranty, and wind resistance of up to 130 MPH, Owens Corning Duration shingles hold strong year in and year out. Their website has a main tool for designing your next roof – try it out!
- IKO shingles. In business since the 1950s, IKO is now reputed the world over as one of the leading providers of residential roofing shingles. The company’s most popular lines include Cambridge shingles and Armourshake shingles, both of which offer distinct advantages. The Cambridge line enhances your home’s curb appeal, while its heavy weight is ideally suited to the New Jersey climate. For added durability, the Armourshake line has best-in-class impact resistance and provides an effective deterrent against algae as well as the harshest of natural elements. Although not as popular in use as GAF shingles, IKO has nevertheless proved it offers quality & durability shingles for its customers.
While this is not an exhaustive list, these three manufacturers have distinguished themselves with DE homeowners for providing trustworthy, reliable products at prices that deliver excellent value. They are excellent starting points for further research into asphalt shingles that will perform well in the face of the seasonal extremes seen in Delaware’s weather patterns.

We Install GAF Shingle Roofing Products

All Roofing Solutions specializes in the installation of GAF Timberline shingles, including High Definition (HD), Ultra HD, Prestique, energy-efficient Cool series, and Lifetime Designer shingles. Additionally, we use superior quality roof deck protection and offer various GAF leak barrier options. You can view our project gallery for samples of our work!

For more information or to request a FREE ESTIMATE, call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania!

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!
August 18, 2016
3 Steps To Extending The Life Of Your Shingle Roofing
Roofing replacement can be one of the most expensive home improvement projects a Delaware homeowner will go through, but the good news is that with just a little TLC you can postpone replacing your roof for years to come.

The 3 most important things you can do to extend the life of your roof are regular inspections, proper maintenance & timely repairs.

#1. Spring Inspection

Spring roofing inspections are very important because your roof can take quite a beating each winter. Your Delaware roofing contractor will assess the condition of your roof looking for a variety of potential problems. They will pay particular attention to:
- pooling water and ice damage: curled, cracked and bruised shingles, damaged storm collars and of course any visible and hidden leaks that might have developed over the course of winter months
- high wind damage: missing shingles, loose flashings, etc.
- gutter damage from heavy wind, ice and snow
While many handy homeowners are perfectly capable of checking their roof for any winter damage, hiring a professional inspection contractor should always be considered. Remember, a professional inspector is skilled and trained to conduct a thorough interior and exterior evaluation of the roof’s structure and knows where and how to look for leaks an untrained eye could easily miss.

#2. Seasonal Maintenance

Regular roof maintenance is a necessary part of lengthening the lifespan of your roof . For the most part you need to:
- check, clean and replace damaged gutters & downspouts,
- trim back tree branches & remove any debris that might have collected in roof valleys,
- ensure proper ventilation – without it, heat and moisture can accumulate in the attic, leading to roof rot and deteriorating insulation,
- check attic insulation – a properly insulated attic space will allow your roof to perform at peak efficiency.
#3. Prompt Repairs

If your shingles wear out or fall off, your naked roof is now exposed to wind, hail and rain, which will eventually cause it to rot or leak. Therefore, it’s important to handle any necessary roofing repairs right away.
- Replace missing or worn out shingles by carefully removing nails and fasteners, sliding a new, same-sized shingle into place and nailing it down. Cover each nail with roofing cement to prevent water penetration, and weight the shingle down overnight to ensure a tight seal.
- Check & repair damaged flashings. Look especially close around your chimney, skylights and valley regions, the 3 most common roof leak locations. Using small roof fasteners, tack down loose flashing and seal tack holes with roof cement. With more extensive damage, flashing replacements might be necessary.
Invest in a Professional Roofer

Your home is your biggest investment – don’t skimp on professional services that could save you thousands in the end. Hiring a reputable roofing contractor to handle your inspection is especially recommended.

Contact All Roofing Solutions for a comprehensive roofing inspection and you’ll not only get professional and thorough service but also a piece of mind that nothing was overlooked. We can evaluate weather damage, devise a maintenance plan that works for your roof—and provide you with a solution to all of your residential roofing needs!

For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania. We offer Free Estimates and honest service, never take shortcuts, and ensure every step is done right!
July 7, 2016
Featured Project: Shingle & Flat Roofing Installation in Wilmington DE
Today we’d like to feature a re-roofing project we did last fall in Wilmington, Delaware. The homeowner was shopping around for a local contractor to replace an aging roof on his property. There were shingles missing, some were damaged by hail. Additionally, many flashing strips were rusty or chipped, and algae took over the northern side of the roof. There was a small leak around the chimney as well.

In other words, the old roof needed to go – repairs weren’t going to cut it!

The homeowner wanted high quality shingles that could withstand East Coast’s harsh weather conditions for decades to come. Additionally, he needed flat roofing system reinstalled over the attached garage.

After a thorough inspection of the roofing structure – both interior and exterior check was done – we determined that tearing the old roofing material off was necessary, as the damage was too significant. Wood decking needed to be repaired/replaced, and this would build a solid foundation for the new roofing material.

After some research, the homeowner selected GAF Timberline HD Lifetime asphalt shingles, the #1-selling shingles in North America. We also decided on GAF flat roofing system for the small section over the garage.

All Roofing Solutions has been helping Delaware homeowners transform their homes from old to new for well over 15 years – we are fully licensed and insured to do roofing & siding work in DE & PA!

Shingle & Flat Roofing Installation in Wilmington DE 19810

Click on the gallery for full set of photos:

Roofing Installation Contractor in Delaware

All Roofing Solutions is a family owned and operated Delaware roofing installation & repair contractor with over 15 years of experience in residential and commercial roofing. We offer:
- 15+ years of Roofing Experience
- Valid Workers Compensation Policy
- 30 year workmanship guarantee on full roof replacements
- General Liability Insurance
- Lien Waver to protect the homeowners from material liens
- Better Business Bureau Member
- Complimentary Extended Material warranty
- 24 HR emergency service to current customers
- On site quality control
- Factory Certified Installers
If you’re looking for a high quality contractor with shingle roofing installation & repair expertise, call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania. We offer Free Estimates and honest service, never take shortcuts, and ensure every step is done right!
June 16, 2016
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.
May 4, 2016