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Roof problems, explained. Follow the clues, compare your options, and figure out what to do next.

79 guides / Materials & installationShowing 55-72

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Weathered grey asphalt shingles with uneven edges on a residential roof

Materials & installation4 min read

Old Plank Decking Under New Shingles

Older board decks can raise gap, movement and fastening questions. Learn when a panel overlay or repair needs to be specified before reroofing.

Wet white gutter seam above stained fascia beneath asphalt shingles

Materials & installation4 min read

Mixing Gutter Metals Can Cause Corrosion

Check both direct contact and runoff when combining copper, aluminium or steel roof drainage parts. Matching colour does not establish compatibility.

Low-slope membrane roof above a rear extension with side parapets and an eavestrough

Materials & installation3 min read

A Roof Deck Must Leave the Waterproofing Serviceable

Plan a rooftop terrace around structure, compatible supports, drainage and removable access to the waterproofing below.

Overlapping dark asphalt shingles across intersecting residential roof slopes

Materials & installation4 min read

Why Starter Shingles Are a Separate Roof Component

The first shingle course needs support at its joints and edges. Learn why the starter belongs in the quote and installation records.

Closed rectangular skylight with metal flashing in a grey asphalt shingle roof

Materials & installation3 min read

Curb-Mounted or Deck-Mounted Skylight?

Roof slope, opening dimensions and flashing compatibility determine whether a curb-mounted or deck-mounted skylight fits the project.

Flat layered shingle sample beside a folded ridge-cap sample on a workbench

Materials & installation4 min read

Ridge Caps Are Not Just Leftover Shingles

Choose roof caps by compatibility, profile, fastening and vent details. A matching colour alone does not make a field shingle a ridge cap.

Loose dark shingle granules and a few leaves inside a white gutter

Materials & installation3 min read

Drip Edge at the Eave and Rake: Different Details

Roof-edge metal must work with membrane, underlayment and gutters. Learn why the correct lap order depends on the specified roof system.

Overlapping dark asphalt shingles across intersecting residential roof slopes

Materials & installation3 min read

Open Metal Valley or Closed Shingle Valley?

Compare roof valleys by drainage, shingle compatibility and repair access. The right detail depends on more than whether metal is visible.

Several shingle roof slopes with roof vents and a brick chimney beside neighbouring homes

Materials & installation4 min read

Should Old Roof Vents Stay With New Shingles?

Check an old vent's body, flange, purpose and compatibility before reuse, and review attic airflow rather than copying the existing layout.

Asphalt shingle, grey metal panel and cedar samples on a workshop bench

Materials & installation3 min read

Why Roofing Nail Length Depends on the Roof Deck

Roofing nails must suit the layers and substrate below them. Learn why field shingles, overlays and ridge vents can need different fasteners.

Metal flashing at the junction of asphalt shingles and a sided dormer wall

Materials & installation4 min read

Can Existing Flashing Stay During Reroofing?

Inspect flashing condition, dimensions and hidden connections before reuse, and agree what happens when siding or masonry limits access.

Asphalt shingle, grey metal panel and cedar samples on a workshop bench

Materials & installation3 min read

What an Overdriven Roofing Nail Does to a Shingle

A roofing nail should hold the shingle without cutting through it. Learn how depth, angle and placement affect a lasting installation.

Metal flashing at the junction of asphalt shingles and a sided dormer wall

Materials & installation4 min read

Replace the Roof or Siding First?

Let roof-wall flashing and drainage connections determine the sequence when roofing and siding projects meet at dormers or lower roofs.

Closed rectangular skylight with metal flashing in a grey asphalt shingle roof

Materials & installation4 min read

Sun Tunnel or Skylight for a Dark Hallway?

Compare a tubular daylight device with a skylight by the roof-to-ceiling route, light goals, structure and finishing work.

Asphalt shingle, grey metal panel and cedar samples on a workshop bench

Materials & installation3 min read

Exposed-Fastener Metal Roofs Need a Maintenance Plan

Understand visible metal-roof screws, sealing washers and inspection needs before comparing an exposed-fastener roof with standing seam.

Roof paperwork and shingle samples on a kitchen table

Materials & installation3 min read

Why Some Chimneys Need a Cricket Behind Them

A chimney cricket divides runoff around a roof obstruction. Its shape, valleys and flashing must fit the chimney and roof slope.

Metal rail attached with a clamp at a raised seam on a grey metal roof

Materials & installation3 min read

Why Standing-Seam Metal Roofs Need Room to Move

Metal panels change length with temperature. Learn why clip selection, fixed points, penetrations and later attachments need a coordinated plan.

Low-slope membrane roof above a rear extension with side parapets and an eavestrough

Materials & installation3 min read

Can Shingles Go on That Low-Slope Porch Roof?

Measure the porch roof slope before choosing shingles. Product minimums and low-slope underlayment details determine the suitable assembly.

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