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.

Start with what you need help with
Pick a topic. Every guide starts with the answer and then explains why.
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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How a Roof Works: Layers, Parts and Water Flow
Framing, deck, underlayment, flashing and covering: how the layers of a roof divide the work of keeping water out, and how rain travels from ridge to…