Q: I have a small house, and it needs a new roof. I can’t afford to hire a roofer. My house has shingles on it, and I can walk on the roof with little difficulty. I’ve never installed roof shingles.

Lee Wallender is a home improvement writer of nearly 20 years and specializes in home remodeling, repair and maintenance. Lowe Larretta is former lead editor for Forbes Home, covering all things ...

Some people think a roof is all about the shingles. And they couldn’t be more wrong. Yes, shingles matter. They give a roof color and texture. They are the wear and weather surface that sheds water ...