While you may subcontract out roofing on big projects, sometimes it makes more sense to handle it yourself. Below are some of our top picks for roofing articles that we believe even a seasoned building pro will find useful. After checking out the five articles below, make sure you watch the bonus video series.

Is through-fastened metal roofing a good idea?

A building pro answers a common question about metal roofing. Metal roofing may look simpler and it has a reputation for being long lasting, but like many building materials, it is neither of those things if it isn’t installed properly.

Read this article here.

Reroofing Over Zip System Sheathing

With how popular they are becoming, sooner or later, you are going to encounter a roof sheathed in Huber Zip System or something similar. Here is how you should handle the situation.

Read this article here.

Ice Barriers Explained: Do You Need Them or Not?

An IRC table lists whether or not an ice barrier is required, but not all roofing requires an ice barrier, even in ice-dam territory. This article helps take the mystery out of when to use ice barriers.

Read this article here.

Save Energy with a Cool Roof

Learn how a properly-constructed reflective roofing improves comfort and reduces cooling costs in not only the Deep South but anywhere the sun shines.

Read this Members Only article here.

Guide to Low-Slope Roofing

Low-slope roofing presents some unique challenges as they don’t shed water (or snow or debris) as easily as their steeply pitched counterparts. Learn the about the needed materials and how to first get the slope and underlying details right.

Read this Members Only article here.

BONUS CONTENT

VIDEO SERIES: How To Replace a Roof

An experienced roofing contractor shows how to strip the entire roof down to the sheathing and install a new roof–including proper ridge vent installation.

View this video series here.

Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products

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Ladder Stand Off

Stability is key when working off a ladder or accessing the roof, and this lightweight aluminum stand-off makes any extension ladder safer and more comfortable to use.

Buy at Amazon

Hook Blade Roofing Knife

Cutting asphalt shingles is made faster, easier, and safer when using a hook-blade. Suitable for any standard utility knife, these are a must-have on any roofing project.

Buy at Amazon

Roofing Gun

This lightweight, pneumatic roofing nailer is capable of driving ¾-in to 1¾-in coil roofing nails and has a depth adjustment wheel to dial in nailing depth on the various shingle types you're likely to encounter.

Buy at Amazon