ASK THE INSPECTOR: Lots of reasons for attic and roof leaks

QUESTION: I have been in the roofing business for many years as an owner of Dr. Roof, and I have a concern where I would like your opinion. With such an extended period of extremely cold temperatures, combined with heavy . . .

Posted: 2014-02-22

'Overhead' you can't do without

When a new roof is needed, a wise homeowner gets informed

News flash: Winter plans a return visit this year. That means snow, ice and water playing havoc with one of the most important barriers between your home and the great outdoors -- your roof. Curling or cracked shingles, corroded flashings around . . .

Posted: 2011-10-22

Sometimes, the simplest repair is best

If you have a concrete patio or walk that contains one or more curling or bowed wooden dividers, pay close attention to this easy repair. We have been watching the ends of our divider boards curl for years. One day we . . .

Posted: 2008-06-29

Under the watchful eye of Old Man Winter

Fascia replacement a tepid task

It’s often been the belief that a contractor avoids renovating or even properly maintaining his or her own house and property, simply because most days are filled achieving those very tasks, for clients. This may be the case for some . . .

Posted: 2022-03-26

MIKE HOLMES: Rushing a reno isn't always a good thing

Who says a renovation needs to be continuously worked on until it's finished? Renovating in stages is a simple concept that might work well for homeowners who can't afford to do the whole project at once. But before you read this, . . .

Posted: 2010-01-23

MIKE HOLMES: What's hiding in your attic?

Hidden problems can lead to mould, fire

Have you looked in your attic lately? Any idea what's up there? It always surprises me when I meet homeowners who never inspect their attics -- and that is something you need to do regularly. Recently I even met a couple . . .

Posted: 2013-05-25

Safety begins at home — and so can fun

For any kid growing up, there really is no place like home. It's the safest place in the world -- or it should be -- and your job as a parent is to make sure it is. The first things parents . . .

Posted: 2014-09-13

Remove redundant roof vents to avoid future issues

Chimneys, metal flues not needed for high-efficiency appliances

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 basement. I’m about to have my asphalt shingle roof replaced. I first thought I’d . . .

Posted: 2020-09-26

Reflecting on the benefits of foil insulation

What about reflective foil insulation? What are the advantages of reflective insulations? What are conduction, convection and radiation? These are three ways that heat moves from warm to cool regions. -- Conduction: Heat flows through material, i.e. from a stove element . . .

Posted: 2011-10-08

Chimney removal a basement-to-roof task

Question: We recently had a high-efficiency furnace installed. As the furnace is vented through the side wall, we would like to know how to go about removing the chimney on the roof and the flue lining which goes down to . . .

Posted: 2009-04-12