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Articles by Doug Sluga
How To Repair Your Roof in 5 Steps - Today's Homeowner
Maintaining the integrity of a roof is the most important aspect ofprotecting a home from the elements. Roof leaks left unaddressed can cause tens of thousands of dollars of damage. In this article, I’ll talk about basic repairs, what you need, and how they’re done.
How To Vent a Range Hood Through the Roof - Today's Homeowner
Venting a range hood through the roof is one of the best ways to remove smoke, grease, and cooking odors from your kitchen — but only if done correctly. A poorly vented hood can lead to moisture buildup, grease accumulation, and even structural damage. The key is proper planning: choosing the right ductwork, ensuring an efficient route to the roof, and sealing every connection to prevent leaks.
4 Signs Your Roof Is Leaking and What To Do About It - Today's Homeowner
A leaking roof isn’t just a nuisance — it’s a fast track to expensive repairs if you don’t catch it early. Even a small leak can cause thousands of dollars in water damage to ceilings, drywall, flooring, and insulation. On average, minor roof leak repairs cost between $150 and $1,500, but if moisture spreads and mold sets in, you could be facing a $10,000+ remediation job. The good news? Most roof leaks give off warning signs before they spiral into a full-blown disaster.
Roof Drip Edge Types: Everything You Need to Know - Today's Homeowner
Drip edge is an important but often unnoticed part of a roofing system. Its job is to protect the vulnerable edges of your roof and ensure that water ends up in the gutters and not down the side of the house or on your soffit. Drip edge is replaced during a roof replacement, but you can also replace damaged pieces yourself.
What Are Roof Shingles? - Today's Homeowner
Roof shingles are the unsung heroes of home protection. These overlapping pieces on your roof, whether made of asphalt, wood, clay, slate, or metal, create a waterproof barrier that keeps your family dry and comfortable. Shingles aren’t just functional, they’re also a key decorative element. Whether you’re in the market for a new roof or just curious about your options, here’s what you need to know about roof shingle types, installation, and maintenance.
CertainTeed Shingles Review - Today's Homeowner
When it comes to roofing materials, CertainTeed stands out as a top-tier manufacturer. Homeowners looking to replace their roofs often turn to CertainTeed for its reputation for quality and durability. This review dives into CertainTeed’s product lines, pros and cons, and what homeowners need to know before choosing this brand. CertainTeed offers two types of shingles—dimensional and 3-tab. Each comes in a range of styles and colors, giving you plenty of options to suit your needs and preferences.
Using Asphalt Shingles on a Low-Slope Roof: What Homeowners Need to Know - Today's Homeowner
Roofers know a low-slope roof when they see it, but homeowners may not know what it is. And while asphalt shingles are a popular and cost-effective choice for many roofs, their suitability for low-slope applications depends on several factors. Before diving into the specifics of using asphalt shingles on low-slope roofs, it’s essential to understand what qualifies as a low-slope roof. Asphalt shingles usually have a 4” or more rise in the vertical for every 12″ horizontal run along the roof.
What You Need To Know About Steel Log Siding - Today's Homeowner
Steel log siding offers homeowners a unique opportunity to combine the rustic charm of a log cabin with the durability and low-maintenance benefits of steel. Is it time to get the rustic home you’ve always dreamed of? Let’s explore the benefits of steel log siding, plus walk through some different options and tips for selecting the best type for your home. Steel log siding brings a host of advantages to the table, making it an increasingly popular choice among homeowners.
5 Best Packing and Moving Companies - Today's Homeowner
DIY packing and moving, whether local, interstate, or international, is difficult and burdensome in the best of circumstances, but you don’t have to settle for doing all the grunt work yourself. There are numerous fantastic moving companies out there that can help you pack your goods, move them to wherever you plan to call home, and unpack them.
Top 5 Best Moving Companies for Military Members - Today's Homeowner
Being in the military and the armed forces can mean a lot of changing homes, including moving across the U.S. or moving to a different country. Not only is the physical act of packing, organizing, and transporting your household items a source of stress and hard work, but you should expect a myriad of other aspects to handle, especially when you have a family.
Top 5 Best Home Warranty Companies for Mobile Homes - Today's Homeowner
My grandparents lived in a mobile home for as long as I can remember. I have fond memories of helping my grandpa do repairs and maintenance tasks in, around, and under it.
Best International Movers - Today's Homeowner
Moving internationally is a complicated process involving many parts. From customs clearance to immigration laws to moving all your household items, it can be a lot for anyone to handle. Luckily, numerous moving companies specialize in international moves, taking care of all the red tape and navigating the complexity of the process so that you can concentrate on the important things.
5 Affordable Roof Options for a Detached Garage
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5 Affordable Roof Options for a Detached Garage - Today's Homeowner
Whether you use your detached garage for parking your car or for storage, the entire structure needs to be able to protect what’s inside. This means the exterior needs to be in good condition — including the roof. If your garage’s roof is starting to age, it may be time to consider a new one. While roofing isn’t the most affordable house material on the market, there are several durable and budget-friendly options, so you don’t have to choose between your wallet and proper protection.
