We have updated our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Effective July 1

Roofing Maintenance

Our roofing maintenance tips can help you keep your home cost efficient, safe & cozy.

Winter_Roof_iStock_160840799

Filed under:

Is Your Roof Ready for Winter?

If you don’t take care of problems with your roof before the cold weather arrives, those issues can worsen over time, creating an even more expensive roofing headache in the spring. Here’s what you need to know to prepare your roof for winter.
Roof_iStock_1225086923

Best Sealants for Roof Leaks of 2024

Sealants cover roof leaks and protect the remaining area from water and sunlight damage. To learn more about preserving your roof, read our review on the best roof sealants.
Roof_iStock_1212371986_2

Common Roof Problems and How to Fix Them

Staying on top of these common issues will keep the water outside, where it belongs.
nightmares2_1917_SF
Play

Home Inspection Nightmares | Untamed Roof

The Ask This Old House crew share more Home Inspection Nightmares with Kevin O’Connor including some wild growth on a roof and chimney and an over-caulked plumbing fix.
Racela_Heath_9.0

Home Warranty Roof Leak Coverage

Are roof leaks covered under a home warranty? Keep reading to learn about home warranty roof coverage and how to protect your roof over the long-term.
Racela_Heath_64__1_

Getting Algae Off My Roof

Roof algae looks unsightly and can cause severe damage. Read more about how to spot, treat, and prevent it from the This Old House experts.
drip_edge
Play

Testing Drip Edge Installations on Roofing

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva demonstrates the importance of a properly installed drip edge
tom_ice_dam
Play

How to Treat and Prevent Ice Dams

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva explains the best ways to keep your roof and gutters free from those dreaded ice dams
caron_ice_cable
Play

How to Install Ice-Melting Roof Cables

Master electrician for Ask This Old House Scott Caron helps a homeowner install heat cables on his roof to stop ice dams
patch_xl
Play

How to Patch a Leaking Rubber Roof

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva repairs a leaking flat roof with a new, long-lasting patch
ice_dam_xl_0
Play

How to Prevent Ice Dams

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to super-insulate an attic
roof_vent_xl
Play

How to Fix a Leaking Rooftop Vent Pipe

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to create a watertight seal around a vent pipe.
Ice_Dam_iStock_155389475
Play

How to Get Rid of Ice Dams

Icicles may be pretty but they can tear off gutters, loosen shingles, and cause water to back up into your house. Learn these fast fixes for ice dam removal, long term repair, and prevention tips.
rotted_soffit_x

Roof Soffit Repair: Advice From a Pro

Need a soffit replacement? Here are pro-approved steps on how to rebuild your water-damaged roof edge, fascia included.
reshingling_roof
Play

How to Reshingle a Roof

In this how-to video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to replace an asphalt-shingle roof
moss
Play

How to Remove Roof Moss

In this how-to video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shares tips for keeping a roof free of moss and mold
roof_protection_x

Emergency Roof Protection

What to do in the event your roof gets gored
2005_11_10040253

Fast Fixes for Ice Dams

Read these quick tips to help prevent ice dams before the snow even falls.
superlite_x

Some Commonsense Rules for Maintaining a Flat Roof

Flat roofs demand more attention than pitched roofs, but depending on your situation, flat might be the better bet.
wright_house_roof_x

Wright House, Wrong Roof

High-tech solutions for the architect's notoriously leaky design at Wingspread
fiberglass_x

How to Fix Damaged Roof Shingles

We share step-by-step instructions for the three most common asphalt-shingle repairs.
ice_dam_x

Quick Ice Dam Cure

A temporary solution is better than none
chimney_water_x

Leakproof Flashing

Surefire ways to keep water from getting in around your chimney