All Roofing Solutions

Tag: water damage

6 Main Causes of Shingle Roof Deterioration
The roof over your head is your home’s first line of defense when it comes to exposure to sun, rain, snow, wind and other weather elements. And if you live in Delaware or any other East Coast state, you’re sure to be exposed to all types of extreme weather conditions, from scorching heat to heavy rains, blizzards or hurricanes.

The unfortunate truth is that weather damage is inevitable. Your roof is constantly exposed to the elements, and it is only natural that it will wear and age over time.

6 Common Reasons Behind Deterioration of Your Roof

Harsh weather is the main reason shingles deteriorate sooner than expected and the following elements are the most common culprit:
- Rain, snow & ice – Moisture is roof’s enemy #1. It can damage its structure, cause mildew, rot decking and even damage the insulation. While rain is behind most roof leaks, melting snow often ends up re-freezing and forming ice dams, which block proper drainage of water into the gutter and can result in water backing up under your roofing materials. This can lead to serious structural damage.
- Sun – The most common roofing enemy, sun blasts your roof with damaging rays and heat causing shingles to break down over time. Thermal expansion, IR radiation and UV light from the sun are to blame for the majority of issues related to sun exposure overtime.
- Wind – High winds lift, curl, and pull shingles away from the roof exposing its underpayment which can leave your roof vulnerable to water damage and significant structural deterioration. The corners, the edges of the roof, and the ridge line are especially susceptible to damage from high winds, but the entire roof structure often ends up getting shredded and punctured by fling debris nonetheless.
- Hail – Hail can leave dents dislodging the tiny protective granules that typically protect your home from damaging UV-rays and improve the roof’s water-shedding capabilities. Loss of mineral granules can lead to the asphalt coating and even fiberglass matt being directly exposed to the elements which dramatically reduces the roof shingles life expectancy.
- Lichen – Moss and algae can cause wood rot and structural damage over time while also discoloring your roof. Lichen doesn’t trap as much water against the surface of the roof as moss, but it can be acidic and has strands that can penetrate into the shingles both of which can cause significant damage.
- Overgrown trees -Tree limbs can become a serious problem puncturing your roof. Leaves that accumulate on your roof can clog your rain gutters and retain moisture. Lack of proper drainage, the presence of water, and excess moisture can cause water to seep into your roofing materials and result in rotting and other damage.
The Importance of Regular Roofing Inspections

A typical asphalt shingles can be expected to last 20-30 years, depending on what they’re made of, weather conditions, quality of installation and maintenance. To prolong the life of your roof, regular roofing & gutter inspections should be a part of your regular roofing maintenance.

Homeowners can uncover those visible and hidden signs of damage through regular inspections. We recommend that only professional roofers climb up on the roof, so have your roof inspected by a contractor you can trust to provide an honest assessment. Your local roofer will assess the condition of your roof uncovering potential problems and suggesting steps you can take to increase the lifespan of your roof. And if there are any minor repairs that need to be handled, you’ll be glad to have caught them before they caused significant damage.

Homeowners should have their roofs inspected yearly, especially if the roof is 15 years old or older.

Schedule Your Roof Inspection Today!

Even if your inspection uncovers potential roof damage, it does not necessarily mean that you must re-roof. The age of the roof and the extent of the damage will ultimately determine whether repairs or complete replacement makes more sense.

If it’s been awhile since you had a Delaware roofing contractor look over your home’s roof and gutter systems request a comprehensive roofing inspection from All Roofing Solutions, family owned & operated Delaware roofing contractor with over 20 years of experience. We not only offer thorough roofing inspection and professional service but also a piece of mind that nothing was overlooked.

Call today at 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania to schedule your inspection or request your Free Roofing Repair Estimate!
February 21, 2019
Shingle Roofing: 4 Winter Snow Storms Damage Prevention Tips
In protecting your home from the elements, your shingle roof takes a lot of abuse in winter. As a homeowners, you can help your roof perform best with a few preventative measures. Roof care is more important in around 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 potentially cause major, costly damage.

Shingle Roofing & Winter Snow: 4 Damage Prevention Tips

1. Inspect the roof & attic.

While it may sound like common sense, it’s important to perform a regular inspection of your roof. Look for curled, cracked, loose or missing shingles. Check flashings and other penetrations, including around chimneys and exhaust vents. Be sure these areas are properly sealed against the weather. If anything doesn’t “look right”, contact a roofing contractor for a professional inspection.

