Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about your roof, roof repairs, available services, and more.

Q: My roof just started leaking. What do I do?

A: First off – call us! We can help you to get a leaking roof fixed immediately. Some questions we may ask you include what kind of roof you have, when it started leaking, and if there is any drainage or HVAC in the area of the leak. If you can get on your roof and feel comfortable, please do so. Sometimes the easiest leaking roof repair is simply unplugging your pipe or drain.

Q: Our area has been hit by a storm and we have severe damage. What should we do now?

A: Give us a call as soon as you are able. We can get out and make your building watertight until repairs or replacement can occur. All Elements’ roof contractors are highly qualified to help you with storm and hail damage to roofs.

Q: We've gotten quite a bit of snow. Should I shovel off our flat roof?

A: A metal shovel can cut into the roofing material and cause leaks. Use a plastic shovel and do not try to chip away ice. If your roof is very large or you don’t feel comfortable being on the roof, All Elements can remove the snow for you.

Q: Can my roof be installed in the winter?

A: All Elements installs roofs year round. With a mechanically fastened, hot air welded single ply membrane many roofs can be installed during the winter season.

Q: What happens if it rains or snows?

A: Weather delays happen, the rule of thumb is: If it rains where our crews are working “one day’s rain equals two days delay”. One day for the rain and one day for the roof to dry off so you don’t experience leaks from residual water as we commence roofing operations.

Q: Can my roof be repaired in winter?

A: Many repairs can be accomplished in the snow and cold but some of the products used change their performance characteristics in the cold or don’t adhere over a frozen roof.

Q: I have ice dams every winter, what can I do about it?

A: There are a number of conditions that cause ice dams, which one is causing yours can only be determined with an investigation. Call All Elements for more information.

Q: How will I know what’s happening once I agree to a new roof?

A: Once your agreement has been received you will be contacted, confirming your project and a tentative production date will be given. As the time gets close to production you will be updated. Once All Elements arrives on site our Foreman will introduce themselves and communicate the project plan. The amount of contact during the project will vary from project to project.

Q: How long has All Elements been in business?

A: John Thurber started All Elements in 2002 out his home. We now occupy a 20,000 square foot facility along I 94 in Monticello.

Q: What is “Hot air welding”?

A: PVC and TPO single ply membranes seams can be welded, as opposed to glued. This provides a secure, inspect-able water tight union of where the membrane overlap. Unlike adhered seems on EPDM (rubber), hot air welded systems can be installed in all temperatures.

Q: Help! My roof holds water.

A: Some residual water is common on buildings. How much water stays on the roof and how deep the puddle is can be the concern. All Element’s has membranes available from Manufacturers who will warranty your roof, weather it has residual water on it or not.

Q: What happens when you show up to roof my building?

A: When All Elements’ crew arrives to install your roof our Foreman usually bring a job site trailer that will be left on site for the duration of the job. Frequently there will be a dumpster delivered as well. With Single Ply membrane roofing you won’t have the smell of tar. There isn’t a hot kettle of tar to avoid so disruption to you is minimal.

Q: I’ve heard white roofing is the trend and I’ve heard black roofing is better in Northern Climates?

A: Many white membrane are Energy Star rated and improve cooling efficiency. Information found by people with more degrees and titles than us may help clear the theories up. http://duro-last.com/black_roofs_vs_white_roofs

Q: What is a “mechanically fastened” roof?

A: Mechanical fastening is a method of securing the roof membrane to the roof deck with fasteners such as screw or nails (into concrete roof decks). It provides a high wind uplift rating while being very efficient to install, therefore lowering re-roofing costs.

Q: How long should my roof last?

A: Good roofs should last a couple of decades, but how long is as individual to the building. There are many factors that contribute to exactly how long they last. Environmental impact (chemicals, hail, ice, etc.), foot traffic, maintenance and debris are all factors. We have replaced roofs that were 80 years old and roof that were 8 years old.

Q: Should I add Insulation when I re-roof?

A: That depends. Building code says you need an R value of 22.9 with insulation placed above the roof deck. If you have less than R 22.9 it may be a good investment.

Q: Repair vs. replace. I want to repair my roof for now.

A: This may be a good answer for your roof at this time. If repairing the roof is going to be a short term solution expect our experts to tell you that. Sometimes we know there are budget limitations prohibiting a roof replacement but you will be told about it because of the low probability of a successful repair.

Q: Can I walk on my new roof?

A: Yes you can. Just like any water proof surface, caution will need to be taken.

Q: What Maintenance is required on my new roof?

A: Very little. If you visually inspect the roof and it’s drains or scuppers you have completed nearly all the maintenance required.