Expert Advice on Home Improvement

Tim asks, “ Our home is 10 years old and the asphalt roof shingles are starting to stain badly on the north exposure. Is there something that we can use to clean off the staining and treat the shingles to prevent further staining?”

Your stains are probably caused by the airborne spores of a blue-green algae known as Gloeocapsa Magma, which is often mistaken for mold or mildew. While doing little harm to your shingles, the black streaks caused by the algae are unsightly. Read on to find out how to remove them. Read in full.

It’s important to keep your gutters and downspouts clean to prevent them from clogging. Elbows in downspouts are the worst culprits, and the flexible metal cable of a plumber’s snake is the best way to clean them out. Once the clog is clear, insert a garden hose in the downspout and turn on the water to flush out any debris. Watch this video to learn more. Watch this video.

From natural materials like slate and wood to manmade products such as asphalt, sheet metal, and plastic polymers; there are more types and styles of roofing to choose from today than ever before. While each has its advantages and shortcomings, they all can add a distinctive design element to your home. So which one is right for you? Read in full.

Lin asks, “I want to install attic vent fans in my roof. Is there a formula on how many you need and the size?“

Attic exhaust vent fans can reduce your air conditioning bill in the summer while preventing condensation and ice dams from forming during the winter. They are available as hardwired or solar powered models, and fit over a hole cut in your roof or mount on the inside of a gable vent. Read on to find out how to select the correct size attic vent fan for your home. Read in full.

Roof leaks can be hard to find, since they often run down the underside of sheathing or rafters to show up far from their actual source. The best time to try and find a leak is when it’s raining outside, or you can also mimic rain conditions by spraying water on the roof. Watch this video to see how to find roof leaks in your home. Watch this video.

Watch this video to see the importance of keeping your gutters and downspouts clean. Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow and rot the eaves on your home, leading to costly repair. Watch this video.

Watch this video to find out how to repair damaged roof shingles, replace a roof flange, as well as clean and maintain roof valleys on your home. Watch this video.

Watch this video to find out how to inspect, clean, and make minor repairs to a roof to prevent leaks from damaging your home. Watch this video.

From leaky roofs to high winds, the weather can affect your home in many ways. Find out how to maintain and repair flashing, replace a roof shingle and vent flange, protect your windows and garage door from wind damage, as well as safely use a portable generator. Read in full.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 includes federal tax credits that can save you $1,500 or more when you make energy efficiency improvements to your home. Here’s the bottom line on what’s covered, and how you can qualify. Read in full.