This week, hear how to replace rotten soffit and keep an old paint color from showing through. (LindaCharlton, Getty Images Signature/georgejportfolio, Canva)
Hour 1
Hear how to keep an old paint color from showing through, what to do about peeling paint on a bathtub and more.
Covering Old Paint Color
Proper prepwork and the right primer is key to making sure the old paint color won’t show through the new. (georgejportfolio, Canva)
A homeowner is trying to change the paint color in a room, but the old color keeps coming back.
“I have now put three coats of primer on the walls, and the old color is still shining through. Is there anything I can do to cover up that paint successfully?”
There are a few steps you can take to try to improve the coverage of the primer:
Sand the walls: Sanding the walls will create a rough surface for the primer to adhere to, which may improve its coverage. Be sure to wipe down the walls with a damp cloth to remove any dust after sanding.
Use a high-quality, high-adhesion primer: Some primers are specifically formulated to adhere to difficult surfaces, such as glossy paint or oil-based paint. Using a high-quality, high-adhesion primer may improve the coverage of the old paint.
Use bonding primer: Bonding primer, also known as adhesion primer or glue primer, is a type of primer that is specifically formulated to adhere to difficult surfaces. It is designed to bond to surfaces that are otherwise hard for paint to stick to, such as glossy paint, metal, or plastic. Be sure to allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next.
Tint the primer: This type of primer has been mixed with a small amount of paint pigment to give it a slight color. Tinted primer can be used to help cover up dark colors or imperfections on a surface, or to improve the overall appearance of the finished paint job.
If the paint is still showing through, you may need to paint the walls a dark color to conceal the old paint.
Peeling Paint on a Tub
Cracking paint on a cast iron tub can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, wear and tear, and exposure to water and other elements. (Hemera Technologies, Photo Images)
The paint is peeling like crazy in a new homeowner’s bathtub.
She says, “It has been like this since they moved in, and we’re wondering if it’s okay to take it all off.”
It is generally not a good idea to remove all of the paint from a bathtub. If the paint is peeling, it is likely that the underlying layer is not well adhered to the tub surface, which could cause further peeling and damage.
One option is to remove loose and flaking paint using a scraper or wire brush. Then, sand the surface to create a rough, porous surface for the new paint to adhere to. The tub should then be thoroughly cleaned and dried before applying a new coat of paint.
If the paint is in poor condition and cannot be salvaged, remove all of the paint and start fresh. However, this can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. It’s also important to be aware that the underlying surface may not be in good condition.
Before beginning any work on the tub, it is important to protect yourself and the surrounding area. Wear protective gear and cover any nearby surfaces with drop cloths.
If you are not comfortable refinishing the tub on your own, you may want to consider hiring a professional to refinish the tub for you.
Hour 2
Listen to learn the pros and cons of tankless water heaters, how to repair rotten soffit, how to keep snow from getting into ridge vents and more.
Pros and Cons of Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters are much more compact than traditional tank water heaters, making them a good choice for small homes or apartments. (djedzura, Getty Images)
A homeowner is thinking about replacing his standard water heater with an electric tankless water heater and wants to know the pros and cons.
Pros of tankless water heaters:
They can provide an endless supply of hot water: Because tankless water heaters heat water on demand, you’ll never run out of hot water.
They’re more energy efficient: Tankless water heaters only heat water when you need it, so they’re more energy efficient than traditional tank water heaters. This can result in energy savings of up to 40 percent.
They have a longer lifespan: Tankless water heaters have a longer lifespan than traditional tank water heaters because they don’t have a tank that can rust or corrode.
They’re more compact: Tankless water heaters are much more compact than traditional tank water heaters, making them a good choice for small homes or apartments.
Cons of tankless water heaters:
They have a higher upfront cost: Tankless water heaters have a higher upfront cost than traditional tank water heaters. However, the energy savings over time can offset this initial investment.
They require more maintenance: Tankless water heaters require more frequent maintenance than traditional tank water heaters. This includes cleaning the burners and replacing the filter.
They may not be suitable for large households: Tankless water heaters may not be able to provide enough hot water for large households with multiple showers and appliances running simultaneously.
They may not be suitable for homes with low water pressure: Tankless water heaters require a certain minimum water flow rate to operate effectively. If your home has low water pressure, a tankless water heater may not be a good choice.
