Pry, chisel and scrape off old metal flashings and roofing cement. Before you do anything, get your ladder, roof brackets and safety harness set up so you can work safely and efficiently on the roof.

Q: I need a new roof and am in the process of getting estimates. Currently there are three layers of shingles, which I am told is the limit. I can't decide whether to tear off the entire roof, adding ...

First, remove the skylight’s counterflashing. On some units, you have to remove the whole glass frame. On other models, you simply unscrew a metal channel from the curb. Next, pry off the old shingles ...

Flashing is a good way of preventing water from entering a dwelling at the point where the roof meets the walls. To begin the installation, fold a five-by-seven piece of aluminum flashing lengthwise.

Your biggest challenge installing a roof yourself will be the physical aspect of the job. It's hard work under the best conditions. It's unbearable work if you have ...

I need new roof shingles but am paralyzed by fear of making the wrong choice of material and color for my home. Installing roof shingles doesn’t seem that difficult, so I may do the work myself. How ...

Asphalt, wood shakes, slate and other overlapped roofings are fine until they meet an obstruction. Up against a dormer, a vent pipe, a chimney, they need flashing — a patchwork of metal sheets, and ...

I have no clue how many new roofs are installed in the U.S. each year, but it’s got to be in the hundreds of thousands. Perhaps a new roof is in your future or in the next few years. If so, you’d be ...

Lee Wallender is a home improvement writer of nearly 20 years and specializes in home remodeling, repair and maintenance. Lowe Larretta is former lead editor for Forbes Home, covering all things ...

Rachel is a home improvement writer and content editor. In addition to being a contributing writer at Forbes, she writes for small businesses and creative agencies. She uses her home improvement ...