Tag: water damage

  • Preventing Ice Dam Damage: The Importance of Insulation & Ventilation

    Preventing Ice Dam Damage: The Importance of Insulation & Ventilation

    Preventing Ice Dam Damage: The Importance of Insulation & Ventilation

    Ice dams are a common winter roofing problem and while they cannot be completely avoided, there are preventative steps a homeowner can take to minimize their impact. Ice dams can become a serious issue in shingle roofing, especially, particularly if your area receives significant snowfall during winter.

    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 leading to ice dams, which form as snow on the upper part of a roof melts. The melted snow water runs down the roof slope under the blanket of snow, then refreezes into bands of ice at the roof’s edge to create a dam.

    Once the dam forms, additional melting snow continues to build up and form pools behind the dam, eventually leaking into the home through the roof or roof trim.

    3 Tips on Preventing Ice Dam Damage

    If you want to proactive prevent ice dams, make sure adequate insulation & ventilation systems are in place, before winter arrives.

    The Importance of Attic Insulation

    Proper attic insulation is the most effective way to prevent ice dams from forming.

    As heat escapes from the interior of the home and enters the attic, it warms the underside of the roof, initiating the ice dam cycle. Reducing or eliminating the heat on the underside of the roof is the most effective way to prevent ice dams. A well-insulated attic not only reduces the heat under the roof, thus stopping snow from melting too quickly—but it also increases energy efficiency and comfort.

    The Importance of Attic Ventilation

    A properly ventilated attic deters ice dams by keeping the underside of the roof cool. In some homes, an electric fan may be installed in the attic to pull in outside air, keeping the temperature inside consistent. Attic ventilation also helps to prevent moisture buildup and keeps the underside of the roof cooler in the summer, lengthening the life of the shingles.

    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.

    Maintaining a Healthy Gutter System

    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. Hence, maintaining a healthy gutter system is key in ice dam prevention.

    Make sure your home’s gutter system is in good condition before the first frost. Additionally, simple things like cleaning your home’s gutters help prevent ice damming. If your gutters are full of debris, snowmelt will re-freeze when flowing into the gutter during sub-freezing temperatures, forming a dam.

    Your Delaware roofing professionals can provide comprehensive gutter inspection as part of your fall roof inspection – there’s still time to schedule one before winter storms hit!

    Take Care of Your Roof BEFORE Problems Develop

    If you suspect your roof is improperly ventilated/insulated, need help with seasonal maintenance or leak repairs, call All Roofing Solutions, a family-owned roofing contractor with over 15 years of experience in residential and commercial roofing.

    We offer thorough pre-winter roof inspections which allow us to uncover even most hidden roofing problems and offer repair options. We also offer emergency roof repairs in case the damage requires immediate attention.

    Join the ranks of our happy clients today! Call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in DE or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in PA to schedule your inspection or for you FREE ESTIMATE!

  • Fall Roofing Maintenance: 6 Tasks You Shouldn’t Ignore

    Fall Roofing Maintenance: 6 Tasks You Shouldn't Ignore

    Preventative maintenance is the key to avoiding leaks and other roofing problems.

    It’s difficult to repair roofs during the winter, when cold temperatures and snowfall accumulation make access a tricky proposition. The added weight of ice and snow can also worsen existing problems, so it’s essential to care of any underlying issues before the winter elements arrive in full force.

    Ice dam formation, flashing leaks, and structural damage pose a real threat to your roof, but they are all preventable – this is where a quick fall inspection & maintenance come in.

