All Roofing Solutions

Tag: water damage

Why It’s Best to Replace Your Roof in the Fall
After over 25 years of experience installing all types of roofing systems, we can safely say that while roofs can be installed at any time of the year, it’s best to replace your roof in the fall.

The advantages of fall installation are obvious; the weather is still nice, but not oppressively hot. Your local roofer can work long hours on your roof completing the replacement in often just one day, all without risking heat exhaustion. Additionally, all materials will be installed under perfect weather conditions, ensuring a better quality of installation & improving your new roof’s longevity.

We’ll go into specifics below, but, simply put, if you’re considering installing a new roof, fall is the prime time to re-roof your home.

Why Replace Your Roof in the Fall?

To understand why it’s best to handle re-roofing in the fall, it’s necessary to consider some of the technical aspects of roof replacement. When new shingles are installed, they need some time to seal and create an airtight barrier that will stand up to even the harshest weather. By replacing your roof in the fall, the shingles will have plenty of time to form that barrier prior to the winter season’s first snowfall.

If it’s clear that your roof needs replacing, it’s a mistake to try to get it through another winter and tackle the project come spring. Even if the problems are relatively minor, like a few small holes or minor leaks here and there, winter can magnify them to a whole new level. A major snowfall can create nightmares for homeowners with faulty roofs since the added weight of the snow can cause further structural problems and trigger leaks and other moisture-related problems, such as ice dams, if the temperature rises above the freezing mark long enough for the snow to melt.

Unsure Whether Your Roof Can Withstand Another Winter?

In case you’re not sure whether or not your roof will make it through the coming winter, you should consider having a local contractor check your roof to evaluate its integrity.

Not all roofing problems are obvious, and the absence of drafts or leaks doesn’t necessarily mean your roof is structurally sound. And if the inspector recommends a roofing replacement over repairs, now is the time to act!

A thorough roofing inspection should include:
- checking for any interior signs of leaks
- checking for broken, cracked, curled, or missing shingles, and any signs of a loss of granulation
- assessing the condition of exhaust pipes, valleys, outer edges or angles where the roof meets the walls
- checking flashings for damage, corrosion, or holes
- inspecting loose gutters or gutters pulled away from the structure
- checking your attic insulation levels
For a roofing inspection checklist, read: Roofing Inspection 101: Contractor’s 3-Step Checklist.

Only Hire Reputable Roofing Replacement Contractors

Installing a new roof is a serious undertaking and one that very few homeowners will (or should!) tackle themselves. Because of the critical role your roof plays in protecting your home, this is a job that’s best left to your local roofing contractor experienced with the ins and outs of the roofing replacement process.

If you’ve never gone through the re-roofing process, it may seem a bit overwhelming and you may not know where to start. For tips, check out Homeowner’s Guide To Shingle Roofing Installation.

Need Your Roofing Repalced?

All Roofing Solutions is a family-owned and operated roofing contractor that proudly serves Delaware and southeastern Pennsylvania. We have been replacing, repairing, and inspecting roofs in the residential and commercial sectors for nearly 20 years and pride ourselves on excellent workmanship and great customer service!

To schedule your free consultation, call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania. And don’t forget to ask about our discounts!

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 projects 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!
July 23, 2015
Protecting Roof & Gutters From Ice & Snow Damage

There’s no doubt that winters can be really hard on a roof, especially asphalt shingle roof. The buildup of ice and snow, added weight, ice dams and the freeze/thaw cycle all threaten to damage your Delaware roof. Through all of this, your roof is still the first line of defense against harsh winter weather.

Protecting Your Roof From Ice & Snow Damage

There are preventitive steps you can take now, as well as during the winter months, to help your roof perform at peak efficiency.

Ice dams

Ice dams form when snow from the upper areas of your roof melts, flows down to lower areas of the roof, and refreezes to create a dam. Water can then “pool” behind the ice dam, seeping through small cracks and into the interior of your home. The best way to prevent ice dams is to keep your attic well insulated and ventilated.

Gutter ice

Ice can build up in your gutters as well, creating big headaches. 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 ice does build up in your gutters, you can use a hammer and chisel to carefully chip away the ice. You’ll be better off contacting your local roofing contractor as it’s easy to make matters worse very fast.

Downspouts

Keep the areas around your downspouts clear of obstructions and debris, making it easier for snowmelt to drain away from your home.

Snow build up

Occasionally, damage can even occur when the weight of snow and ice exceeds the load-bearing capacity of your roof. This is more likely to happen on homes with flat roofs, or older homes whose roof structures may already be weakened. You may be able to use a specialized tool, called a roof rake, to remove accumulated snow and ice.

Call Your Local Roofer

For a thorough winter roof inspection and expert, affordable roofing services, contact All Roofing Solutions. We are a family-owned & operated Delaware & Pennsylvania roofing contractor with over 15 years of local experience in residential & commercial roofing.

Call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in DE or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in PA to schedule your inspection or for free repair estimate!

December 4, 2014
Residential Roofing: 5 Tips for a Leak-Free Winter
There’s nothing like prevention, when it comes to roofing. Any roof leaks or other problems you experience with your roof during the winter can be doubly difficult to deal with, since snowfall and cold temperatures make repairing roof issues even more complex than usual. Therefore, it’s important to address potential problems in the fall, before the winter weather wrecks havoc.

