Guide archive

Roofing & Exterior guides

Browse 174 homeowner guides by category — repair steps, realistic costs, and honest advice on when a job is worth calling a pro.

Close-up of wind-creased asphalt roof shingles with dark fracture lines and missing mineral granules
DIY Guide
roofing

Wind-Creased Shingles? 11 Steps to Spot and Replace Damaged Tabs

Wind-creased shingles look intact from the ground but quietly leak water down old nail holes. Here is how to find the fracture line, pull fasteners, and swap tabs.

7 min fixIntermediate
Read Guide
A close-up shot of a raised, popped deck screw backing out of a weathered wood patio plank
Troubleshooting
roofing

Deck Screws Pulling Out? 5 Causes and the Step-by-Step Fix

Stop tripping on loose deck screws. Here is why fasteners pop out of deck boards, how to test for joist rot, and the step-by-step fix to anchor them permanently.

7 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
Distorted and heat-warped vinyl siding panels on an exterior residential wall
Maintenance
roofing

Melted Vinyl Siding? 5 Heat Sources and the Complete Step-by-Step Fix

Learn why vinyl siding melts from window reflections or heat, how to replace distorted planks using a zip tool, and ways to stop the glare permanently.

7 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
Close-up of a loose gutter spike pulling away from an exterior wooden fascia board
Maintenance
roofing

Gutter Spikes Pulling Out? 11 Steps to Secure Them Permanently

Stop gutter spikes from backing out of your fascia board. Here is how to swap failed spikes for hidden screw hangers and secure your roof drainage permanently.

7 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
Close-up of a loose deck ledger board pulling away from exterior house siding
Call a Pro
roofing

Deck Wobbles When Walking? 10 Causes of Sway and the Step-by-Step Fix

Stop dangerous deck sway before structural failure occurs. Diagnose loose ledger connections, rotten posts, and install code-approved braces step by step.

7 min fixCall a Pro
Read Guide
A white gutter with a loose hanger pulling away from the fascia board.
DIY Guide
roofing

Gutter Making Noise? 4 Common Sounds and the Fix for Each

Pops, bangs, drips, and scrapes from your gutters are more than just annoying—they can be early warnings of costly water damage. Here's how to diagnose and fix each sound.

8 min fixIntermediate
Read Guide
Close-up of water dripping from behind a white gutter, showing water damage on the fascia board due to a missing drip edge.
Call a Pro
roofing

Water Coming Behind Gutter? Why It Happens and How to Fix It

Water spilling behind your gutters can rot your fascia and siding. It's usually caused by a bad gutter installation, not clogs—here's how to check your drip edge and hangers.

8 min fixCall a Pro
Read Guide
Close-up of beige vinyl siding with multiple circular cracks and small holes from hail damage.
Troubleshooting
roofing

Siding Damaged by Hail? 7 Steps to Take for Assessment and Repair

Wondering what to do after a hailstorm? Here are the seven steps you should take to inspect your home's siding for damage and navigate the repair process.

12 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
A leaking roof deck corner showing water damage on the ceiling below, with focus on clogged scupper drain.
Maintenance
roofing

Roof Deck Leaking Into House? 7 Causes and the Fix for Each

A roof deck leaking into your house is a serious problem. We’ll walk through the 7 most common causes, from failed flashing to clogged drains, and explain the fix for each.

8 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
A house gutter clogged with a thick layer of black shingle granules washed down from the roof after a storm.
Troubleshooting
roofing

Roof Gutter Filled with Shingle Granules After a Storm? What It Means and What to Do

Finding a pile of shingle granules in your gutters after a storm is a clear warning sign of roof aging and potential damage—here's what it means.

8 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
Green algae and mildew stains on a section of beige vinyl house siding
Troubleshooting
roofing

Siding Turning Green? What's Growing on Your House and How to Get Rid of It

Seeing green stuff on your siding? It's usually algae, mold, or mildew. Here's how to tell the difference and clean it off safely in one afternoon.

8 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
A close-up of a white gutter leaking at the seam, with a water droplet forming.
Troubleshooting
roofing

Gutter Leaking at Seam? Why It Happens and How to Seal It in 30 Minutes

Frustrated by a dripping gutter seam? Find out why your gutters are leaking at the joints and learn the quick, reliable way to seal them up for good using the right sealant.

