Homeowner Learning

Articles to help with your DIY projects, research roofing and general construction projects on your home and assistance with making hard decisions about your home.

Does Your Home need an Attic Insulation Replacement?

Publish Date: 1/23/24 | Author:  Dan Stout
Watch your energy bills for rising costs, and keep an eye out for leaks or animal activity.

What to Look for in a Roofing Estimate When You're Comparing Contractors

Publish Date: 1/4/24 | Author:  Amy Freeman
When choosing a roofing company, it's important to compare estimates to find the one that works with your budget and that meets the needs of your project.

Should You Tip Contractors?

Publish Date: 1/4/24 | Author:  Dan Stout
Should you tip contractors? Here's how you can express your gratitude.

Why Is My Roof Leaking Around the Chimney?

Publish Date: 12/12/23 | Author:  Barbara Horwitz-Bennett
A number of issues can be the cause of a roof leaking around the chimney.

What to Expect When Getting Your Roof Replaced

Publish Date: 12/12/23 | Author:  Amy Freeman
What should you do around the house to prepare for a roof replacement?

What Is a Slate Roof?

Publish Date: 12/12/23 | Author:  Barbara Horwitz-Bennett
Made from natural stone, slate tiles are durable, long-lasting, and give your home an elegant aesthetic.

What Is a Shake Roof?

Publish Date: 11/10/23 | Author: Amy Freeman
If you have a shake roof, here's what you need to know about maintaining it.

What Is a Ridge Vent?

Publish Date: 11/06/23 | Author: Dan Stout
Every home is unique, so making sure your attic is ventilated properly will help extend the life of your roof.

Ways to Save Money on Roof Replacement Cost

Publish Date: 10/30/23 | Author: Sheryll Poe
Here are some ways homeowners can reduce the cost of replacing their roof.

Shed Roofing Options for Homeowners

Publish Date: 10/25/23 | Author: Heidi J. Ellsworth
As you decide among shed roofing options and debate whether to do it yourself or hire a roofing contractor to roof or re-roof your shed, here are a few important considerations.

Is Gutter Cleaning Really Necessary?

Publish Date: 10/13/23 | Author: Lee Polevoi
Gutter cleaning is a key task for homeowners that should be done regularly.

Do Popular Shingle Colors Boost Your Home's Resale Value?

Publish Date: 10/11/23 | Author: Amy Freeman
Even if you only have one vehicle, your roofing business needs commercial auto insurance.

How to Build a Hurricane-Proof Shed

Publish Date: 10/3/23 | Author: Barbara Horwitz-Bennett
A hurricane-proof shed is essential to protecting your home and valuables from severe weather.

Did You Check the Certificate of Insurance for Contractors Before Hiring a Roofer?

Publish Date: 9/29/23 | Author: Barbara Horwitz-Bennett
A certificate of insurance for contractors and workers' compensation protects homeowners from being held accountable for injuries on a jobsite.

Garage and Shed Roofing: The Basics

Publish Date: 9/12/23 | Author: Amy Freeman
Should you try to replace garage or shed roofing by yourself? It depends.

How to Remove a Wasp Nest

Publish Date: 9/7/23 | Author: Barbara Horwitz-Bennett
In navigating how to remove a wasp nest, a number of important steps should carefully be followed.

5 Questions to Ask a Builder at a Pre-Construction Meeting

Publish Date: 8/30/23 | Author: Amy Freeman
When you meet with a builder before construction begins on your new home, make sure you ask the right questions.

Skip the DIY: Hiring a Roofing Contractor Is the Right Choice

Publish Date: 8/25/23 | Author: Sheryll Poe
Hiring a roofing contractor is the smart way to tackle your roofing project.

How to Identify and Take Care of a Leaking Roof

Publish Date: 8/18/23 | Author: Lee Polevoi
Avoid costly repairs to a leaking roof by taking action early on.

Determining the Cost to Replace a Roof

Publish Date: 8/7/23 | Author: Lee PolevoiFinding out how much it costs to replace your roof (and where that number comes from) can help you prepare for this big purchase.

