Roofing Planning

Prepare for your next roofing project by discovering our planning ideas & tips.

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All About Metal Roofs

It’s hard to top the looks and longevity that come with a metal roof. Here's what you need to know before putting one on your own home.
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Fixing Ice Dams on a Roof

Home technology expert Ross Trethewey helps a homeowner solve an ice dam issue with smart insulation practices that also improve the home’s efficiency.
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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.
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How To Add a Second Floor To Your Existing House

Adding onto your home can be a great investment. Our guide walks you through how to add a second floor to an existing house the right way.
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How To Build a Low-Maintenance Home

There’s no such thing as a maintenance-free house, but there are ways to decrease your regular maintenance. Here's what you need to know.
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The Benefits of Installing GAF Roof Shingles on Your Home

Learn what makes a shingle easy to install and take a look at TOH's Cape Ann Project House as an example of these shingles in action.
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GAF HDZ™ Shingles Engineered for Accuracy Installed at the Cape Ann Project House

This Old House’s Cape Ann Project requires more than 6,000 square feet of roofing. Watch as we demonstrate how GAF’s Timberline® HDZ™ roofing shingles provide LayerLock™ technology and a wider strike zone, allowing shingles to be installed 30% faster and more accurately than standard shingles.
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Photoshop Redo: Dressing Up a Cookie-Cutter Ranch

Facade improvements, including a new roof and porch, give a simple one-story house an elegant new look
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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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Fire-Resistant Roofing and Siding That Keeps Buildings Secure

Explore fire-resistant roofing and siding materials that boost safety and curb appeal, including both man-made and natural options.
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12 Beautiful Gable Styles You Can Use to Spruce Up Your Home

A gable is a defining characteristic of a house. Take a look at some striking examples of the form these end walls can take.
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Everything You Need to Know About Cupolas for Your Roof

Cupolas sit atop a roof ridge and bring light and air into a dark attic space. Check out a few here that also bring style to their rooflines.
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Roof Shapes

From gable to shed to barn-shaped, discover the different types of roof designs that give each house its distinct character.
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Roofing Materials

If you're building a new house or re-roofing an existing one, your choice of materials will have an enormous impact on the look of your home as well as on your bank account.
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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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Building a Flat Roof Right

Here's how the pros construct one so it stays tight and tight.
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3 Types of Flat Roofs: Pros and Cons

Which roof type is best for your property? We break down the three main options to help you make an informed decision.
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Adding an Eyebrow to Your Roof

Eyebrow windows can dramatically improve your home's look and thermal performance. Learn all about this unique window style.
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Choosing Roofing Materials

From asphalt shingles to wood shakes to clay tiles, here are the many options available for the topside of your home.
A roof with a drip edge installed on it.

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.