Fix Water-Damaged Siding With Fiber-Cement Siding
Fiber-cement siding is a worthy alternative to traditional siding. It has all of the same qualities as other types of siding but also offers additional protection from water damage. This isn’t an issue in all places, but for homeowners in wet areas, like along the Gulf Coast, water damage to siding is a real threat. Since fiber-cement siding is affordable, you won’t break the bank if you decide to switch from other types of siding.
How to Budget for a New Roof
Replacing a roof not only prevents damage to the interior of your home, but it’s also a way to reduce your insurance rates, bring an older home up to code, or even be able to qualify for a tax credit. It’s an investment that will protect your home, your belongings, and your loved ones from the elements. Budgeting for a roof replacement is important for homeowners who have roofs that are older than 15+ years.
What Temperature Is Too Cold for Roofing?
Though weather might seem unrelated to roofing, certain conditions can make a roofing project more challenging. Roofing in harsh weather conditions requires additional tools, experience, and expertise to perform the job safely and the right way. Is there a temperature that’s too cold for roofing? As a seasoned professional roofer, I’ve roofed in the wintertime, and while it’s possible, it’s treacherous and difficult, and I don’t advise doing it unless absolutely necessary.
How to Reinforce Deadbolt Door Locks
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The Dangers of Pressure-Treated Lumber
Pressure-treated lumber is perfect for a variety of applications. In construction, I’ve used it in everything from decks to fences to garden sheds. Its ability to resist decay, insects, and fungi while still retaining all the qualities of wood makes it endlessly useful. However, exposure to pressure-treated wood can pose some risks to your health. Treated lumber contains chemicals.
How to Clean Mold Off Roof Shingles
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6 Wall Paneling Uses for Commercial Spaces
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Fiber Cement Siding: A Durable Alternative for Your Home
Fiber cement siding is popular if you’re looking for a long-lasting, low-maintenance exterior solution. This material is useful because it has many advantages over traditional wood or vinyl siding. If you’re considering your siding option, fiber cement stands out as a clear winner in protecting homes from the elements while maintaining curb appeal.
Metal Roofing Myths: Separating Fact From Fiction
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6 Wall Paneling Uses for Commercial Spaces
Wall paneling is a quick, cost-effective solution for commercial spaces. There are styles to suit any design or aesthetic, meaning you can find the perfect paneling to fit your space. After a decade in the construction industry, I’m no stranger to paneling or to helping clients choose the best option for their projects. For inspiration, I’ve rounded up six ways to use wall paneling in a commercial space.
Everything You Need to Know About Wood Shake Roofs
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Metal Roofing Myths: Separating Fact From Fiction
Metal roofing’s unmatched durability and minimal maintenance requirements make it an appealing choice over other roofing options. However, misconceptions about metal roofs prevent some homeowners from considering them. I’ve installed many metal roofs in my career, so let me dispel these three common metal roof myths. In the past, metal roofing only topped barns and sheds.
Everything You Need to Know About Wood Shake Roofs
Your roof is a big part of your home, so it’s only natural that you want to use the best shingles. Some types of shingles, the average asphalt ones, for instance, will protect your home but aren’t the most appealing or durable option. There’s an aesthetic quality to wood shakes that just can’t be matched, especially for homes and buildings with more traditional architecture. A well-laid wood shake roof will last you anywhere from 20 to 40 years if you take care of it properly.
7 Gray Board and Batten Siding Ideas for Every Homeowner
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7 Gray Board and Batten Siding Ideas for Every Homeowner
When selecting a new paint for your exterior, a basic neutral color is a reliable option to consider. But if you want to stand out, consider a darker makeover with gray paint. There are many types of board and batten siding to choose from when planning an exterior update. Gray has made its way into modern exterior designs in recent years and creates a unique aesthetic that homeowners love. So, here are seven gray board and batten siding ideas if you’re looking for inspiration.
Where to Buy Board and Batten Siding
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Where to Buy Board and Batten Siding
If you are interested in adding board and batten siding to your home, you’ll want to know what is available and where to find it. In this article, I’ll briefly talk about board and batten siding and, specifically, where you can purchase it. Board and batten siding can be made from a few different materials, depending on the desired appearance. High-grade wood will provide a clean look, while repurposed barn materials may look more rustic.
Can Fiber Cement Siding Be Used for Raised Bed Gardens?
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A Guide to Installing a Faux Shiplap Accent Wall
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Can Fiber Cement Siding Be Used for Raised Bed Gardens?
With the rising popularity of raised bed gardening, some thrifty DIYers have pondered using inexpensive fiber cement siding as the structure for their raised beds. Materials like HardiePlank fiber cement panels are conveniently pre-sized for constructing framed enclosures for gardens. However, while creative repurposing often works beautifully, fiber cement has some drawbacks that make it less than ideal for direct ground contact and holding back heavy, moist soil.
