Guide archive

Roofing & Exterior guides

Browse 180 homeowner guides by category — repair steps, realistic costs, and honest advice on when a job is worth calling a pro.

A view from inside a properly ventilated attic, showing daylight filtering through the soffit vents at the roof's edge, indicating clear airflow.
Troubleshooting
roofing

Your Insulation Isn't the Problem: Why Your Attic Still Bakes

Even with thick insulation, a hot attic signals a critical ventilation failure that could be silently damaging your roof and driving up your energy bills.

10 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
A rain gutter clogged with a thick layer of shingle granules, a clear sign of roof wear.
Troubleshooting
roofing

Gutters Full of Shingle Grit? Here's What It Really Means

Finding shingle granules in your gutters can be alarming, signaling everything from normal new-roof shedding to critical roof damage that requires immediate action.

9 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
A split view of a residential roof, with one side showing old, worn-out asphalt shingles and the other side showing new, freshly installed architectural shingles.
Troubleshooting
roofing

Why Your '30-Year' Shingles Won't Last 30 Years

Most '30-year' asphalt shingles don't last 30 years; understand the real-world factors like climate, installation, and ventilation that determine its true lifespan.

10 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
A close-up view of a roof-to-wall intersection showing the proper gap between the siding and the step flashing to prevent leaks from wind-driven rain.
Troubleshooting
roofing

Why Your Roof Only Leaks in Sideways Rain (It's Not the Shingles)

That maddening leak that only appears during severe, wind-driven rain isn't your shingles—it's a sign that water is being forced sideways behind your home's armor.

10 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
A split view of an asphalt shingle roof, with one side showing dark black streaks from algae and the other side perfectly clean after treatment.
Troubleshooting
roofing

Those Ugly Black Streaks on Your Roof Aren't Dirt

Those unsightly black streaks are actually a type of algae called Gloeocapsa magma feeding on your shingles, but they can be cleaned and prevented.

8 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
Homeowner applying sealant to a clean wood deck with a roller
Troubleshooting
roofing

The #1 Deck Sealing Mistake Most Homeowners Make (And How to Fix It)

Many homeowners make a critical error when sealing their decks, leading to premature wear and damage. Learn how to properly reseal your wood deck for lasting protection with this comprehensive guide.

15 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
Homeowner applying sealant to a properly prepped wood deck using a roller
Troubleshooting
roofing

The #1 Deck Sealing Mistake Most Homeowners Make (And How to Fix It)

Discover the most common error in deck sealing that leads to premature wear and how to correct it for lasting protection.

15 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
Heavy-duty blue tarp temporarily covering missing roof shingles after a storm, secured with wood strips.
Troubleshooting
roofing

The Urgent Truth About Missing Roof Shingles (And Your 3-Step Fix)

High winds can rip shingles off your roof, exposing your home to immediate water damage – here’s how to assess, temporary patch, and plan permanent repair.

11 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
Close-up of residential vinyl siding showing characteristic star-shaped crack from hail impact
Troubleshooting
roofing

Hail-Damaged Siding: A Homeowner's Guide to Inspection & Repair

Discover how to assess and repair hail damage on your home's siding, ensuring your home remains protected and looks its best.

8 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
Homeowner inspecting vinyl siding for hail damage on a sunny day
DIY Guide
roofing

Hail Damaged Siding: A Homeowner's DIY Repair Guide

Address hail-damaged siding promptly to prevent further issues like water intrusion and reduced curb appeal with this DIY repair guide.

10 min fixIntermediate
Read Guide
Homeowner applying fresh sealant to a wooden deck with a roller for protection.
Troubleshooting
roofing

How to Reseal a Wood Deck: A Step-by-Step Fix

Resealing your wood deck protects it from weather and extends its life. This guide covers how to properly prepare and apply new sealant for lasting durability and beauty.

10 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
Close-up of a residential roof with missing asphalt shingles after a storm, revealing the exposed roof decking.
Call a Pro
roofing

Missing Roof Shingles After a Storm? Here's What to Do

Discover how to safely assess and address missing roof shingles after a storm, including temporary fixes and when to call a professional.

9 min fixCall a Pro
Read Guide