Replacing Rotten Soffits
Left unrepaired, a rotten soffit can lead to further damage to the roof and the structure of the house. (LindaCharlton, Getty Images Signature)
A homeowner’s soffits are bowing downward and rotting. He asks: “I’m not sure what to replace them with. What do you suggest?”
It sounds like you may have an issue with the structural integrity of your soffits. Bowing and rotting soffits can be a sign of water damage or poor ventilation. If the damage is extensive, it may be necessary to replace the soffits entirely.
There are several options for replacing soffits:
Wood: Wood is a traditional material for soffits, but it requires regular painting or staining to maintain its appearance. It can also rot or become infested with pests if not properly maintained.
Vinyl: Vinyl soffits are low maintenance and resist rotting, but they may become brittle over time and can be prone to cracking in extreme temperatures.
Aluminum: Aluminum soffits are durable and resist rust, but they can be prone to dents and may require periodic painting.
Fiber cement: Fiber cement soffits are a more expensive option, but they are extremely durable and resist rotting, warping, and insect infestations.
Preventing Snow from Entering Ridge Vents
A ridge vent is designed to allow hot air and moisture to escape from the attic, helping to regulate the temperature and humidity inside the home. (skhoward, Getty Images Signature)
Snow keeps getting into a homeowner’s attic space through the ridge vents every time there is a blizzard with strong winds.
He says, “There is enough snow that I have to use a shovel to remove it. Snow gathers on the beam under the ridge vent where light bulbs are affixed. How do I alleviate this problem?”
There are a few steps you can take to prevent snow from entering your attic through the ridge vents:
Install snow guards: Snow guards are devices that are installed on the roof to prevent snow and ice from sliding off and accumulating at the eaves.
Install heat cables: Heat cables, also known as roof de-icing cables, can be installed along the eaves and the ridge to prevent snow and ice from accumulating. The cables use electricity to generate heat, which melts the snow and ice on contact.
Install a snow fence: A snow fence is a physical barrier that is installed on the roof to block the wind and prevent snow from blowing into the attic through the ridge vents.
Insulate the attic: Proper insulation in the attic can help prevent snow from melting and refreezing at the eaves, which can cause ice dams.
It may also be helpful to have a professional inspect your roof to ensure that it is properly sealed and in good condition. If the snow is entering through gaps or openings in the roof, these issues will need to be addressed in order to prevent future snow accumulation in the attic.
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Simple Solutions
Whether you need to tighten or loosen nuts or bolts, here’s the Simple Solution. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Wrong Size Wrench? No Problem! — What do you do when an open-end wrench is a bit too large for the nut or bolt you’re trying to loosen or tighten? This happens when working on a metric fastener and you’ve only got a standard-size wrench or visa versa.
Well, you may have heard of the trick of using metal washer or coin to fill the gap in the wrench. And while that does work — sometimes — here’s a better solution:
Place the too-large wrench onto the nut or bolt and then jam a slotted screwdriver into the gap between the fastener and wrench.
The wedge-shaped tip of the screwdriver tightens up the fit and really locks the wrench in place.
To easily clean a microwave, pour 1 cup of water and 1 cup of vinegar into a bowl. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Steam Clean Your Microwave Oven — Here’s an easy, effortless way to clean the inside of your microwave oven:
Pour a 50/50 solution of water and white vinegar into a glass bowl.
Set the bowl in the oven and microwave on high for several minutes.
Carefully remove the bowl, then scrub the inside of the oven with a scouring sponge. The steam created by the water and vinegar will loosen even the most stubborn, caked-on stains.
A roof patch is one of those things you often don’t know that you need to do until it’s raining. That’s why Henry designed its 212 Clear All-Purpose Patch to work in both wet and dry conditions.
This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product from these links, we will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Henry 212 Clear All-Purpose Patch is a one-part, highly elastic, high-performance thermoplastic sealant that patches holes and cracks in wet or dry conditions.
This sealant even sticks to shingles when it’s applied underwater! Just watch Henry’s demonstration video to see how it stands up against its competitor.
This sealant can be applied in temperatures up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. (Photo illustration: The Home Depot/Getty Images)
Stands Up to Temperature Changes
Apply this highly elastic roof leak repair sealant during a wide range of temperatures — from as low as 32 degrees to Fahrenheit all the way up to a scorching 110 degrees Fahrenheit!
