Home improvement guides
Plain guides to planning a home improvement project, for homeowners anywhere in the United States.
- 74 guides
- Written for homeowners anywhere in the U.S.
- Updated September 2026
Guides by trade
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How much does a roof replacement cost?$5,900 – $13,400A roof replacement typically costs $5,900 to $13,400, or $400 to $1,100 per square installed. How to measure your roof, what moves the price and how to compare estimates.
How much does a roof repair cost?$395 – $1,967Most roof repairs cost $395 to $1,967, about $1,173 on average. Prices by problem: shingles, flashing, leaks, decking, vents, fascia and sagging.
How much does a metal roof cost?$6,045 – $18,341A metal roof typically costs $6,045 to $18,341 installed, or $5 to $16 per square foot. Prices by metal and panel type, repair costs and lifespan.
How much does a roof inspection cost?$125 – $383A roof inspection typically costs $125 to $383, about $252 on average. Drone inspections run $150 to $400 and infrared $400 to $600. What each one checks.
All guides
Roofing
What it costs
- Do you need a permit to replace a roof?
- Does a new roof add value to your home?
- How can you pay for a new roof?
- How much do gutter guards cost, and are they worth it?
- How much does a flat roof replacement cost?
- How much does a new roof cost per square foot?
- How much does a roof inspection cost?
- How much does a roof repair cost?
- How much does a roof replacement cost?
- How much does an architectural shingle roof cost?
- How much does gutter replacement cost?
- How much does it cost to replace a garage roof?
- How much does it cost to replace a mobile home roof?
- How much does it cost to replace a skylight?
- How much does soffit and fascia repair cost?
- Is a new roof tax deductible?
- Roof decking and underlayment: what they are and cost
Materials
- Are architectural shingles worth it over 3-tab shingles?
- Are Class 4 impact-resistant shingles worth it?
- Asphalt vs fiberglass shingles: what's the difference?
- Clay vs concrete roof tiles: which is better?
- Drip edge vs gutter apron: what's the difference?
- Felt vs synthetic roof underlayment: which is better?
- Hip vs gable roof: cost, wind resistance and upkeep
- How do the major shingle brands compare?
- How do you choose a roof color?
- How much does a cedar shake roof cost?
- How much does a metal roof cost?
- How much does a slate roof cost?
- How much does a tile roof cost? Clay vs concrete
- Is a cool roof worth it, and does it lower energy bills?
- Is a metal roof worth it over asphalt shingles?
- Is synthetic slate or shake roofing worth it?
- Metal roof vs tile roof: which is better for your home?
- Metal shingles vs standing seam: which is right for you?
- Slate vs tile roof: cost, weight and lifespan compared
- Solar shingles vs solar panels: which fits a new roof?
- Standing seam vs exposed-fastener metal roofs
- Tile roof vs asphalt shingles: is tile worth it?
- TPO vs EPDM vs PVC: which flat roof membrane is best?
- Types of roofing materials, and how they compare
- What makes a roof fire-resistant?
Repairs and problems
- Are black streaks and moss bad for your roof?
- Can you put new shingles over old ones?
- How long does a roof last?
- How much attic ventilation does a roof need?
- How much does it cost to repair a flat roof?
- How much does it cost to repair roof rafters or trusses?
- How much does it cost to replace missing shingles?
- How much does roof vent replacement cost?
- How to find and fix a roof leak, and what it costs
- Roofing emergency: what to do and who should tarp it
- Should you repair or replace your roof?
- Skylight and chimney flashing repair: what it costs
- What are the signs you need a new roof?
- What causes ice dams, and how do you stop them?
- What does a sagging roof mean, and how serious is it?
Storms and insurance
- Hail damage vs blistering: how to tell them apart
- How do you know if hail damaged your roof?
- How do you spot a roofing scam or a storm chaser?
- How does a roof insurance claim work after a storm?
- How does your roof's age affect your homeowners insurance?
- Storm damage to your roof: how to tell and what to do
Planning and hiring
- How do you compare roofing estimates?
- How do you replace a roof that has solar panels?
- Seamless vs sectional gutters: which should you get?
- Should you replace gutters with a new roof?
- Signs of a bad roofing job, and what to do about it
- What does a roof warranty actually cover?
- What happens during a roof replacement, step by step?
- What questions should you ask a roofer before you sign?
- When is the best time to replace a roof?