    Your 6-Point Fall Roofing Maintenance Checklist

    Experienced roofing contractors emphasize the importance of these six key fall roofing maintenance tasks:

    • Trim your tree branches. 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.
    • Clean out your gutters. To that end, you should also hop on your ladder and check your gutters. Manually remove any debris you find, since buildups of leaves, branches, and twigs can impede the flow of water as it tries to drain from your roof.
    • Add gutter guards. This is a good idea if you have tree branches hanging over the perimeter of your roof. Gutter guards are inexpensive accessories that create a barrier between your roof’s edges and your gutters, preventing leaves and debris from getting into your gutters in the first place.
    • Check your attic. Head up to your attic to check for signs of leaks. The presence of mold and mildew, stains, and warped wooden elements all indicate leakage, or high humidity levels. Proper attic insulation and ventilation are the keys to fixing these issues and preventing the serious problems they can cause.
    • Hire a roofing professional to perform an inspection. Most homeowners lack the specialized knowledge needed to detect roofing problems during a casual inspection. It’s far better to hire an experienced inspection contractor to carry out a .
    • Repair any underlying problems promptly. 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.

    To arrange a professional roofing inspection, reach out to a local contractor. The experienced eye of a roofing pro can detect problems that might otherwise escape your notice.

    Have Your Attic Ventilation Checked

    If you’re unsure whether or not you have adequate attic ventilation, consult a professional roofing contractor.  Achieving proper ventilation can be a technical undertaking, so you’ll need to eliminate any possible guesswork from the equation to achieve optimal results. A small investment today can save you thousands of dollars down the road in unnecessary repairs, not to mention hours of inconvenience.

    If you want a healthy and efficient roof system, you need to find a quality installer who won’t cut corners.

    Contact All Roofing Solutions, a local Delaware roofing installation contractor with a team of skilled, loyal and hardworking crewmen. We serve customers throughout Delaware and southeastern Pennsylvania, and are happy to offer advice about attic ventilation or other roofing issues.

    Call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania to request your FREE ESTIMATE.

  • Featured Project: Shingle & Flat Roofing Installation in Wilmington DE

    Shingle and Flat Roofing Installation, Wilmington DE 19810

    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!

  • 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!

  • 5 Steps To An Effective Winter Roofing Maintenance

    5 Steps To An Effective Winter Roofing Maintenance

    5 Steps To An Effective Winter Roofing Maintenance

    While roof maintenance may be the last thing on your mind during the chilly weather, one could make the case that roof care is more important in 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 cause major damage.

    5 Steps To An Effective Winter Roofing Maintenance

    Here is a winter roof maintenance checklist to help you cover your bases:

    1. Inspect your gutters regularly for signs of ice dams and icicles forming. Large icicles hanging off your gutters are the telltale sign of ice dams, but they aren’t always this conspicuous. Additionally, if too much ice builds up, gutters can become too heavy and rip away from the home, leaving you with damage and hefty gutter repair bills. If you find any ice dams blocking your down spouts, remove them right away.
    2. Clogged gutters and downspouts can’t channel water and snowmelt away from your home which can lead to serious damage. Ensure your downspouts and fascia are not clogged by ice, snow or other debris such as stray branches or dead leaves. And while you’re at it, inspect your downspouts for any leaks or signs of excessive wear.
    3. Scan your roofing surface for any sign of wind damage. If heavy winds accompany a winter storm, make a visual inspection of your roof once the weather calms down to see if any shingles have come loose or gone missing. Missing, broken, or bruised roof materials can lead to a variety of problems in your home, including leaks, mold and mildew. These will need to be replaced promptly to prevent leaks and other problems associated with shingle gaps.
    4. Use a roof rake to remove excess snow buildups on your rooftop. As a general rule of thumb, more than one foot of snow could potentially cause damage. However, to be on the safe side, some experts recommend raking any accumulation greater than six inches off your roof. Never stand on an icy roof! Rake the roof from a ladder, and make sure that someone is home or nearby when you are on the ladder. 
    5. If you haven’t already and weather conditions still permit, apply a weatherproof coating to all parts of your roof with gentle or even slopes. This will help you avoid roof leaks down the road.

    Contact Professional Roofer For Help!

    Do you need your roof inspected? Are you’re facing roof leak repairs and need help?

    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!