Home Repair & Maintenance

Rain gutters' primary function is to move water away from structures. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in its summary of recommendations for constructing moisture...

Homeowners can choose from a variety of roof venting systems, depending on individual needs and home design. House ridge vent systems provide one of the most effective methods of nonmechanical air...

A roof warranty protects your home from defect and damage, and, depending on the type of warranty you purchase, may even take care of damaged items within your home. There is a vast diversity in...

A slanted roof is possibly the easiest shingling project for the do-it-yourselfer. A slanted roof, such as a shed roof, does not have a peak or ridges and valleys that require specialized skills....

If you are planning on reroofing your house with metal roofing, and you are not sure whether you should remove the old shingles from your roof before installing the metal, you should do some...

Asphalt shingles are the most common roof covering in the United States. Three-tab shingles are rectangular with two slots cut at equal spacing from the bottom to about the midpoint of the...

Flat roofs are often a hassle to own and keep up because they regularly leak. This is because most flat roofs are built out of wood or standard roofing supplies that allow water to pool up on top...

Roof leaks are a common problem for homeowners. Roofs undergo stress from storms, ice and heat and eventually wear down, allowing water to leak through. Unfortunately, once you find evidence of a...

Every homeowner should be aware of the fact that, sooner or later, your roof is going to have to be replaced. Although some roofs, such as metal roofing and clay tiles, have thirty or fifty year...

Tile roofing distinguishes your home with a classic style. Unfortunately, various problems can arise with a tile roof that you may need to address and repair to prevent damage to your roof.

Accumulation of moss on your roof could eventually do serious damage to tiles or shingles. There are a number of methods to get rid of roof moss, from hiring a private contractor to doing it...

Roof leaks are confusing to diagnose. Various conditions can cause roof leaks and the origination point may be difficult to detect. Roof leaks must be repaired from the outside to ensure the...

Flat roofs can cave in under the pressure of built-up snow. Slanted roofs typically are less of a concern because the snow falls off and the pressure is not much of a worry. Cleaning snow off a...

A metal roofs is one of the best roofing options available for a homeowner. Metal shingles let snow and rain glide off the roof, are lighter and longer-lasting than other roofing options like tile...

Roof leaks that occur in valleys where two roof lines meet are generally caused by old and worn shingles or flashing that is no longer functioning properly. In either case you may need to replace...

Fungus thrives in damp, dark conditions. Roofs that receive little sunlight due to thick foliage overhang often develop fungus very quickly. Fungus is easily removed from non-porous surfaces with...

Roof lines that meet a dormer may need to be repaired or replaced if there is a leak or the singles have become bad or worn. If a leak occurs where the roof meets a dormer, you will need to see if...

The chilly air and falling leaves indicate that winter is just around the corner. They also remind homeowners of the roof maintenance necessary to prepare for the cold and snow. Proper roof...

If not properly patched, a roof leak can quickly grow and cause extensive damage to the structure of your home. A leak can also cause damage to your home's interior. A roof leak can be patched...

The point where two roof lines come together is called a roof valley. There are several different methods of shingling roof valleys, but one of the most common ways is to lay an open valley, which...

It is important to periodically check your roof for any damaged shingles. A damaged shingle can lead to leaks in your home and eventually rot out the wood underneath it. If the roof goes...

Considered one of the most effective forms of natural insect control in the world---consuming up to half their weight in mosquitoes, flies, and moths each night---bats can be a nuisance if they...

The area where the chimney meets the roof is sealed off by a piece of sheet metal called flashing. When a chimney has been flashed, the sheet metal is directed under the shingles on the roof side,...

If you have a leak in your roof and it needs to be addressed right away, sometimes a quick and inexpensive temporary patch is all you'll need until the problem can be solved permanently. The...

There are several possible sources of leaks from a shingle roof. Shingles sometimes become loose. They also can curl or crack. Sometimes, a shingle disengages from the roof all together and needs...