Common Roofing Mistakes Homeowners Make and How to Avoid Them

Publish Date: 7/31/23 | Author: Lee Polevoi
Watch for common roofing mistakes and complete roofing repairs the right way.

Common Roof Installation Mistakes To Avoid When Working on Your Home

Publish Date: 7/25/23 | Author: Dan Stout
Installation mistakes by DIY homeowners can lead to roofing damage.

What's the Best Time to Replace a Roof?

Publish Date: 7/10/23 | Author: Amy Freeman
If you have the option, is it better to replace your roof in spring, summer or fall?

Understanding the Importance of Roof Pitch for Evaluating Your Roof

Publish Date: 7/10/23 | Author: Sheryll Poe
The roof pitch or slope plays an important part in deciding what a roof is made of and what it will cost.

Roof Financing Options for Homeowners

Publish Date: 7/6/23 | Author: Linda Light
Financing your roofing project doesn't have to be difficult if you're aware of your options.

Questions to Ask a Roofer: How to Pick the Right Roofer for Your Needs

Publish Date: 7/6/23 | Author: Amy Freeman
Getting ready to hire a contractor? Here's what you should ask first.

Deciding Which Types of Roof Shingles Are Right for Your Home

Publish Date: 6/14/23 | Author: Barbara Horwitz-Bennett
Learn about the most popular roofing options like asphalt, tile and metal before you decide what's best for your home.

Planning How to Attach a Roof over a Deck

Publish Date: 6/14/23 | Author: Dan Stout
Understanding the logistics of how to attach a roof over a deck is one of the first steps to creating your covered deck oasis.

Look for Signs of Roof Dama
ge After a Storm

Publish Date: 6/8/23 | Author: Lee Polevoi
Storms can cause serious damage to your roof. Recognize the signs of a damaged roof and how to mitigate them.

Identifying Wind Damage on the Roof and Shingles

Publish Date: 5/30/23 | Author: Barbara Horwitz-Bennett
When storm winds exceed 45 mph, a home becomes susceptible to wind damage on the roof shingles.

How to Replace a Shed Roof

Publish Date: 5/22/23 | Author: Lee Polevoi
Before you replace your shed's roof, learn about the right materials and approach to use.

How Long Does a Roof Last?

Publish Date: 5/12/23 | Author: Amy FreemanMaintenance is important whether you live in an area with balmy weather or one with a lot of storms.

How to Prevent Bird Damage to Your Roof

Publish Date: 5/5/23 | Author: Lee Polevoi
Birds are beautiful, but they can cause serious damage to a roof.

How Do the Different Kinds of Roof Designs Affect A Replacement? 

Publish Date: 5/5/23 | Author: Amy Freeman
The cost of a roof replacement can vary depending on how complicated the roof's style and shape are.

How to Clean Roof Shingles 

Publish Date: 4/27/23 | Author: Dan Stout
If you're hoping to learn how to clean roof shingles, we've got you covered.

Will Insurance Pay for a New Roof? 

Publish Date: 3/29/2023 | Author: Dan Stout
When faced with disaster, will your insurance pay to replace your roof?

Is Your Roof Ready for Winter Season?

Publish Date: 2/13/2023 | Author: Barbara Horwitz-Bennett
Besides gathering the extra blankets and stocking up on hot cocoa, there are a few things you can do to prepare your home as the cold weather approaches.

A Roof Renovation is an Investment in Your Home's Future

Publish Date: 2/13/2023 | Author: Lee Polevoi
Roof repair or replacement can pave the way to a future home sale.

Stop Your Shed From Overheating With Cool Roofing Materials

Publish Date: 8/3/2021 | Author: Dan Stout
A shed's internal temperature can spike significantly during the summer, especially if it has a metal exterior or extensive sun exposure.

How to Communicate the Importance of Proper Roof Ventilation to Homeowners

Publish Date: 7/1/2021 | Author: Lee Polevoi
Proper ventilation adds to a roof's life span.

