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No, you can’t use your home’s square footage. You have to calculate your roof’s square footage, and then you may have to convert your square footage measurement to correspond with how the roofing material is measured. For instance, some roofing is sold in “squares,” which equals the total square footage of the roof divided by 100. Shingles are sold in bundles that may not correspond to the number of squares you need. Metal roofing is sold as sheets, so determine the amount of square feet each panel will cover and then divide the total square footage by the coverage area.

The formula for calculating how many squares of roofing you need is pretty easy. Take the total amount of square footage and divide it by 100. With this formula in mind, a 2,000-square-foot roof would require 20 squares of roofing material to adequately cover it.

No, you should not close or cover your gable vents in the winter. While it might seem logical to block cold air, heating your home creates hot air that rises and can cause condensation in the attic. If the vents are covered, this moisture becomes trapped, creating an ideal environment for mold and mildew. Keeping the gable vents open ensures proper ventilation, which helps dry out the attic, maintain even temperatures, and prevent moisture-related damage.

Skipping the installation of a drip edge or gutter apron can lead to significant water damage. Without this component, water is more likely to seep under roofing materials or leak behind gutters, damaging the fascia, soffits, siding, and even the interior of your home, such as the attic. Over time, this moisture can cause rot, mold, and deterioration. In colder climates, a missing drip edge also increases the risk of ice dams, which can lead to expensive repairs. A drip edge is an essential part of a roof's drainage system, and some local building codes may even require its installation to protect the home from water damage.