8 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
Close-up of several woodpecker holes drilled into a house's cedar siding
Troubleshooting
roofing

Woodpecker Holes in Siding? Why They Do It and How to Stop Them for Good

Discover why woodpeckers are drilling into your siding, how to check for hidden insect damage, and the simple, effective steps to repair the holes and deter them permanently.

8 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
Close-up of ugly black streaks, known as tiger striping, on a white rain gutter.
DIY Guide
roofing

Tiger Striping on Gutters? How to Remove Those Ugly Black Streaks

Seeing ugly black streaks on your gutters? Here’s what causes tiger striping and the best ways to clean it off without damaging your paint or siding.

8 min fixIntermediate
Read Guide
Dark black algae stains running down the side of a house with light gray siding, originating from the roofline.
Troubleshooting
roofing

Siding Stains Near Roof: What's Causing Black Streaks and How to Fix It

Black or brown stains on your siding just below the roofline are usually caused by algae, roof debris, or failing flashing, but can sometimes signal a more serious gutter or roof leak.

8 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
A white gutter downspout draining water too close to a home's foundation.
DIY Guide
roofing

Gutter Downspout Draining Too Close to House? How Far It Should Be and How to Extend It

Is your downspout dumping water right next to your foundation? Learn why that's a huge risk and follow these simple steps to extend your downspouts properly.

8 min fixIntermediate
Read Guide
Close-up of storm-damaged metal flashing lifted from a brick chimney on a shingled roof, revealing a small gap.
Troubleshooting
roofing

The Quiet Threat: How Hidden Flashing Damage Invites Disaster After a Storm

After a storm, visible roof damage is obvious, but often the real trouble hides in damaged flashing, silently inviting water intrusion and extensive structural issues.

12 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
Close-up of white powdery efflorescence on a fiber cement siding panel
DIY Guide
roofing

The Weird White Powder on Your Siding: And How to Stop It Coming Back

That strange white powder on your siding isn't just ugly; it's a sign of moisture issues that could lead to bigger problems. Here's how to banish it for good.

11 min fixIntermediate
Read Guide
Homeowner cleaning chalky vinyl siding with a soft brush and cleaning solution on a ladder
Maintenance
roofing

The Ugly Truth About Chalky Siding (And Your Simple 3-Hour Fix)

Don't let faded, chalky siding ruin your home's curb appeal. This guide explains why it happens and gives you a straightforward, effective fix you can do yourself in an afternoon.

12 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
Residential roofline with a distinct sag in the decking after a storm, showing damaged shingles
Troubleshooting
roofing

The Unseen Danger After a Storm: What to Do About a Sagging Roof Deck

A sagging roof deck after a storm isn't just an eyesore; it's a serious structural problem that demands immediate attention to prevent collapse and further damage.

12 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
Contractor pointing at buckled vinyl siding, showing ripples and waves from improper installation.
Maintenance
roofing

That Wavy Wall? Why Your Vinyl Siding Buckles (And How to Fix It Right)

Don't let wavy vinyl siding ruin your home's curb appeal. Learn the common causes of buckling and how a few simple fixes can restore its smooth, clean look.

12 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
Close-up of hands using a siding removal tool to fix a loose vinyl siding panel on a house.
Troubleshooting
roofing

The Mystery of the Loose Siding Panel: Why It Flaps and How to Fix It Right

Loose siding panels aren't just an eyesore; they can lead to serious water damage if not addressed quickly. Learn why your siding is flapping and how to secure it like a pro.

12 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
Roof Repair and Replacement Costs: What Actually Sets the Price
Guide
roofing

Roof Repair and Replacement Costs: What Actually Sets the Price

Roof pricing explained — squares, pitch, tear-off layers, decking condition, and flashing — plus how to judge a replacement recommendation after a leak.

5 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
A Homeowner's Guide to Your Roof and Gutters: Leaks, Storm Damage, and Real Life Expectancy
Guide
roofing

A Homeowner's Guide to Your Roof and Gutters: Leaks, Storm Damage, and Real Life Expectancy

A roof rarely fails all at once — it fails at flashing, penetrations, and edges. Here is how to inspect yours safely, what a leak really tells you, and how to evaluate a replacement pitch.

5 min fixBeginner
Read Guide