Exterior Skills

Outside corners on dormers needs special flashing details to prevent water leaks. This article explains two foolproof methods for making sure…

Get a fast overview of how to install an asphalt shingle roof. Clear, cutaway photos show the basics of underlayment, where and how to snap…

Learn the difference between “stair-stepping” and “staggering” shingles when roofing a house, and why staggering, though…

Slippery steps can be made safe with traction tape, but the steps themselves must first be sealed well to prevent water from getting under the…

Interlocking metal roofing panels are expensive, but they’re DIY—friendly, they look great, and they’ll last 50 years or more. Get an…

If your basement is wet and your lawn is too flat or has too much clay to drain, you may need to direct your gutters into a dry well. Learn how…

The metal or rubber flashing around plumbing vents can deteriorate or rust through over time, creating water leaks. Here's how to replace the…

Crumbling mortar in brick walls and chimneys has to be cut out and replaced to avoid structural and water damage. Tuckpointing—cleaning…

Build strong, crack-free concrete sidewalks and slabs with these 10 pro tips. Tips include forming edges, leveling, smoothing, curing and other…

For long-lasting concrete crack repair, fill wide cracks with foam backer rod before caulking. And use a caulk formulated for concrete.

Whether you're hanging a picture or framing a house, getting things plumb and level is essential. Learn the best ways to use a level to get…

Avoid back injury (and mashed toes!) when moving flagstones, stone steps and other heavy materials. A landscaping pro shows you five ways to…

With proper flashing, a wood deck will last many years; without it, the deck and the ledger it's attached to will quickly rot. Detailed…

Attaching a deck ledger board to a vinyl-sided house requires a few extra trim pieces to keep water from leaking behind the siding. Here's a…

Got rust? We can show you how to get rid of it. The key is to properly prep the rusty steel before you paint. A little work up front will yield…

Build a circular masonry fire pit for not much more than the cost of a flimsy store-bought fire ring. With tips from a veteran bricklayer, we’ll…

Damaged lawn edging is easy to repair when it's a straight section, but curved pieces are more complicated. To maintain a natural curve, replace…

Sprinkler systems need to have all the water blown out of them before winter freeze-up. If you have an air compressor you can do the job…

Protect water lines running through crawl spaces or near outside walls with a chase made from rigid polystyrene foam and ventilated with warm…

Form and pour a new concrete sidewalk; the perfect first concrete project for the beginner. Replace that ugly, cracked walk with a flat, smooth…