Roofing Maintenance

Our roofing maintenance tips can help you keep your home cost efficient, safe & cozy.

A roof with snow and ice on it in the winter.

Filed under:

How To Prepare Your Roof for Winter to Keep the Elements Out

Winter is coming, and your roof should be in tip-top shape before cold weather arrives. Here's what you can do to prepare.
Roof_iStock_1225086923

Best Sealants for Roof Leaks of 2024

Sealants cover roof leaks and protect the remaining area from water and sunlight damage. To learn more about preserving your roof, read our review on the best roof sealants.
A roof, which should be checked for problems.

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.
nightmares2_1917_SF
Play

Home Inspection Nightmares | Untamed Roof

The Ask This Old House crew share more Home Inspection Nightmares with Kevin O’Connor including some wild growth on a roof and chimney and an over-caulked plumbing fix.
Racela_Heath_9.0

Home Warranty Roof Leak Coverage

Are roof leaks covered under a home warranty? Keep reading to learn about home warranty roof coverage and how to protect your roof over the long-term.
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.
A man using a tool to demonstrate drip edge roofing installation to another man.
Play

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.
tom_ice_dam
Play

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
caron_ice_cable
Play

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.
patch_xl
Play

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.
ice_dam_xl_0
Play

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.
roof_vent_xl
Play

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.
Ice_Dam_iStock_155389475
Play

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.
rotted_soffit_x

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.
reshingling_roof
Play

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
moss
Play

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.
roof_protection_x

Emergency Roof Protection

What to do in the event your roof gets gored
2005_11_10040253

Fast Fixes for Ice Dams

Read these quick tips to help prevent ice dams before the snow even falls.
Building with a flat roof because of a rooftop patio.

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_roof_x

Wright House, Wrong Roof

High-tech solutions for the architect's notoriously leaky design at Wingspread
A house with shingles on it's roof.

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.
ice_dam_x

Quick Ice Dam Cure

A temporary solution is better than none
chimney_water_x

Leakproof Flashing

Surefire ways to keep water from getting in around your chimney