Skylights are designed to be both functional and attractive. Essentially a window installed in the roof of your home, a skylight provides the interior room with natural light and heat.
As beautiful and functional as they are, skylights are behind many common roof leaks. A poorly installed skylight can allow moisture into your home and can cost you thousands of dollars in roof repairs later. Additionally, diagnosing & repairing skylight leaks can be tricky.
Many homeowners attempt to install skylights on their own only to find out how difficult the task can be. Skylight installation is a serious business and should be left to professionals. However, for those brave (and handy) enough, the tips below should offer some basic guidance, when it comes to proper skylight installation.
Leak-Free Skylight Installation Tips From a Roofing Contractor
The following tips from your Delaware roofing contractor can help you avoid costly mistakes when considering the installation of a new skylight.
Follow directions exactly as specified. If you are installing your own skylight, follow the manufacturer’s directions to a T. You may be tempted to cut corners to save time or money, but resist the urge. Product installation per the instructions optimizes the skylight’s performance, leak-free. Consult a professional contractor if you do not feel confident about your installation abilities or if you have questions.
Proper mounting. Skylights should be mounted above the roof’s surface to ensure they remain leak-free. Mounting a skylight flush with the roof or recessed under the roof’s surface can compromise its watertight seal. Be sure to seal all joints thoroughly to prevent water from seeping through the cracks. Water damage can cause premature deterioration of shingles, leading to roof repairs or replacement.
Install extra protection. Consider adding a raised lip –called a curb—around the skylight in addition to flashing. The curb acts as drainage system, directing water away from the skylight.
Again, skylight installation can be tricky and requires extensive knowledge & experience to be handled correctly. We strongly encourage all homeowners to contact a local roofing contractor for help with any skylight installations & repairs.
An experienced roofing contractors will have the skills necessary to handle such projects and guarantee leak-free system for years to come. Additionally, your local roofer will help you choose a skylight that is compatible with the slope of your roof and the type of roofing materials.
Only Hire Local Reputable Contractors
Invest in your home, and your community, by hiring local contractors!
If you need a contractor with solid experience and reputation, All Roofing Solutions is your roofer. We’re a family owned & operated reputable local roofing contractor with nearly two decades of experience in roofing inspections, repairs & installation in Delaware & Southeastern Pennsylvania. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services, or to request a Free estimate for your skylight installation.
Call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania today!
Winter weather can be hard on your roof, especially in the East Coast states like Delaware or Pennsylvania. Several problems can creep up if you don’t pay attention and, if not adequately addressed, may lead to big, costly roofing repairs.
Today, we will discuss typical roofing damage resulting from condensation & ice dams and also gutter problems caused by icicles.
Common Winter Roofing Problems
Here are three common problems your roof may face over the winter.
Problem #1 – Condensation
When a cold surface meets warm air, condensation will occur. Unfortunately, an 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. To prevent condensation, ensure your attic is properly ventilated.
Attic ventilation is a significant part of a healthy roof system yet it’s often overlooked. While you may know that attic ventilation helps control indoor temperature and saves energy costs, you may not realize that improper ventilation can damage your roof, create ice dams and reduce your roof’s overall lifespan.
Problem #2 – Ice dams
Ice dams are a fairly common occurrence over the winter, the result of an accumulation of ice and water on the roof and under the shingles. Ice dams form when the upper areas of a roof are at above-freezing temperatures, and the lower-hanging areas are below-freezing. Melting snow from the upper, warmer sections of the roof flows down and re-freezes on the colder, lower sections of the roof and gutters, creating the ice dam. As water backs up and pools behind the dam, it may leak into your home through cracks and joints on the home’s exterior, causing interior damage.
Ice dams can be a nightmare, potentially causing extensive water damage to homes. Unfortunately, there is no way to completely eliminate the possibility of ice dams, but 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 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.
Clearing your roof thoroughly – and safely – after a snowfall can also prevent the formation of ice dams, and protects the shingle roofing from weather-related damage.
Problem #3 – Icicles
Icicles tend to form in the same weather conditions that lead to ice dams: sunny days and sub-freezing temperatures. Often the result of clogged gutters and downspouts, icicles represent a danger to people and pets. In addition, their excessive weight can cause roofing & gutter damage. To deter icicles from forming, keep your gutters clear of leaves, twigs, and other debris. Remember, when the warmer weather arrives, to attend to gutter maintenance swiftly with the help of your local roofing and gutter contractor to avoid leaking and other problems during spring rains.
What Can You Do Now?
If you’re not sure how your roof is handling all that extra moisture, contact the professionals at All Roofing Solutions. Our dedicated staff of roofing professionals will be happy to help you understand your roof’s potential problems and suggest appropriate preventative repairs.
Additionally, performing a spring roof & gutter inspection will ensure that you address any and all problems that might have developed over those harsh winter months.
Call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania to schedule your inspection or for free repair estimate.
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
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:
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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!
Home maintenance experts point to fall as the year’s most important maintenance and repair seasons.
Winter can bring all kinds of unruly and unpredictable weather, and if your roof has any minor or undetected structural or repair problems, you run the risk of having them get out of control at the worst possible time. Harsh winter elements can easily turn small problems into big ones, so be proactive and ensure your roof is ready for the cold weather before it arrives.
From Roofing Inspection to Repairs: 5 Fall Maintenance Tips for Homeowners
These five key items should be on your fall roof maintenance checklist:
#1. Inspect, Clean & Fix Gutters
Gutters provide essential drainage, directing rainwater and melted snow and ice off your roof and safely away from your home. However, by the later part of autumn, chances are they need some cleaning. Falling leaves, sticks, twigs, branches, and all kinds of other debris can easily become trapped. If clogged gutters interferes with their proper function, you risk developing ice dams during the winter, and they are among the most notorious and costly problems a homeowner can face.
