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.
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.
Common Roof Problems and How to Fix Them
Staying on top of these common issues will keep the water outside, where it belongs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How to Build a Copper Cupola Roof
Jason Senior of J&R Senior Sheetmetal Inc. illustrates how he forms copper panels for a standing seam roof
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.
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.
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
How to Install Ice-Melting Roof Cables
Master electrician for Ask This Old House Scott Caron helps a homeowner install heat cables on his roof to stop ice dams
Antique Home Decor: 20 Easy Ideas
These modern versions of old world home accents give the same look without the wait (or cost).
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
How to Install a Copper Roof
This Old House experts install a standing-seam copper roof on a small addition
How to Patch a Leaking Rubber Roof
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva repairs a leaking flat roof with a new, long-lasting patch
How to Prevent Ice Dams
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to super-insulate an attic
How to Fix a Leaking Rooftop Vent Pipe
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to create a watertight seal around a vent pipe.
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.
12 Fall Fix-Ups That Pay You Back
Save yourself thousands in future repair, maintenance, and energy costs by not leaving these minor problems to get out of hand
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.
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.
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.
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
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
Emergency Roof Protection
What to do in the event your roof gets gored
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.
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.
Wright House, Wrong Roof
High-tech solutions for the architect's notoriously leaky design at Wingspread
How to Fix Damaged Roof Shingles
We share step-by-step instructions for the three most common asphalt-shingle repairs.
Quick Ice Dam Cure
A temporary solution is better than none
Leakproof Flashing
Surefire ways to keep water from getting in around your chimney
How to Install a Drip Edge on Your Roof
Learn more about protecting your fascia with a sheet-metal or plastic drip edge from the This Old House experts.