A Guide to Installing a Faux Shiplap Accent Wall
If you want to refresh your home and give a room some instant texture and character, installing shiplap on the walls is an easy DIY project that can completely transform the look and feel of a space. Shiplap is popular because it’s both functional and stylish. Traditional shiplap boards have rabbet joints, or grooves, on both edges, linking them together for an easy, secure fit.
4 Signs Your Roof Is Leaking and What To Do About It
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6 Reclaimed Wood Shelves Ideas for Home and Commercial Spaces
Reclaimed wood shelves add function, charm, and interest to your home or commercial space. With its rustic, weathered appearance, salvaged wood offers an organic look that contrasts with modern designs. It’s also eco-friendly. You can salvage wood from barns, factories, and other old structures instead of harvesting from growing trees. Let’s look at six design ideas to inspire your reclaimed wood shelving project. Reclaimed wood is an excellent material choice for built-in shelving niches.
Understanding Lumber Measurements With a Board Foot Calculator
Building supply stores commonly sell lumber by the piece, but lumber mills and some hardwood dealers price according to the board foot. Ask for a dozen 2x4s eight feet long at your local sawmill, and they’ll say you want 64 board feet of lumber. If you want to read up on lumber mills, then bookmark our article on lumber mills and their unique process before you continue below to learn about calculating board feet.
Leak-Proof Flashing: Fixing Leaks Around Chimneys
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Leak-Proof Flashing: Fixing Leaks Around Chimneys
I get frequent calls from clients about leaks around their chimneys. More often than not, the culprit is the roof flashing — sheet metal that keeps the intersection of the chimney and the roof watertight. When water gets behind faulty flashing, it can damage the roof sheathing, framing, and the ceiling below, so it needs to be dealt with immediately. Before I get started, here’s a quick video on repairing flashing around a chimney. Proper flashing around a chimney includes two layers.
Metal Roof Recycling: A Sustainable Solution
As more homeowners look to sustainable building practices, metal roof recycling offers a solution with minimal maintenance requirements, extreme weather resilience, energy efficiency, and an unlimited lifespan due to full recyclability. Recycling metal roofs also provides significant environmental benefits by reducing the need for raw materials, lowering energy consumption, and diverting waste from landfills.
Garage Doors Play Key Role in Curb Appeal on Homes
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The Top 3 Board and Batten Siding Manufacturers
In the United States, board and batten siding was developed as a more efficient alternative to the log cabin. Barns and homes with board and batten cladding were influenced by Nordic European architecture and were popular in the United States during the mid-nineteenth century. While historically, board and batten siding was made of wood, today, it’s made of various materials. That means modern homeowners have more options.
6 Reclaimed Barnwood Siding Design Ideas
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How to Install Stone Veneer Siding - Today's Homeowner
Stone veneer offers homeowners the elegant look of natural stone without the hefty price tag. This versatile material can transform walls, columns, and fireplaces, adding a touch of sophistication to any home. Whether applied to masonry blocks, poured concrete walls, or plywood sheathing, stone veneer provides a durable and attractive finish. This guide covers the process of installing stone veneer, from gathering materials to finishing touches to enhance curb appeal and property value.
How to Demolish Interior Walls
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Wood Shake Siding: Its Pros and Cons
Wood shake siding has long been a classic exterior siding option. While vinyl and fiber cement sidings have grown in popularity, wood siding offers unique aesthetic qualities. However, along with the aesthetic appeal comes notable maintenance requirements. Weighing the pros and cons of wood shake siding can help you determine if it aligns with your goals for your home’s exterior. Wood shake siding consists of shingles cut from cedar or other rot-resistant woods.
How to Demolish Interior Walls
Knocking down walls has become a popular way for homeowners to create open floor plans and transform their living spaces. The process may be messy, but demolishing interior walls can give your home a more stylish and spacious layout. However, as fun as it may seem to knock down a wall, you must plan carefully to make sure you don’t affect the structural integrity of your house. If you’re uncertain about your DIY skills, don’t worry.
How to Install a Rain Diverter
A rain diverter is an inexpensive, easy-to-install solution that prevents water from cascading off your roof onto your front door or walkway. It’s an affordable luxury that helps keep you and your family dry and comfortable on rainy days. Installing a rain diverter is a simple DIY project that you can complete in an hour or two. It doesn’t take fancy tools or equipment, and most homeowners should already have everything they need around the house. Here’s how to do it.
How Metal Roofs Protect Your Home From Extreme Weather
During severe storms, flying debris and high winds can easily damage and tear off traditional asphalt shingles. But metal roofing is engineered to withstand the impact of high, straight-line winds. Panels lock tightly via interlocking seams and fasten securely to the roof deck, creating a uniform layer that resists being torn off. I’ve installed and serviced many metal roofs in my career, and I’ve always been impressed with the protection metal roofs offer against extreme weather.
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