Roof Waterproofing: Keeping Your House Dry

Publish Date: 5/5/2021 | Author: Lee Polevoi
Roof waterproofing is (or should be) a primary concern for all homeowners. 

The Value of Home Attic Ventilation

Publish Date: 5/5/2021 | Author: Lee Polevoi
Home attic ventilation may not be at the top of every homeowner's concerns, but it's a crucial part of preserving a home's value and the safety of the people living in it.

What to Do If You Need Emergency Roofing Services 

Publish Date: 4/21/2021 | Author: Amy Freeman
You depend on your home's roof to protect you and your family from the elements. 

Spotting Common Signs of Roof Damage

Publish Date: 4/21/2021 | Author: Barbara Horwitz-Bennett
Even with the best roofing systems, eventual repair and replacement are inevitable, and sometimes expensive.

Different Roof Shapes for 5 Places Around Your Property That Need a Roof 

Publish Date: 4/15/2021 | Author: Amy Freeman
Should you fix up the porch, build a doghouse for your four-legged friend or finally get to work on a garden shed?

How to Get Homeowners Insurance With a Bad Roof    

Publish Date: 3/3/2021 | Author: Lee Polevoi
As a homeowner, do you know how to get homeowners insurance with a bad roof?

Spring Roof Cleaning and Maintenance 

Publish Date: 3/3/2021| Author: Lee Polevoi
April and May are the prime time for spring roof cleaning and maintenance in many parts of the U.S

Best Waterproof Shed Roof Covering

Publish Date: 7/10/2020 | Author: Dan Stout
Perfect for storing everything from plants and tools to lawnmowers and toys, a garden shed is a useful and attractive addition to any property.

A Quick Guide to Garage Roof Repair

Publish Date: 5/18/2020 | Author: Barbara Horwitz-Bennett
Though it may seem like a low priority, garage roof repair is just as important as regular roof maintenance. 

The Importance of Proactive Roof Maintenance 

Publish Date: 5/15/2020 | Author: Barbara Horwitz-Bennett
Prevention is better than cure when it comes to maintaining your roof. 

Why a Roof Inspection Is Important for Homeowners 

Publish Date: 5/15/2020 | Author: Lee Polevoi
Why a Roof Inspection Is Important for Homeowners

Homeowners need to know what questions to ask when getting a roof estimate. 

Publish Date: 4/21/2020 | Author: Lee Polevoi
Homeowners need to know what questions to ask when getting a roof estimate.

How to Assess Hail Damage to Shingles and Other Roofing Materials

Publish Date: 4/21/2020 | Author: Lee Polevoi
Hail can range from the size of a marble to a tennis ball to record-breaking lumps of ice as big as softballs.

Roof Repair vs. Replacement: Factors to Consider

Publish Date: 4/21/2020 | Author: Lee Polevoi
Homeowners deciding between roof repair vs. replacement should consider several key factors before making a decision.

Understanding Roof Terminology: How to Talk Shop With Your Roofing Contractor

Publish Date: 4/21/2020 | Author: Amy Freeman
The next time there's an issue with your roof, knowing the right roof terminology can help you and your contractor get on the same page.

Taking good care of your roof throughout the year can help you avoid having to pay for significant repairs.

Publish Date: 11/4/2019 | Author: Amy Freeman
Taking good care of your roof throughout the year can help you avoid having to pay for significant repairs.

Find a Roofing Contractor: 4 Tips to Help You Out

Publish Date: 11/4/19 | Author: Amy Freeman
If you own a home, you're eventually going to need to repair your roof or replace it entirely.

Is Roof Cleaning Necessary? Everything You Didn't Know About Scrubbing Your Shingles

Publish Date: 11/4/2019 | Author: Amy Freeman
You're looking up at your roof and notice that there's some black stuff growing on some of the shingles. What is it? Mold, mildew or soil that somehow made its way up there? Is roof cleaning necessary?

A Homeowners Easy Roof Maintenance Checklist

Publish Date: 11/4/19 | Author: Amy Freeman
From cleaning the gutters to checking the shingles, here's how to take excellent care of your roof.