Guide to Roofing and Gutters on the Web

Nothing protects your home more against the elements than it's roofing, siding, and gutter drainage system. The materials you use need to be durable and properly installed and maintained. Fail to follow these important factors and your home, and your family, will suffer.

Roofing How-Tos Tips and Techniques Traditional roofing materials include wood, brick, cedar, and tile. Today, all of these materials have look-alike versions that are manufactured for much cheaper, and require less overall maintenance. Whether you decide to use these manufactured versions or stick with the real thing is up to you.

• Asphalt Shingles
  Asphalt shingles are an economical roofing solution, but shop around, not all shingles are the same. » More from Bob Vila
• Roofing Installation Dos and Don'ts
  A few important dos and don'ts to guide you through your project. » More from HomeTips.com
• Roofing - An Introduction
  An introduction to building a roof. » More from DoItYourself.com
• ToolBase Services: Wood Shakes and Shingles - Tips for Longer Life
  The most important factor to consider when buying shingles is its resistance to decay.
• Roofing Repair and Installation Q&A
  Is it better to remove old asphalt shingles, or lay new shingles on top of the old? » More Q&A from The Natural Handyman
• Your Roof
  Dealing with problems that are, well, over your head. » More remodeling projects from Move.com
• Roofing Component Basics
  Roofing terminology can be a bit overwhelming - these basic roofing definitions will help get your project off on the right foot. »More from HGTV

• How to Repair a Leaky Roof
  Helpful tips for finding and fixing leaks on all kinds of roofs, as well as some maintenance suggestions for gutters and vent pipes. » More home repair from How Stuff Works
• Roof Maintenance
  Guidelines to keep your roof in good condition. » More from RoofHelp.com
• Roof Replacement - What to Know
  Within the home renovation workflow, roof replacement is job number one. » More on exterior and framework renovations from About.com
• Roofing and Gutters Glossary
  » More from Service Magic
• How to Choose a Pitched Roof
  Considering the investment of installing new roofing, it pays to look at all the options. » More from This Old House

Gutters and Drainage How-Tos Tips and Techniques Gutters and downspouts carry water off your roof and away from your home - ensuring this system works properly will prevent water-related problems down the road, including potential moisture problems in basements and foundations. Maintaining the grade of your yard so that water drainage flows away from your home is also part of this system - adding soil along the perimeter of your foundation and sloping it away from the house will work. Water run-off needs to be properly diverted, if it is not, damage to concrete and wood is almost always guaranteed and mold and mildew will persist. As this system is part of the exterior of your home, the look of old, clogged and broken gutters can have a negative impact on your home's curb appeal! Advances in gutter technology and materials have risen gutters and downspouts to a new high allowing them to not only be functional, but to add visual appeal to your home - styles such as copper gutters and rain chains are just a couple of options.

• Buying and Installing Rain Gutters
  An illustrated guide to the various types of rain gutters, eave troughs, and downspouts. » More from HomeTips.com
• Mind Those Gutters
  Routine, biannual gutter inspection and cleaning can spare your roof and your pocketbook. » More from Repair Home
• Cleaning Gutters and Downspouts
  The proper way to clean gutters and downspouts, and some helpful hints along the way. » More home repair from About.com
• How to Repair Gutters and Downspouts
  Step-by-step instructions to repairing and installing rain gutters and downspouts. » More from DoItYourself.com
• Gutter Cleaning Costs
  Know what to expect to pay when you contact a professional to take care of your gutters. » More from Service Magic
• Gutter Guards - Do They Really Work?
  While many block big debris, such as leaves, almost all the gutter covers tested by Ask The Builder failed when small buds clogged up the gutters. » More from Ask The Builder
• Installing and Repairing Gutter Guards
  Gutter guards can soften the chore of gutter cleaning. » More from HGTV
• Gutter Basics
  By diverting rain run-off from the home, gutters protect basements, crawl spaces, and siding from moisture and water intrusion. » More from Bob Vila

Video How-Tos

Bob Vila: Metal Roofing When roofing your house, consider a metal roof.	HGTV: Fix a Roof Leak How to safely get up on the roof and replace leaky shingles.
Bob Vila: How to Inspect and Repair Gutters Routine gutter repair and inspection is vital to the performance of your home's water management system.	DIY Network: Gutter Leaks How to repair gutter leaks.
Danny Lipford: How To Clean Gutters Safely From the Ground Clean out gutters without having to climb a ladder.	HGTV: Gutter Cleaning Essentials If you hate to clean your gutters, this tool is for you.
This Old House: How to Reshingle a Roof Contractor Tom Silva explains how to reshingle a roof.	Danny Lipford: How To Repair the Roof on Your Home How to repair a damaged shinge and roof flange.

Projects and Repairs

• DIY Network: How to Repair a Roof Leak
  Repair a roofline hole.
• Family Handyman: How to Tear Off an Old Roof
  Remove old shingles and install a new roof.
• Move.com: Repairing Clay Tile
  Clay tile roofs can last as long as the house itself, but occasionally an individual tile can chip or crack.
• HomeTips.com: How to Clean Rain Gutters
  Three easy steps to ensuring your rain gutters or eave troughs run clear and flow smoothly.
• HGTV: Gutter Installation
  A gutter system is essential in protecting a home from water damage.
• Family Handyman: How to Install Gutters
  Gutter selection, buying, cutting, joining and hanging basics, plus how to add downspouts and outlets.
• DIY Advice: Installing Gutters
  Installing the various components of a vinyl gutter system.
• This Old House: How to Repair a Rotted Soffit
  The overhang of a roof is often the first area to succumb to rot, peeling paint and other weather-related problems.

Design Inspiration and Ideas

• Living Roofs, Inc.: Benefits of Green Roofs
• Green Living Ideas: Green Roofing Options
• CalFinder.com: Roofing and Gutters Ideas and Pictures
• HomeOwnerNet: Roofing Planning and Ideas
• Service Magic: Roofing and Gutters Design Gallery
• This Old House: Green Roofs and Roof Shapes

Online Tools

• CostHelper.com: How Much Does a Roof Repair Cost?
• Service Magic: Roofing Calculator
• ImproveNet: Roofing Estimator
• BHG: Roofing Calculator
• ImproveNetPro: Roofing Calculator
• EnergyStar Roffing Calculator

Finding Help

• BHG: Roofing and Gutters
• Service Magic: Roofing and Gutter Contractors and Checklist: Find a Roofer
• HGTV Pro: Find a Contractor
• DoItYourself.com: Find a Contractor
• About.com: How to Pick a Contractor - Getting Bids and Evaluating an Estimate
• B4UBuild.com: How to Qualify a Contractor for Your Building Project
• National Association of the Remodeling Industry: To Do-It-Yourself or Hire a Contractor?
• Danny Lipford: How To Hire A Roofer

Discuss

• This Old House: Drainage and Gutters and Roofing
• Bob Vila: Roofing and Siding
• AllExperts: Roofing
• DoItYourself.com: Roofing, Gutters and Waterproofing