Q: A friend recently mentioned in passing he thought some of the "flashing" on my roof looked as if it were in rough shape. Can you explain exactly what roof flashing is? – Britney, Fort Worth, Texas A: Tom Silva replies: Flashing is just material — usually aluminum or galvanized steel — that's used over joints in roof and wall construction to prevent water seeping in and causing damage. Depending on the style of your house's roof, you probably have it in the valleys, around

The University of Maryland University College notes that one inch of rain water running off from the roof of a 1,500 square foot building produces 935 gallons of water. For some locations, diverting this water is necessary to prevent soil erosion and to prevent chemicals and fertilizers from entering the sewage system. For others, diverted rain water provides an environmentally friendly source of water for use in the home or garden. Rain Barrels Rain barrels are an easy way t

Household pests want the same things you do—food, water, shelter—and will seize any opportunity to satisfy their needs. You can’t stop every pest from ever flying, crawling, or burrowing into your home, but you can make sure the occasional intrusion doesn’t become an all-out invasion. Once a major infestation occurs, you’ll likely need professional help. But if you focus on prevention, you can tackle many aspects of pest control yourself, save money, and avoid adding pestic