Roofs, explained.

Plain-English, illustrated guides to roofing materials, flashing, gutters, ventilation and repairs: how each part of a roof works, what usually goes wrong, and what to check before a small problem becomes a big one.

Illustration of a cozy house with a slate shingle roof, a terracotta chimney, a gutter with a downspout and a ladder, surrounded by green bushes

Start with what you need help with

Pick a topic. Every guide starts with the answer and then explains why.

Roof Basics

The parts of a roof, roof types, pitch and how roofs are measured.

Materials

Asphalt shingles, metal, tile and other roofing materials compared.

Leaks & Repairs

How leaks start, how to read the signs and what repairs involve.

Attic & Ventilation

Intake and exhaust, insulation, condensation and ice dams.

Gutters & Drainage

Gutter types, sizes, slope, downspouts and keeping water moving.

Replacement & Maintenance

When to replace a roof, what to expect and how to look after it.

Start here

The guides we start with for the questions homeowners ask most about their roofs.

Our first guides are on the way.

Latest guides

New illustrated guides every weekday.

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