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Roofing & Exterior: the complete homeowner's hub

Roofs, gutters, siding, decks, and storm-damage fixes for the parts of the house that take the worst weather.

37 guides 5 subtopics 1 calculators

Your roof and exterior take more abuse than the rest of your house combined, and ignoring small problems is how a $200 fix becomes a $20,000 one. We cover shingles, gutters, siding, decks, and storm damage with practical, ladder-safe guidance — what you can fix yourself, what you can patch until a pro arrives, and what should never wait. Read these before the next storm, not after.

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Most-read guides

Close-up of a residential roof with missing asphalt shingles after a storm, revealing the exposed roof decking.
Call a Pro
roofing

Missing Roof Shingles After a Storm? Here's What to Do

Discover how to safely assess and address missing roof shingles after a storm, including temporary fixes and when to call a professional.

9 min fixCall a Pro
Read Guide
Homeowner repairing a warped deck board with a drill and deck screws
Troubleshooting
roofing

The 3 Hidden Reasons Your Deck Boards Warp (and the Easy Fixes)

Deck board warping can ruin your outdoor space, but understanding the root causes and applying simple fixes can restore your deck's beauty.

12 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
Homeowner repairing missing asphalt shingles on a roof after a storm, with new shingle being slid into place.
Troubleshooting
roofing

The One Mistake Homeowners Make When Shingles Blow Off (And How to Fix It Fast)

When shingles blow off your roof after a storm, the biggest mistake is waiting; quick, decisive action can prevent far more expensive damage.

15 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
Close-up of residential vinyl siding showing characteristic star-shaped crack from hail impact
Troubleshooting
roofing

Hail-Damaged Siding: A Homeowner's Guide to Inspection & Repair

Discover how to assess and repair hail damage on your home's siding, ensuring your home remains protected and looks its best.

8 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
Gutter overflowing dramatically with clean water during a heavy rainstorm, cascading over the edge
Call a Pro
roofing

The #1 Gutter Overflow Culprit in Heavy Rain (It’s Not Just Clogs)

Discover why your gutters overflow during heavy rain, often due to an overlooked issue beyond simple clogs, and how to fix it.

12 min fixCall a Pro
Read Guide
Close-up of a residential roof with missing asphalt shingles revealing damaged underlayment after a storm.
Call a Pro
roofing

Wind Tore Off Your Shingles? The 7 Critical Steps Most Homeowners Miss

Discover the essential steps to take when roof shingles go missing after a storm, from immediate safety checks to temporary repairs and insurance claims.

10 min fixCall a Pro
Read Guide
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More from this hub

Homeowner inspecting a slightly warped wooden deck board on a sunny day.
Troubleshooting
roofing

The #1 Mistake That Warps Deck Boards (And How to Fix It for Good)

Prevent and repair warped deck boards by understanding the underlying causes and implementing effective, long-term solutions.

10 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
Overflowing K-style gutter during a heavy rainstorm with water cascading over the edges, highlighting a home repair problem.
Maintenance
roofing

The 3 Hidden Reasons Your Gutters Fail in Heavy Rain (It’s Not Just Leaves)

Overflowing gutters during heavy rain often stem from a few common, yet overlooked, issues beyond simple leaf clogs, leading to potential significant home damage.

13 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
Homeowner applying sealant to a properly prepped wood deck using a roller
Troubleshooting
roofing

The #1 Deck Sealing Mistake Most Homeowners Make (And How to Fix It)

Discover the most common error in deck sealing that leads to premature wear and how to correct it for lasting protection.

15 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
Homeowner applying fresh sealant to a wooden deck with a roller for protection.
Troubleshooting
roofing

How to Reseal a Wood Deck: A Step-by-Step Fix

Resealing your wood deck protects it from weather and extends its life. This guide covers how to properly prepare and apply new sealant for lasting durability and beauty.

10 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
Water torrentially overflowing from a home's clogged gutter during a heavy rainstorm, splashing onto the ground.
Troubleshooting
roofing

The 3 Hidden Reasons Your Gutters Overflow (and the Easy Fixes)

Gutters overflowing in heavy rain can signal hidden issues beyond just clogs, leading to fascia damage, foundation problems, and costly repairs.

17 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
Homeowner applying sealant to a clean wood deck with a roller
Troubleshooting
roofing

The #1 Deck Sealing Mistake Most Homeowners Make (And How to Fix It)

Many homeowners make a critical error when sealing their decks, leading to premature wear and damage. Learn how to properly reseal your wood deck for lasting protection with this comprehensive guide.

15 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
A split view of an asphalt shingle roof, with one side showing dark black streaks from algae and the other side perfectly clean after treatment.
Troubleshooting
roofing

Those Ugly Black Streaks on Your Roof Aren't Dirt

Those unsightly black streaks are actually a type of algae called Gloeocapsa magma feeding on your shingles, but they can be cleaned and prevented.

8 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
A split view of a residential roof, with one side showing old, worn-out asphalt shingles and the other side showing new, freshly installed architectural shingles.
Troubleshooting
roofing

Why Your '30-Year' Shingles Won't Last 30 Years

Most '30-year' asphalt shingles don't last 30 years; understand the real-world factors like climate, installation, and ventilation that determine its true lifespan.

10 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
A view from inside a properly ventilated attic, showing daylight filtering through the soffit vents at the roof's edge, indicating clear airflow.
Troubleshooting
roofing

Your Insulation Isn't the Problem: Why Your Attic Still Bakes

Even with thick insulation, a hot attic signals a critical ventilation failure that could be silently damaging your roof and driving up your energy bills.

10 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
Close-up of hail damage on a gray asphalt roof shingle, showing a dark, circular bruise where granules have been knocked off.
Troubleshooting
roofing

5 Signs Hail Secretly Damaged Your Roof (And How to Act Fast)

Learn to identify the subtle signs of hail impact on asphalt shingles, gutters, and flashing, so you can file an insurance claim before the deadline passes.

10 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
Did Wind Damage Your Roof? Find Out Before It's Too Late
Troubleshooting
roofing

Did Wind Damage Your Roof? Find Out Before It's Too Late

High winds can inflict serious, yet subtle, damage to your roof. Learn to spot the hidden signs of wind damage from the safety of the ground before your window to file an insurance claim closes forever.

10 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
Heavy-duty blue tarp temporarily covering missing roof shingles after a storm, secured with wood strips.
Troubleshooting
roofing

The Urgent Truth About Missing Roof Shingles (And Your 3-Step Fix)

High winds can rip shingles off your roof, exposing your home to immediate water damage – here’s how to assess, temporary patch, and plan permanent repair.

11 min fixBeginner
Read Guide