Roofing & Gutters

Step-by-step guides, tested in real houses.

Leaves being scooped from an aluminum gutter at the eave of a craftsman house on a bright fall morning

ExteriorGutter Systems & Guards7 min read

The One-Morning Gutter Tune-Up That Prevents Basement Water

A seasonal gutter maintenance routine: safe ladder work, clearing and flushing, resealing end caps and seams, correcting pitch, and extending downspouts.

Gloved hands lifting an asphalt shingle tab on a roof, flat pry bar and loose roofing nails resting on the courses

ExteriorRoof Repair & Maintenance9 min read

Replace Damaged Asphalt Shingles Safely, One Tab at a Time

A step-by-step guide to replacing wind-torn or cracked asphalt shingles: breaking the seal, pulling eight nails, nailing on the line, and hand-sealing.

Gloved hands sealing metal flashing at the base of a brick chimney with a caulk gun, wire brush on the shingles

ExteriorChimneys & Flashing9 min read

Reseal Chimney Flashing Before It Stains Your Ceiling

A step-by-step guide to resealing chimney flashing: reading the two-layer system, cleaning the reglet joint, choosing the right sealant, and when to call a pro.