Residential Roofing: 5 Tips for a Leak-Free Winter

The old adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure definitely applies when it comes to wintertime roof leaks.

With that in mind, here are five tips to follow to ensure you enjoy a leak-free winter:
1. Keep your roof clean. Debris is one of the leading causes of roof damage and leaks. Ensure that it is free of dead leaves, wayward branches, garbage and other waste.
2. Trim overhanging tree branches. If you have trees with branches that hang over your roof, have the branches trimmed. This will greatly reduce the amount of organic debris that ends up on your roof in the first place, making the need for roofing repairs less likely.
3. Clean your gutters. Clogged gutters lead to ice dams, which can cause major problems in your attic and the upper floor of your home. Be sure your gutters are free of leaves and other debris before the temperature starts to drop below freezing on a regular basis.
4. Upgrade your attic insulation. A well-insulated attic can prevent a lot of roof leaks, since many winter leaks are caused by snow which melts because too much heat escapes through the roof you’re your home. Insulation inhibits heat transfer, making this scenario less likely to occur.
5. Use a roof rake. These handy products are ideal for removing excess snow accumulation from your roof, which is another excellent way to prevent roof leaks & ice dams. Just take care not to snag the rake on your gutters as you draw it back down.
Should you need any further advice on winter roof maintenance, or help with roofing repairs for your home, contact the roofing professionals at All Roofing Solutions. We provide affordable, professional roofing repair and maintenance services to both residential and commercial clients throughout Delaware and southeast Pennsylvania.

Call our DE office at 302-725-ROOF (7663) or our PA location at 610-551-ROOF (7663) for your free estimate today!
October 16, 2014
Post Winter Inspection of Your Shingle Roofing
Now that winter’s coming to an end, it’s a good time to perform an inspection of your roof. As the snow and ice have disappear, any damage or other roof issues are easier to identify and repair.

Whether you live in Delaware or other area that typically receives a generous amount of snow over the winter months, now is a great time to contact a professional roofer to schedule a roof inspection!

Post Winter Inspection of Your Shingle Roofing

There are few important things to remember when it comes to post winter inspection of your shingle roofing.
1. During the winter season, ice dams, freezing temperatures, and the weight of snow and ice can damage your roof and even the interior of your home. Damage to residential roofing can include cracking, bruising and blistering of the shingle surface material. Strong winter storms may even result in the loss of whole shingles from your roof. You’ll want to address this type of damage ASAP in order to maintain the integrity of your shingle roofing structure.
2. If you’ve noticed water spots on your ceiling, it could be from a roof leak. In addition, heavy snow loads on roofs may also be responsible for cracks in your home’s ceilings and walls.
3. Your inspection should encompass a thorough check of your entire roof. Your roofer will look at loose tiles, curled shingles and detached flashing. In order to weather upcoming spring and summer storms, you’ll need to repair flashing gaps and replace damaged roof tiles & shingles. You’ll also want to determine if the winter weather has worn away too many granules from your shingle roofing. If so, these roof tiles may need to be replaced.
4. Now is also a good time to clear debris, leaves, and tree branches from your gutters so they’ll do their job during heavy rains or a spring snowstorm. You might also have the gutters and downspouts completely cleared with a hose or pressure washer and of course have any gutter repairs handles as needed.
5. If moss or lichen is present on your roof, have it swept off or apply a moss-removal chemical and sweep it off after it has been killed.
Roofing Safety!

If you decide to perform your own inspection, remember that step number one is safety! Climbing onto a roof can be dangerous, and walking on your roof has the potential to make any existing problem even worse. If you’re going to climb on your roof, be sure the roof is completely dry. Wear shoes with good traction, and make sure someone else is home. A warm day is best, because you are more likely to damage your shingle roofing on a hot day.

Hiring a roofing contractor to handle your inspection is highly recommended, though.

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

Call our DE office at 302-725-ROOF (7663) or our PA location at 610-551-ROOF (7663) for your free estimate today!
March 20, 2014
Common Winter Roofing Problems: Ice Dam Damage

In Delaware, like in many other places, ice dams can be a fairly common residential roofing problem. Ice dams can be an irritating and expensive source of leaking roofs and damaged homes, requiring the help of experts in roof leak repair.

Ice Dams 101

There are three “ingredients” necessary for an ice dam to form: snow, heat to melt the snow, and cold temperatures to refreeze the melted snow into solid ice.

Ice dams are created 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.

The reason ice dams form along the roof’s lower edge, usually above the overhang, is fairly simple. Heat lost from the home warms the upper roof surface, toward the ridgeline. However, the lower part of the roof surface, along the uninsulated eaves and gutters, is below freezing.

Although ice dams can form when as little as one or two inches of snow accumulates on a roof, deeper snow and cold temperatures increase the likelihood and size of ice dams. Every inch of snow accumulating on the roof adds insulation to the roof deck, trapping more indoor heat beneath the roof deck and warming the roof sheathing.

Ice Dam Damage & Prevention

Damage from ice dams includes shingle damage as well as mildew, both on the exterior and interior of your home—and water leakage within the walls of your house. Ice dam damage can be significant but there are some preventative steps you can take to try to avoid them. We’ll discuss ice dam damage prevention next week.

Meanwhile, if you suspect your roof is improperly ventilated or has already succumbed to ice dam damage, call All Roofing Solutions at 302-725-ROOF (7663). We offer thorough 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.

January 16, 2014