Mounting a TV antenna affords you many choices. Placing your antenna on the ground, chimney, or roof each has pros and cons. Mounting an antenna is not a difficult task and with a few tips, you...

Calculating the roofing materials needed for your home or business requires an understanding of the geometry and the ability to complete some basic math problems. For basic roof designs, this is a...

You must remove mold and mildew in an attic, along with any dry rotted wood, prior to remodeling. First find the moisture sources and eliminate them (i.e. repair roof leaks and/or seal them before...

So you've hired your next door neighbor's son and his friend to reroof your house---a simple and straightforward job that really just requires a strong back. The important part of this job comes...

When accidents happen, the results can be disastrous. Maybe a tree fell over in a storm and popped a hole in the roof, or that roof repair turned out to be faulty and you need to get it fixed. The...

Shingles are used for residential and commercial roofs. There are a variety of types, including steel, aluminum, cedar, copper, rubber, concrete or clay tile, and asphalt. The type of shingles...

One issue that can make your home unsightly at first glance is roof mold. In most cases roof mold is not a danger to your health, but it is not something you want to see, and if it continues to...

Routinely cleaning the roof of your house is vital to maintaining the overall neat appearance of your home. Stains from mildew, moss, lichens, mold and dirt can take over your roof. Traditional...

Many roofs have black stains that streak downward, widening as they approach the gutter. This is from limestone powder used in fiberglass shingles to give it weight and increase lifespan, an...

Repairing your roof can be done after you remove old shingles, or you can shingle over one layer only. Shingling over too many layers can disrupt the airtight seal on your roof.

Asphalt shingles are laid on top of a roof to protect the roof from the elements. Over time, the shingles themselves may become damaged, torn or stained beyond repair. Removing asphalt shingles...

Working on a roof can be dangerous and every precaution needs to be taken to ensure your safety. This is especially true on steep roofs. At times there is a need to use a ladder to reach areas on...

Roof rafters should always be insulated, especially if the area directly beneath the rafters is usable space. Failure to properly insulate your roof rafters will result in hot and cold air...

Leaky roofs are an endless source of frustration for homeowners. Repair, especially in winter, often requires the services of a roofer. Before calling in a professional, however, homeowners can...

Roof shingles become dirty over time. They are exposed to wind, rain and other weather elements that not only cause dirt to form on the shingles, but also mold and mildew. Stained shingles take...

Everyone has seen those ugly green algae stains that are on many roofs. If you are considering replacing your roof simply because of these stains, you may want to reconsider. The truth is, you can...

When choosing exterior paint colors for your home, you should consider all the architectural features. This includes brickwork and masonry, wood decks and one element many people forget--the roof....

Tar and gravel are the materials most often used on flat or nearly flat roofs. The process for applying these types of roofs is to layer tar paper and tar and then cover it with small stones to...

If you plan to put a new roof on your home, shingles will be just one of the items you will need for the project. Determining how many shingles you will need means you will need to climb onto your...

Cedar shingles are known for their distinct look and durability. Maintaining the cedar shingles ensures they keep their attractive appearance and protective qualities. Weathering of cedar shingles...

Vaulted or cathedral ceilings can be a challenge to insulate. The lack of air space between the finished ceiling and the roof's decking material is only a matter of inches. There must be room...

The roof of a home is the most important structure in maintaining adequate protection from outside elements and correspondingly takes the brunt of weather's wear and tear. Roof maintenance is...

Over time, asphalt shingles may become damaged or stained beyond repair. Damage is often caused by exposure to extreme weather or normal wear and tear. As a result, it may be necessary to remove...

Asphalt shingles can often become stained with algae, dirt, and other substances. The inevitable exposure to the weather causes the majority of these stains. It is not necessary to replace asphalt...

Proper attic ventilation is an important aspect of a roofing system. A constant flow of air underneath a roof eliminates moisture buildup, maintains better temperature control in the living area,...