Tag: wood shake roofing

  • Cedar Roof Maintenance: Common Problems & Solutions

    Cedar Roof Maintenance: Common Problems & Solutions

    Cedar Roof Maintenance

    Cedar shake roofs have a unique and striking appearance, and make an excellent complement to rustic houses and homes with wooden exteriors. However, maintaining cedar roofs requires extra attention, and many homeowners eventually find themselves in need of cedar roof repairs. To preserve your cedar roof and minimize the need for roofing repairs, it’s important that you recognize common problems and learn how to address them.

    Cedar Roof Maintenance: Common Problems & Solutions

    Problem: Moss is building up on your cedar shake roof.

    Solution: Affixing copper or zinc strips to your roof’s ridge caps will discourage the growth of moss. It is vital to prevent moss from building up, as it can trap moisture in your cedar roofing panels. Over time, excess moisture will damage the panels and may even cause leaks in the interior of your home.

    Problem: Nearby coniferous trees shed their needles on your cedar roof.

    Solution: Any accumulated debris in your cedar roofing panels can cause major problems. In addition to conifer needles, you need to keep your roof clear of dirt, branches and leaves. Professional cleaning is the recommended course of action.

    Problem: You’re unsure of which preservatives to use on your cedar roof.

    Solution: In addition to looking for preservatives and finishes that are specifically labeled for use on cedar shake roofs, be sure to choose a product that repels water, protects against UV damage and comes with a performance guarantee.

    Problem: You want to wash your roof, but aren’t sure which techniques are and aren’t safe.

    Solution: Power washers can be used on cedar roofs, so long as you follow proper techniques. Cedar roofs are subject to Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau (CSSB) guidelines and standards, so be sure to consult them before power-washing your roof. Better yet, entrust the job to a contractor.

    Contact Your Local Roofing Contractor Today!

    In addition to cleaning & regular maintenance, certain cedar roof problems require repairs by a professional roofer. If yours is in need of some expert care, contact All Roofing Solutions.

    We are a leading roofing contractor serving residents of Delaware & southeastern Pennsylvania, and we’ll help get your cedar shake roof looking and performing good-as-new for an affordable price.

    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!

  • Cedar Shakes Roofing: What You Should Know

    Cedar Shakes Roofing: What You Should Know

    Cedar Shakes Roofing - All Roofing Solutions

    When your home needs a new roof installed, you may want to consider cedar shakes roofing. Cedar shakes are a classic choice that gives your home a distinct beauty as well as an increased market value. Brush up on the basics about wood shakes roofing in order to better understand your residential roofing options.

    Cedar Shakes Roofing: What You Should Know

    Wood shakes are shingles that have been split to give them texture. Cedar shakes are often pressure treated to not only give your home character, but to protect against fire, insects, and decay. Cedar also contains its own natural oils that hamper decay and rot.

    The butt end of a cedar shake is a bit thicker than a wooden shingle, giving it an increased life span. The length of life of your roof depends, of course, on the climate in which you live. However, the average cedar shake roof lasts for an impressive 30 to 40 years as long as it receives proper installation and care.

    Cedar shake roofing is not only full of natural beauty, but is also appealing to environmentally conscious homeowners. Shakes are made from wood, a naturally occurring resource, and are thus biodegradeable materials and a renewable resource.

    Consider your energy costs as you discuss your installation project with your roofing contractor. According to the USDA Forest Service, wood roofing provides a higher insulation value than the other leading roofing materials, including:

    • Asphalt
    • Aluminum
    • Fiberglass
    • Laminate

    A high insulation value means you’ll need to expend less energy to heat or cool your home. Less energy spent translates into financial savings.

    As cedar shakes are natural, they need breathing room to maintain their patina and function. Care for cedar shakes by removing stray branches, leaves, and miscellaneous debris from the roof on a regular basis. Clear the gutters and downspouts on your home with each change of season to prevent blockages that can create leaks and water damage. You may also want to treat your roof periodically to keep it in tip-top shape. Consult your roofing contractor for recommended maintenance products.

    Considering Cedar Shakes Roofing Installation?

    Contact All Roofing Solutions to learn more about cedar shake roofs or our long list of products and services. Proudly serving customers throughout Delaware and southeastern Pennsylvania, roofing has been our passion and our profession for more than 15 years.

    Call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania to talk to one of our experienced roofing contractors or request your FREE ESTIMATE!

  • Residential Roofing: 6 Common Types of Roofing Materials

    Residential Roofing: 6 Common Types of Roofing Materials

    Common Types of Roofing Materials

    Just as there are many styles of homes, a wide variety of roofing materials exist on the market today. Choosing the type of roofing material that is right for your home may be a difficult decision at first, but once you learn more about each type of material, your options will become more clearly defined. If you are unsure about the specific benefits and attributes of a certain roofing material, discuss the matter with your Delaware roofing contractor.

    Types of Roofing Materials

    Asphalt Shingles

    Asphalt shingle roofing is by far the most common type of roofing installed in the residential sector today. This type of roof has many advantages: it is economical, easy to maintain and suitable for steep-sloped roofs. Asphalt shingles are installed in one- or two-layer constructions, and are reinforced with fiberglass. Choosing an eye-catching color for your roof is easy with asphalt shingles; a wide selection of colors has something for everyone. Several grades of asphalt shingles exist, and most include a lifespan of 20 to nearly 50 years.

    Roof Replacement, Yardley PA 19067

    Wood Shake

    Wood shakes are slightly thicker at the butt end than shingles, and are usually crafted from pine, cedar or redwood. Wood shake roofing lends an outdoorsy, warm and natural look to your home. Shakes are treated with chemicals to become fire-retardant, and may also be treated with preservatives to prevent mildew and rot. The average lifespan of a wood shake roof is between 8 and 25 years.

    Slate

    Slate roofing shingles are an example of a naturally occurring material. They are non-absorbent, variegated in color and sophisticated in style. Slate roofing can be more fragile than asphalt or wood shakes, requiring semi-yearly roof inspections. One of the benefits of a slate roof is its long lifespan. Depending on the type of slate you choose, your home may not need a new roof for 60 to 100 years!

    Slate Roofing Repairs, Newark DE 19713

    Metal

    Metal roofing, made of copper, steel or aluminum, is efficient, durable and environmentally sound. Recyclable materials can be fitted atop of an existing roof and last for upward of 50 years. Metal roofs are virtually maintenance free, and are resistant to mildew, fire, corrosion, wind, rain and hail.

    Low Slope and Flat

    Flat or low slope roofing does not have the same elegant style as wood shake or slate, but makes up for it by keeping your home dry. Flat and low slope roofing, constructed from roll asphalt or synthetic rubber materials, excels in the area of waterproofing. Multiple layers are designed to keep water out of your home. In addition, flat and low slope roofs have a lifespan of 10 to 30 years.

    Common Types of Roofing Materials

    Tile

    Clay or concrete, tile roofing is easy to maintain, fire-proof and durable. Tile roofs can be expensive, however, tricky to install or repair and heavy. Tile roofs offer one of the longest warranties in the roofing industry. Most tile manufacturers (both clay and concrete) will offer a minimum of a 50 year limited warranty on their products.

    Contact All Roofing Solutions today to learn more about our types of roofing materials, our installation and roofing repair services and more. We have been serving Delaware and Southeastern Pennsylvania for more than 15 years, and look forward to partnering with you on your upcoming roof repair or installation project.

    Call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania.