Having spent 30+ years in residential construction, contracting, remodeling, maintenance and home repair, Deane now contributes DIY, informational and financial content as a freelance writer and ...

Q: We are contemplating a new roof on our 35-year-old home (2,900 square feet), which currently has a hip roof. We have received two different opinions. One roofer recommends no ridge vent and wants ...

Q: We are scheduled to get a new roof in a few weeks, and I need some ideas on attic venting. The roof salesman said he would install a ridge vent. Will that work on a hip roof with no overhang? I ...

Q: We are scheduled to get a new roof in a few weeks, and I need some ideas on attic venting. The roof salesman said he would install a ridge vent. Will that work on a hip roof with no overhang? I ...

QUESTION — I read your piece on capping redundant flues, which involve chimneys. My high-efficiency furnace has made a straight-up-thru-the-roof flue superfluous. It’s capped at the bottom, in my ...

Question: I live where it gets darned hot in the summer. All the roofers I talk to swear about roof ridge vents being the greatest thing since sliced bread. Do they really work to keep an attic cooler ...

Plumbing vent flashings are notorious spots for roof leaks. If you have a leak in the general area of a plumbing vent, check the condition of the vent flashing. Look for rust holes or gaps around ...