Clear leaves & debris. Gutters and downspouts must be clear of leaves and debris to do their job. Clogged, dammed drain outlets lead to overflowing gutters, and may even pull the gutters loose. Avoid clogged gutters from forming in the first place by installing a gutter guard protection system, or grab a ladder and clear your regular gutters from all the accumulated debris, before fall rains start.
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. An easy way to test the slope is by spraying water into the rain gutters with a hose (do this only after cleaning your gutters to avoid potentially clogging it and making things worse). The water should flow smoothly toward the downspout. Additionally, improper location of downspouts, or not having enough of them, can lead to standing water and overflows during heavy rains.
Inspectfor 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. To check the integrity of your gutter system, an annual inspection is recommended.
Check for leaks and holes. 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 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. Small holes can be easily repaired with roofing cement, applied with a putty knife. Larger issues may require replacing the leaky section altogether.
Inspect downspouts. Inspect your downspouts for any leaks or signs of excessive wear. If your downspouts are joined to fascia boards, ensure that they are firmly attached.
#2. Inspect & Repair Your Roof As Needed
During the fall, you should also make a careful and thorough check for any obvious signs of damage to your roof. Loose or missing shingles, loose roofing elements, cracks, blisters, chipped roofing cement…all of them should be dealt with before the first snowfall. Binoculars are your best friend if you don’t feel comfortable climbing a ladder onto your roof.
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
Check flashings for damage, corrosion, or holes that may need repair or replacement.
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.
If your roofing inspection uncovers issues that require remediation, don’t wait until spring. Have them fixed now, before the snow starts to fall. Otherwise, you risk developing problems that may be far more difficult and expensive to repair later.
Bottom line: Patch any ongoing roof leaks, or hire a contractor to handle that for you. As you work on repairing your roof, remember to stay safe and take special care to not inflict further damage to your roof.
#3. Trim Trees That Hang Over Your Roof
If you have trees with branches that hang over your roof, it’s a good idea to trim these branches away to prevent leaves from falling onto your roof. The accumulation of leaves, branches, twigs, and other debris can cause blockages in your gutters, leading to ice dams and other potentially serious issues, as mentioned earlier.
This supplemental task serves multiple purposes. First, it eliminates some of the potential debris that could end up in your gutters as winter wears on. Second, and more importantly, it reduces your chances of suffering serious damage as the result of a winter storm. High winds and heavy snowfall accumulation can cause even large, sturdy branches to break off, and they can cause big problems if they land on your roof with a crash.
#4. Don’t Forget To Check The Attic
Some problems are less obvious, and you’ll need to track down clues that might be on the inside of your home rather than outside. Head up to your attic to check for signs of leaks. Check your attics and all walls and ceilings that adjoin your roof for signs of water damage, such as leaks or discolored splotches. The presence of mold and mildew, stains, and warped wooden elements all indicate leakage, or high humidity levels.
Keep a comprehensive record of any possible problems you find. This will make it faster and easier for you to obtain and compare quotes from roofing contractors, should you decide to hire a professional to perform any necessary repairs.
If you encounter problems you don’t know how to repair on your own, reach out to a reputable local professional roofing contractor. Making an investment in proper repairs now can pay off in spades by helping you avoid more serious and more costly problems during the winter, when snowy and slippery conditions can make repairs difficult or impossible.
Have A Leak? Hire A Repair Contractor
A 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.
Many homeowners look to save money by making minor roof repairs on their own. If you’re up for the challenge, your first step will be to learn how to pinpoint and fix small leaks.
While the location of the incoming water will often betray the leaky spot, identifying the source of the problem isn’t always as straightforward as it might seem. Your repair strategy will also be influenced by the location, size and orientation of the leak, but the good news is that both issues can be addressed with some simple investigation and action.
7 Steps to Locating and Patching Minor Roof Leaks
Follow these seven simple steps to locate and fix minor leaks in your roof:
Check for any penetrations in the roof; these are, by a wide margin, the most common source of roof leaks. They are normally found within a few feet of the interior ceiling location where the leak appears to be centered.
Remove shingles in the area where you suspect the leak is located, and look for telltale signs like water stains and rotting structural underlayments.
If you still can’t find the leak, enlist the help of an assistant. Have one person stay inside at the apparent source of the leak and have the other go up on the roof with a water supply. Work systematically by wetting localized areas of the roof with the water supply until the person inside sees water start to dribble from the ceiling. By notifying the person on the roof when the interior leak appeared, it will be easy to localize the leak to a specific area.
Clear shingles from the affected area of the roof, leaving a few feet of open space on all sides of the leak.
Assess the condition of the shingles, as well as the condition of underlying elements of the roof. Identify elements that need to be repaired or replaced; some leaks are caused by relatively simple problems like curled or damaged shingles, while others result from damage to the roof’s underlying structural features.
Seal off any penetrations that are allowing water to enter your home through a hole or other breach in the integrity of the underlying roof structure.
Replace all damaged, missing and removed shingles with new ones, taking care to ensure they are fully adhered to the roof surface with nails as well as roofing cement.
In the event that you uncover a major problem, it’s best to enlist the help of a licensed roofing professional to assess the damage. 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 skill of a qualified roofing repair contractor.
Hire Professional Roofer To Help!
Don’t put off repairing a leak, as this can lead to additional structural problems, mold growth and high levels of moisture and humidity, all of which can be difficult and expensive to repair.
If you’d like to schedule a roofing inspection to diagnose specific problems or evaluate the overall 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 nearly 20 years of experience in residential and commercial roofing. We are passionate about providing great service and excellent workmanship!
To schedule your free consultation, 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!
