Building Materials & Supplies

A gambrel roof is a well-known and much-used style of roof. It looks like the classic barn roof, with two slopes on each side and with the lower slopes slanting at a sharper angle than the higher...

Everybodies roof wears out over years and it is costly to replace the shingles. With the right know how you can do it yourself.

Sheet metal roofing can prove to be a durable and long lasting material that is available in several different styles and shapes. While sheet metal is an option applicable for just about any...

Metal and 3-tab shingles are two options commonly used on residential roofs. While 3-tab shingles are considered an industry standard in roofing and are the most economical variety, their...

When you install new shingles on a roof, each shingle must overlap the one below it. This is necessary to ensure water runs off and doesn't seep between the shingles. However, it does complicate...

Steel roof decking is a cost effective and durable material with seemingly limitless applications. This roofing material is made in rectangular panels at modular sizes; however, most roofs to...

Installing shingles on a new or existing roof is a big do-it-yourself job, but it's not extremely difficult as long as you are patient, safety-conscious, and accurately calculate the amount of...

The amount of paint needed to cover a two-car garage will vary based on several factors. The homeowner will need to calculate the square footage of the surface that will be painted and research...

Figuring the square feet for a house roof is the first step in estimating any new materials being applied to the roof surface. This procedure involves simple measuring and basic math and is a...

Roof sheathing is the surface of which roof material is mounted, and the proper amount of fasteners (roofing nails) is vital in keeping this a stable roofing component. Estimating roofing nails...

From time to time rain gutters wear out and must be replaced. Keeping gutters in good condition is more important than many people realize. Not only can runoff from a roof ruin landscaping next to...

Shingles are among the most popular roofing materials used today. There are hundreds of different combinations between material, color, style, and shape; because of this, the prices can vary over...

Shingles are an integral part of roofing and building a home. Shingles are sold in squares that equate to 100 square feet. Whether you're roofing an entire building or replacing weathered or...

Loft insulation serves a dual purpose, helping to keep the house that it is installed in warm in the cold winter months while also keeping it cool in the hot summer months. It does this by...

Gutters are used to collect water from melting snow and rain from roofing. Found on most residential homes, gutters are usually connected to downspouts to channel water down and away from a home,...

When it comes time to replace your roofing, give some thought to what you put on it. Don't just buy the cheapest because it could cost you more in the long run. Consider using shingles that...

Installing your own Brick Chimney is simple using this new "Brick Chimney in a Box". I'll tell you how to easily build & install a new chimney or replace your old rusting or rotting...

Metal roofing is becominge a popular roofing option because of its substantially low price compared to other roofing materials, easy installation and energy efficiency. If you are interested in...

Concrete roof tiles are a great alternative to traditional clay tiles. They can provide a lasting, attractive roof treatment at a lower cost than other alternatives.

Decra shingles are an excellent roofing option. They offer the warranty of a steel roof, with the appearance of a metal roof. This is the first type of steel roof company to come out with a...

Corrugated roofing has grown to be a popular choice for roofing material for structures of all purpose, from homes to office buildings. Its popularity is most likely due to its proven ability as...

Metal roofing materials come in a variety of forms. Sheet metal stock can be formed into corrugated or ribbed panels and go on as the primary roofing or over an existing roof as a roofover. Metal...

Saving money is important during any home improvement project. That's why buying the correct amount of shingles for your home can seem like a daunting process. Purchase shingles with confidence,...

Compared to other roofing materials, asphalt shingles are inexpensive and easy to install. Because of this, the Green Living Journal reports that asphalt shingles are the most commonly used...

House siding comes in a variety of materials, such as wood, vinyl, aluminum, and fiber concrete. No matter what material you choose for your home, you must first determine the total square footage...

When it comes time to roof your house you will need to decide what type of roofing material to use and how it needs to be installed. One of the most common types of material that you can use on...

Truss rafters are engineered structures for carrying roof loads and materials. Trusses have been built in numerous sizes, shapes and materials. Today, these roof members are commonly made from...

Roofing materials have come a long way over time, and today the choices are almost limitless. Each type has its own qualities and advantages, and with the number of different options, the choice...

A roof truss is a building material used to frame and support the roof structure of a home. While traditional roof framing was built on-site using lumber or steel, the majority of new homes today...

Clay roof tiles are one of the oldest types of roofing materials, dating back hundreds of years. They are made from natural clay that is baked to remove excess moisture, and they may be glazed or...

Roof tiles are made from natural clay or concrete. Tile roofs are one of the most durable roofing materials on the market, and require very little maintenance. They are naturally fire-resistant...

Roof tile is a finish material used to cover the structural roof framing in a residential or commercial building. There are many different types of tile available, and each offers its own unique...

Metal roofing has many advantages when compared to other types of roofing: it's more durable, for example, than some roofing materials. A homeowner who wants to take advantage of metal roofing...

Low-sloped roofs can present a problem for standard shingle systems, as the water doesn't flow fast, and any debris can cause water to pond and penetrate beneath the shingles and through nail...

With the high price of petroleum driving up the prices of petroleum-based asphalt shingles, consumers are taking a fresh look at metal roofing. What was once thought a mark of poverty housing,...

Shingles are a type of construction material used to cover the roof of a house. They are primarily used on medium or high sloping roofs, which are typically found on residential structures. As...

Calculating the materials you'll need for a roofing project can be daunting, because the many angles of some roofs make it hard to ``guess-timate'' even how many shingles you might need, let alone...

Shingles are one of the most important elements of a safe and sturdy home. Not only are they extremely visible to passersby, they are also the primary protectant from rain, sleet and snow. If you...

Re-roofing your house is a big job with several components, starting with figuring out how much it will cost. Roofing materials are measured in ``squares,'' which means 100 square feet. Figuring...

Choosing a material for your roof is an important decision. There are a number of factors to consider. No matter what decision you end up making, it's likely going to cost a fair amount of money...

When selecting roofing materials, more and more people are turning to clay tiles for their quality, durability, long life, and varied styles. Clay tiles, or their lower-cost cousins concrete...

When roofing a new house, or replacing the roof on an existing home, it is important to make an accurate estimate of your roofing costs. This construction estimate can be calculated in two ways:...

Building rafters requires knowing the length and pitch of the roof and cutting the rafters to just the right length, from the outside of the wall to the roof ridge. Layout rafters of the right...

Calculate a roof's pitch by measuring the rise versus the run, with the pitch being however many inches the roof rises for a 12-inch run. Layout a shallow roof at a 3- or 4-inch pitch or a...

Common rafter layouts use the Pythagorean Theorem to determine the length of the rafters needed for building a roof at a given pitch. Calculate rafter lengths and design a workable rafter layout...

Metal residential metal roofing for homes is usually 3' wide. It comes in many different colors and can be installed over exiting shingles or a new roof installation. It comes 26 and 29 gague,...

Roof flashing is needed for the areas where your home meets up with an addition. It is also needed in the valleys of the roof. You will need to install the flashing before the roofing. ...

Roll roofing, sometimes referred to as rolled roofing, is less expensive than shingled roofing and takes less time to install. Rolled roofing, however, is not as durable as shingled...

Remove the cap shingles. For truss roofs, snap a chalk line 3/4-inch away from the peak on both sides. For roofs with ridgepoles, snap the line 3/4-inch away from the ridgepole. The slot should be...

A back to basics approach to roofing would lead you to the age old practice of thatching roofs. Not only functional, but beautiful as well!