A gable roof, often referred to as an “A-frame” or “up and over” design, is one of the most common and recognizable roof styles in America. It consists of two sloping sides of the roof that meet at a ridge. The term gable refers to the triangular wall space that fills the area between two…

The first step in finding roof leaks is understanding how and where they are likely to occur so you can target your search. A few signs of a roof leak include warped or water-stained ceilings or walls, mold, water-damaged shingles or roof flashing, and water stains in the attic. After you find the source of…

While traditional gable roofs have two sloping sides that meet in the middle, shed roofs — also called skillion roofs — have just one sloping side that can be steep, low or somewhere in the middle.  “A shed roof is essentially a single-pitch roof that slopes in one direction,” said Joseph Patrick, owner of Pacific…

A gambrel roof is a two-sided roof with slopes on each side. The upper slope is positioned at a shallow angle, while the lower slope is steeper. This roof shape is often seen on American farmhouses, barns and log cabins.  If you’re looking for an affordable roof that resembles Colonial days in America and offers…

Adding insulation can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 20%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Understanding the types of roof insulation available is a good starting point if you’re considering upgrading yours. Spray foam, fiberglass batts and blown-in cellulose are among the most common types. But they don’t all perform well…

In most cases, the roof makes up a substantial portion of a home’s exterior. Whether you’re buying, building or renovating a home, the roof style you choose greatly influences its aesthetic. Additionally, factors such as the local climate can affect the performance of different types of roofs and impact how long a roof will last.…

Understanding the components of your roofing system can help you catch issues and mitigate repair costs. “Your roof protects the most important asset you have — your home and family,” said John Hering, operations manager for Emmons Roofing & Siding in Williamstown, New Jersey.  Some parts of the roof are more self-explanatory than others. You…

Roof flashing is a part of your roof that protects it against leaks and helps you mitigate roof replacement costs. It is typically made of aluminum, steel or copper roofing materials. “The piece of metal surrounds roof penetrations or areas prone to water flow, such as roof valleys, [which are] slopes in the roof,” said…

A well-designed roofing system keeps a house comfortable and protected from the elements. Proper attic ventilation is a key part of that system, and roof ridge vents are among the most popular ventilation options. So, what is a ridge vent, and how does it benefit you to have one? A ridge vent is a low-profile…

Moss has its perks, such as better soil diversity and helping your garden’s ecosystem.  Even though moss, lichen and algae can indicate good air quality, you don’t want them growing on your roof shingles. This furry green organism can wreak havoc on your shelter and possibly expedite the need for a new roof. That’s because…

Taking accurate roof measurements can save you time and money. Overestimating the number of shingles you need could leave you with unused shingles when you’re finished, while underestimating how many shingles you need will require additional trips to the store and inflate your new roof cost. “Running out of roofing material while on the job…

The main difference between a shingle roof and a tile roof is simple: Shingle roofs use asphalt, wood or slate shingles, while tile roofs feature clay or concrete tiles. Tile roofs generally are heavier, so they require extra underlying support. “The differences between asphalt shingles and tiles of all varieties are wide-ranging, from durability in…

The main differences between metal and asphalt roofs are their life span and durability. Metal roofs last about twice as long as asphalt roofs — up to 50 years compared to 25 for asphalt shingles — which helps offset their higher roof installation costs. Metal roofs are more durable and can stand up better to…

A roof drip edge is a metal flashing that acts as a barrier between rainwater and building materials — namely, your roof deck and fascia.  There are three types of roof drip edges: Type C, Type D and Type F, also known as L-style, T-style and gutter aprons, respectively. The drip edge that’s right for…

You might need a new roof once or twice during your home’s life. It’s a rare and major purchase, often complicated by unfamiliarity with roofing terminology, roofing materials, financing options and the roofing industry. We research, review and rate roofing companies to help you make informed decisions about buying a new roof or hiring a…

Emergency roof-leak repair minimizes the damage and can potentially help decrease roof replacement costs.  “Get a tarping company to come out and get [the leaky roof] covered as quickly as possible to prevent further damage to the roof and the structure of the home,” said Bethany Uribe, water mitigation manager at ASAP Restoration in Tempe,…

Your roof is your home’s crowning glory — after all, it keeps you warm in winter, cool in summer and dry year-round. It’s also the finishing touch that makes your house look complete. But the truth is, most of us take our roofs for granted. How long does a roof last, anyway? You probably don’t…