Roofing How To & DIY

Improve the value of your home by discovering our roofing step-by-step tips & ideas.

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Replacing Your Roof: A Comprehensive Guide

Four out of five homeowners opt for asphalt shingles—here’s the lowdown on choosing the right ones for your own roof.
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A Comprehensive Guide to Installing Shingles on a Shed

In this DIY Smarts project, general contractor Tom Silva shows a homeowner the proper way to reshingle an old shed’s roof.
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Common Roof Problems and How To Fix Them With Common Tools

Roof issues such as leaks, damaged shingles, and faulty flashing can be expensive hassles. Learn how to spot and fix these common problems in our step-by-step guide.
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How to Patch a Roof Leak

The hard part about patching a leak in your roof is finding the leak itself. Once you’ve accomplished that, repairs are often relatively simple.
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How To Install Drip Edge and Step Flashing

In this video, General Contractor Tom Silva teaches apprentices from our GenNEXT program his method for installing a drip edge and flashing.
Installing a zinc strip to keep roof algae from coming back.

Getting Algae Off My Roof

Roof algae looks unsightly and can cause severe damage. Read more about how to spot, treat, and prevent it from the This Old House experts.
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What You Need to Know to Clean and Prevent a Mossy Roof

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva helps a homeowner remove moss from his roof and prevent it from growing back.
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How To Build a Copper Cupola Roof

Cupolas bring unique designs and better ventilation to homes. In this guide and video, we cover how to build a copper cupola roof.
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Common Drip Edge Installation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Installing a new drip edge to protect your roof? Learn how to avoid common mistakes with This Old House general contractor Tom Silva.
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How To Install Roof Shingles

In this guide, Tom Silva discusses how to install roof shingles and the best approach to take for a seamless outcome.
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How to Treat and Prevent Ice Dams

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva explains the best ways to keep your roof and gutters free from those dreaded ice dams
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How to Install Ice-Melting Roof Cables to Prevent Ice Dams

Master electrician for Ask This Old House Scott Caron helps a homeowner install heat cables on his roof to stop ice dams.
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Antique Home Decor: 20 Easy Ideas

These modern versions of old world home accents give the same look without the wait (or cost).
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How to Install Solar Panels

Renewable-energy expert Ross Trethewey demonstrates how photovoltaic solar panels work and the proper way to install them on a roof
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How to Install a Copper Roof

This Old House experts install a standing-seam copper roof on a small addition
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How To Properly Patch and Maintain a Leaking Rubber Roof

Watch as This Old House general contractor Tom Silva repairs a leaking flat roof with a new, long-lasting rubber patch.
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How To Prevent Ice Dams

Discover how to prevent destructive ice dams from forming on your roof as This Old House's Tom Silva shows how to super-insulate an attic.
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How to Fix and Maintain a Leaking Rooftop Vent Pipe

This Old House general contractor, Tom Silva shows how to fix and maintain a rooftop vent pipe by creating a watertight seal around it.
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How to Get Rid of Ice Dams

Ice dams can wreck your gutters and roofing and cause interior water damage. Learn how to stop and prevent ice dams from our experts.
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12 Fall Fix-Ups That Pay You Back

Address these minor problems and maintenance tasks to prepare your home for the winter, save money, and maybe add a little value.
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How To Prevent Roof Moss With Zinc Strips: A Comprehensive Guide

Roof vegetation is an eyesore and can damage your roof. In this guide, we'll share tips to keep your roof free of moss, mold, and lichen.
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How to Give a New House a Vintage Look

If you're looking to give your modern home a vintage, historical aesthetic, we have you covered with these helpful tips and tricks.
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Roof Soffit Repair: Advice From a Pro

Need a soffit replacement? Here are pro-approved steps on how to rebuild your water-damaged roof edge, fascia included.
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How to Reshingle a Roof

In this how-to video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to replace an asphalt-shingle roof
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How to Remove Roof Moss

In this how-to video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shares tips for keeping a roof free of moss and mold.
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Emergency Roof Protection

What to do in the event your roof gets gored
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A Comprehensive Guide to Roofing and Siding Installation

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how he installs roofing and siding in this educational, step-by-step guide.
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Some Commonsense Rules for Maintaining a Flat Roof

Flat roofs demand more attention than pitched roofs, but depending on your situation, flat might be the better bet.
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Wright House, Wrong Roof

High-tech solutions for the architect's notoriously leaky design at Wingspread
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How To Repair and Replace Roof Shingles for Your Home

From spotting damage early to using the right tools and materials, find out how to tackle common roof issues and when to call a professional.
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Quick Ice Dam Cure

A temporary solution is better than none
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Leakproof Flashing

Surefire ways to keep water from getting in around your chimney
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Step by Step Guide to Installing a Drip Edge on Your Roof

Learn more about protecting your fascia with a sheet-metal or plastic drip edge with step by step guidance from the This Old House experts.