Pavers & Paving

• Brick Veneer Basics (Subscriber content)

  Brick veneer lasts longer and requires less maintenance than other siding materials. A Midwestern masonry contractor describes installation techniques.

   
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  Q&A: Flashing a Stucco Chimney

  Q: What is the best way to flash around a wood-frame-and-stucco chimney for asphalt shingle roofs?

   

• Q&A: To Felt or Not Under Asphalt Shingles

  Q: Is roofing felt necessary under asphalt shingles?

   

• Q&A: Rot at Exterior Windows

  Q: We often encounter rot at the ends of window jambs and exterior casings that abut sloping wood sills. What is the best way to detail this connection?

   

• Q&A: Fiberglass vs. Organic Shingles

  Q: What is the difference between organic and fiberglass shingles?

   
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  Q&A: Reroofing Over Asphalt Shingles

  Q: Are there any drawbacks to reroofing over asphalt shingles? How many layers can accumulate before you should tear them off?

   

• Q&A: Painting Asphalt Shingles

  Q: Our clients are unhappy with the color of their roof now that the house has been painted. The asphalt shingles are less than two years old and are in very good condition. Is there any way to change the color of the shingles without replacing them?

   

• For What It's Worth

   

• Q&A: Lifetime of Hot-Mopped Roof

  Q: What is the life expectancy of hot-mopped asphalt on a flat roof? Will aluminum paint extend the life of the roof? If so, how often should the roof be recoated with the paint?

   

• Q&A: Installing Shingles in Cold Weather

  Q: We have a lot of trouble installing fiberglass shingles in cold weather. The shingles tend to split and the tabs won’t seal. The old organic asphalt shingles seem to be unavailable. Any suggestions?

   

• Q&A: Shingling Over Tar and Gravel

  Q: I would like to replace a tar and gravel roof with asphalt shingles. What is the best way to strip off the old roof? Or can I avoid stripping the roof and sheath over the tar and gravel?

   

• Restoration Primer: Brick Mortar Joints Raise Questions (Subscriber content)

   

• Q&A: Painting Asphalt Shingles

  Q: Our clients are unhappy with the color of their roof now that the house has been painted. The asphalt shingles are less than 2 years old and are in very good condition. Is there any way to change the color of the shingles without replacing them?

   

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• Landscaping With Brick Pavers (Subscriber content)

  Brick and concrete pavers can provide an attractive and durable outdoor surface. An expert explains how to select and install the materials.

   

• Rural Driveways (Subscriber content)

  A paving expert describes how to plan, prepare, and pave a long driveway. The key to longevity is a good drainable base.

   

• Geotextiles & Geocomposites (Subscriber content)

  Whether block or concrete, basements always seem to leak. Now contractors can use man-made “geo” products to prevent leaks, and insulate too.

   

• Details for Rooftop Decks (Subscriber content)

  Roofers may not like it, but consumers often want rooftop living spaces. Before you build one, read these tips.

   

• Restoration Primer: Cleaning Exterior Masonry (Subscriber content)