Look in your attic, as well as interior walls, for evidence of current or prior 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.

2. Clear roof debris.

Check your roof for any leaves, twigs or miscellaneous debris. These materials tend to collect in concentrated areas, where they may gather water or moisture which can break down the shingles on your roof. Roof debris concentrated in valleys also prevents water from properly flowing away from your roof and into your roof’s gutter system.

Don’t forget to trim your trees. If there are any limbs or branches hanging over your roof (or growing close), have them removed. Falling branches can lead to expensive roofing repairs.

3. Check the gutters and downspouts.

Keeping your gutters clear is important in allowing snow melt to properly drain from your roof and into the downspouts. In the winter, the weight of ice buildup from clogged gutters can cause significant damage. If they are clogged, gutters and downspouts can’t channel water and snowmelt away from your home which can lead to serious damage.

Additionally:
- perform a quick check of the gutter angle, making sloping adjustments as necessary
- look for gutters pulled away from the home
- check for leaks and holes (using a garden hose, spray water on your roof to see if your gutters are leaking)
- Inspect your downspouts for any leaks or signs of excessive wear.
4. Prevent ice dams.

Ice dams can form from the buildup of ice and snow inside gutters and along roof ridges. When a dam forms, water may pool up behind it, where it can seep into the interior of your home. Ice dams can cause significant damage not just to the surface but to the entire roofing structure.

While there’s no 100% effective way to eliminate ice dams, they can be minimized. Proper roof insulation, as well as a good attic ventilation system, are key elements in an effective defense against ice dams. Proper attic ventilation means a consistent & efficient flow of cool, dry air through your attic: intake through eave and soffit vents, and exhaust through vents in the gables, deck or ridge. Typically, a correctly sized exhaust fan coupled with adequate soffit venting will ensure proper attic ventilation.

Don’t Postpone Your Repairs Till Spring!

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. 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 roofing problems, large and small

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!

Don’t forget to ask about our discount of 15% off any roof repair job!!!
October 23, 2018
Roofing Maintenance: Protecting Your Roof Through Hurricane Season

When a hurricane or other violent seasonal storm hits, your roof is one of the areas of your home that’s most likely to be damaged. Because roof problems can quickly lead to other, potentially more serious internal and structural issues, it’s important to be proactive about preventing hurricane and storm damage. This is especially true if your roof is older and already susceptible to leaks.

The good news is that it’s fairly easy to prepare your roof for hurricane season, even if you don’t have a lot of DIY experience. With some simple repairs and basic reinforcements, your roof will stand a much better chance of holding up if a hurricane or major storm strikes.

Protecting Your Roof Through Hurricane Season

1. Replace Worn Shingles

The standard asphalt shingles on the market today are generally able to withstand wind speeds of up to 150 miles per hour, and products with even more robust wind resistance capabilities are available. Take advantage of these technological and material improvements, and replace any worn-down, loose or damaged shingles with wind-resistant new ones.

All newly installed and loose but otherwise sound shingles should be treated with high-performance roofing adhesives. This adds a vital second level of protection against high winds, helping your shingles stay in place.

2. Reinforce Your Roof

Adding a roofing reinforcement is a more involved project, but It’s one that may well be worth the effort…and could even save your life in an extreme situation. Overlapping two-by-four lengths of wood across your roof trusses is the standard way to reinforce a roof. If you’re planning to do this yourself, be sure to leave about a foot and a half of space between each row of two-by-fours.

3. Seal All Gaps

Perform a careful check of all areas where your roof converges with the walls and ceilings of your home. If you find any cracks or gaps, close them off with a water-resistant sealant to prevent leaks and other forms of storm damage.

4. Redirect Rainwater

Finally, perform a check of all your roof gutters and downspouts. First, make sure that they are not clogged with debris like loose sticks, rocks, dirt, or decaying leaves. Clear out any such debris immediately. Second, test your downspouts to make sure they are properly redirecting water off your roof and away from your house. Malfunctioning downspouts pose hazards not only to your roof, but also to your basement, as rainwater accumulation can result in flooding.

