Roofing Videos

These This Old House videos showcase all of our roofing projects, how-tos, and designs.

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A Comprehensive Guide to Installing Shingles on a Shed

In this DIY Smarts project, general contractor Tom Silva shows a homeowner the proper way to reshingle an old shed’s roof.
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How to Make Decorative Roof Brackets

Decorative cedar brackets are often found under an overhang like a balcony or a roof. Some brackets may be structural, but in this case, these ornamental brackets are simply decorative and are part of the home’s original features. Watch as This Old House Host Kevin O’Connor meets with Builder Charlie Silva in his shop while he makes brackets himself.
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How To Install Drip Edge and Step Flashing

In this video, General Contractor Tom Silva teaches apprentices from our GenNEXT program his method for installing a drip edge and flashing.
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Future House: Solar Reflective Roof Shingles

Ask This Old House home technology expert Ross Trethewey explores the design and testing of asphalt roof shingles that can reflect some of the sun’s heat away from the building.
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What You Need to Know to Clean and Prevent a Mossy Roof

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva helps a homeowner remove moss from his roof and prevent it from growing back.
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A Guide to Roofing Materials and Which Ones are Right for You

Read about how different roofing materials compare to each other when it comes to cost, durability, and other factors. Our guide covers tile, slate, metal, and more.
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How to Build a Copper Cupola Roof

Jason Senior of J&R Senior Sheetmetal Inc. illustrates how he forms copper panels for a standing seam roof
Jeff Sweenor shows Kevin O'Connor how to build rafter tails for the Westerly House
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Westerly in Detail: Applied Rafter Tails

How do you apply rafter tails to the exterior of a structure after the walls have been sheathed? Home builder Jeff Sweenor developed a simple solution that's efficient to execute
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Common Drip Edge Installation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Installing a new drip edge to protect your roof? Learn how to avoid common mistakes with This Old House general contractor Tom Silva.
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How To Install Roof Shingles

In this guide, Tom Silva discusses how to install roof shingles and the best approach to take for a seamless outcome.
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How to Treat and Prevent Ice Dams

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva explains the best ways to keep your roof and gutters free from those dreaded ice dams
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How to Install Ice-Melting Roof Cables

Master electrician for Ask This Old House Scott Caron helps a homeowner install heat cables on his roof to stop ice dams
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How to Install Solar Panels

Renewable-energy expert Ross Trethewey demonstrates how photovoltaic solar panels work and the proper way to install them on a roof
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How to Install a Copper Roof

This Old House experts install a standing-seam copper roof on a small addition
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How to Patch a Leaking Rubber Roof

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva repairs a leaking flat roof with a new, long-lasting patch
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How to Prevent Ice Dams

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to super-insulate an attic
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How to Fix a Leaking Rooftop Vent Pipe

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to create a watertight seal around a vent pipe.
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How To Prevent Roof Moss With Zinc Strips: A Comprehensive Guide

Roof vegetation is an eyesore and can damage your roof. In this guide, we'll share tips to keep your roof free of moss, mold, and lichen.
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How to Reshingle a Roof

In this how-to video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to replace an asphalt-shingle roof
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How to Remove Roof Moss

In this how-to video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shares tips for keeping a roof free of moss and mold