Guide To Roofing

Recent Articles & Videos

Replacing a Roof: Video Series Introduction

Get an overview of the entire process before watching our how-to series on re-roofing an existing building

Low-Risk Reroof

Protect the outside and the inside of the house, and tear off only what you can reroof in a day

Synthetic Roofing Underlayments

These materials are tougher than felt, but do they perform as well? 

A Crash Course in Roof Venting

Understand when to vent your roof, when not to, and how to execute each approach successfully

Installing a Tubular Skylight: Step 1

Locate the skylight's position, then mark and cut the opening in the roof

Don't Fall Short on Shingles: How to Estimate Materials for Roofing Projects

Author and custom builder Mike Guertin explains how to calculate the quantity of shingles you'll need for you next roofing job in this exerpt from his book Roofing with Asphalt Shingles

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Read Fine Homebuilding's Complete Guide To Roofing

Get online access to 5 of our best articles about choosing materials, venting, waterproofing, and installing a roof that will last a lifetime.

Storm Proof your Roof

Learn how to install a self-adhering roof underlayment in vulnerable locations for extra protection from leaks and rot.

Videos

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Green Guide to Roofing

Roofing material choices

Consider cost, production impacts, disposal, and maintenance.

Vented or unvented attic?

The approach to the attic depends on whether it's going to be a living space.

Roofing and Siding Jobs Are Energy-Retrofit Opportunities

It's time for roofing and siding contractors to offer thick exterior foam.

Job-Site Recycling: Asphalt Roofing Shingles

Since shingles have a high petroleum content, they have value when recycled.

Detail Drawing : Roof/wall connection

Vented attic & siding (raised plate). Metal roofing; wood shingle siding over rigid foam (drainage mat).

Play The Inspector Game

Inspector: Chimney Sweep

Help the Inspector find six things that are wrong with this chimney rebuilding project.

Inspector: Where Rot Happens

Proper venting, flashing, and insulation where the wall meets the roof and attic is critical. Find 6 mistakes.

Inspector: Light Well, or Leak fest?

Find four energy nosebleeds in this skylight detail drawing.

Tool Guide

More Tools

CS150 Cap Stapler

T-635HD Air Compressor

This heavy-duty hot dog compressor from Thomas is designed for finish work, but it can also supply a roofing nailer or a framing nailer

Little Giant G110 Chalkline

This chalkline from Keson Tool has a rubber grommet that makes refilling easy

Materials Guide

Duration Shingles Designer Color Collection

Cost: $80 to $118 per roofing square (100 sq. ft.)

Zip System Wall and Roof Sheathing

Huber Engineered Woods introduced these two new new structural-sheathing products just over a year ago. They are installed the same as typical OSB or plywood sheathing to create a weather-proof and draft-free barrier

Copper Downspout Cleanouts

Cost: $45 and up