If you have any questions or concerns about preparing your roof for the hurricane season, or you’ve already experienced wind or hail damage and need help dealing with the aftermath, contact All Roofing Solutions for assistance. Professional guidance is always a superior substitute for guesswork.

Call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania to schedule your roofing inspection today!

Ensure Your Roof Can Withstand High Winds

If you have an older roof or think your roof may be in need of repairs, contact us before more serious problems occur. The truth is, regular roof inspections can delay, and often prevent, expensive roof replacements, whether the damage is from high wind or other inclement weather.

Whatever your roofing needs are, we’re here to help. Family owned and operated, we are a local roofing contractor with 20 years of experience in residential & commercial roofing servicing Delaware and South-East Pennsylvania. Our team of skilled contractors is familiar with a myriad of roofing issues. We will check your roof for potential problems, answer your questions, and get the job done right!

September 25, 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
Spring Roofing Maintenance: 5 Most Common Rain Gutter Repairs
The rain gutter system is your home’s drainage system and is designed to remove excess moisture from the roof. This system is often overlooked and unappreciated, but broken, run-down, or clogged gutters can cause serious water damage to both the roof and interior of your home, so it’s critical to give it some TLC during your annual spring maintenance.

It’s important to keep your gutters maintained & repair any damage right away to prevent untimely and costly roof repairs down the road.

5 Most Common Rain Gutter Repairs

Gutter maintenance plays an important role in keeping your home and roof in tip-top shape. With spring rain on the way, now is a great time to make sure your gutters are properly functioning. Five of the most common gutter repairs in residential roofing include:

1. Loose or Missing Gutters

High winds, rain, and snowstorms can cause gutters to become loose or even disappear. Sections that are overrun with leaves and other debris can sag and detach from the house as well. Loose or missing gutters can cause damage to the roof and siding of your home. The overflow of water that spills onto the areas around your home can also potentially destroy the landscaping. Gutter repairs provided by a qualified roofing contractor can include re-attaching or replacing broken components.

2. Clogged Gutters

Gutters and downspouts must be clear of leaves and debris to do their job. Gutters become clogged for a variety of reasons, including the formation of ice dams, the growth of mold and vegetation, falling leaves, and debris from nearby trees. Clear out your gutters this spring – it’s best to unclog gutters on a dry day when leaves and small twigs can be removed by hand or with a handheld blower. Once you’ve removed the debris, gently flush your gutters with a garden hose or a gutter cleaning tool to confirm that you have improved the drainage process. Also, consider a leaf-relief-gutter-protection system for clog-free gutters in the future!

3. Leaks

Sunlight and rough weather can cause gutters to crack, which in turn leads to leaks. 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 also begin to leak at aging seams. These leaks may be repaired with silicone sealant. Be sure to seal both the inside and outside of the gutter. Waterproof or gutter sealer is easy to apply to dry, sanded gutters. Large holes or cracks may require sections of your rain gutters to be replaced. Ultimately, the size of the cracks or holes may determine whether you are comfortable making simple repairs yourself or relying on a roof and gutter expert.

4. Normal Wear and Tear

Your home’s gutters are designed to last several decades, but at some point, you realize the life of the gutter is over. From corrosion, holes, sagging, and leaking to missing, loose, or bent fasteners, gutter repairs will require repairs or replacement. Rust, cracks, and severe mildew may not be cost-efficient to repair. Call on a professional roofing & gutter contractor to inspect the damage and recommend a new system crafted from vinyl, copper, galvanized steel, or aluminum.

5. Damaged Downspouts

The downspout of the gutter is the part that delivers the water to run-off areas on the ground. Downspouts that become misdirected or damaged can begin to direct water toward the foundation of your home rather than away from the house. A soggy foundation can create expensive water damage problems. Additionally, if your downspouts are joined to fascia boards, ensure that they are firmly attached. Have any damaged downspouts repaired or replaced as soon as possible to avoid costly home repairs.

Need Gutters Repaired or Replaced?

All Roofing Solutions is here to offer a solution to all your roofing & gutter problems! 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.

Why Choose All Roofing Solutions
- Family-owned and operated Delaware & Pennsylvania roofing contractor.
- Fully licensed and insured.
- Over 20 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!
Protect your home and schedule a roofing & gutters inspection today.

Call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania to request a Free Quote!
March 29, 2018