And, once it’s fully cured, the roof patch can withstand temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
This easy-to-spread roof patch remains flexible to expand and contract with the roofing materials during temperature changes — so no cracking! That means you won’t have to apply more the next time the seasons change.
In Episode 2 of “Ask Danny,” metal roofing expert Todd Miller gives us some insider tips and information about installation, energy efficiency and style options.
Todd Miller, president of Isaiah Industries, has more than 40 years of experience in the metal roofing industry. (Photo courtesy Todd Miller)
About Todd Miller
Todd Miller is president of Isaiah Industries, a manufacturer of residential metal roofing.
With 40 years of industry experience, Todd has worked with property owners and contractors on projects worldwide.
In addition to roofing, he is often sought after for his expertise with condensation and ventilation.
Todd Miller poses for a picture with Chelsea Lipford Wolf and Danny Lipford in Cut Off, La.(3 Echoes Content Studio)
Working with Todd in Louisiana
I met Todd while shooting a Today’s Homeowner TV episode in Cut Off, La., in 2020. Hurricane Zeta had majorly damaged David and Ruby LeBlanc’s roof, so we installed a new metal roof for them.
For David and Ruby’s metal roof, we used an aluminum product called rustic shingle.
They live on the Gulf Coast, so aluminum is ideal for their environment because it resists corrosion. Plus, the shingles interlock on all sides, giving it strong wind resistance with an added old-world shake look.
Workers install a new aluminum roof on David and Ruby LeBlanc’s home. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Less than a year later, their metal roof was put to the test during Hurricane Ida.
“As I watched that storm track, I was sweating bullets,” Todd says. “You always believe in your product, you know it can do well, but on the other hand, storms like that can be unpredictable. You can end up with a lot of wind-blown debris that oftentimes can cause damage.”
Ida brought on wind speeds of up to 200 miles per hour and also destroyed the neighbor’s garage.
David and Ruby’s metal roof came through in shining colors. The only damage was one detached hip cap on the side closest to their neighbor’s garage.
“Their fairly old home has endured damage and hardships from storms in the past, but you would never know it,” Todd says. “They’re delightful people and determined to protect this home for the next generation.”
Do you have to remove all the existing shingles from the roof before you install a metal roof?
Todd: While every house is different, the short answer is no. If you only have a single layer of shingles, most building codes allow for a second layer of roofing.
It’s pretty common for metal roofs, especially shingled and corrugated metal, to be installed over an existing layer of shingles. However, if you want a standing seam metal roof, you’ll need to have a smooth surface for installation. If you don’t, you’ll end up with oil canning, or ripples in the panels.
No matter what type of metal roof you want, always have an attic inspection before installation. Look closely at the underside of the roof deck for signs of rot, water infiltration and high moisture levels that need to be addressed.
Strapping can be put down to install a metal roof, but it’s not always necessary. (Getty Images)
Do you recommend a roofer put down strapping before the roof goes on?
Todd: Usually I don’t. For most products, it’s not required.
If you have proper attic ventilation, there aren’t any concerns from a condensation standpoint.
Strapping or batten can be used, but ultimately it will make the roof harder to walk on, more prone to wind uplift, and you may find yourself having to raise your gutters. This is why we generally promote direct-to-deck installation.
Even with direct-to-deck installation, if it’s over the old singles, we will put a layer of underlayment over the existing shingles.
Most times, the building code requires it, but it also makes good sense. You don’t want the old shingles’ abrasive top surface rubbing against the back of the metal panels.
How long does it take to install a metal roof?
Todd: Of course, every house is different, but one- to three-day installations are not uncommon.
This is another great benefit of metal roofing — minimal disruption to your routine during installation.
Modular metal products, or metal shingles, are becoming more popular. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Style Options
What types of metal roofing are becoming more popular?
Traditionally, corrugated and shiplap metal roofs are the most popular, but that’s starting to change.
Many homeowners associations and architectural review boards won’t allow metal roofing. Plus, it can be hard for some homeowners to imagine a roof that’s not asphalt shingles.
But now, there are metal roofing options that look like a traditional roof. They’re called modular metal products, which are basically metal shingles.
They’re produced from steel, aluminum and even copper. These panels are formed in a variety of ways, and can look like existing asphalt shingles, wood shake, high-end slate or barrel tile.
With this type of metal roofing, you can get the look of more traditional high-end roofing with the durability, energy efficiency and sustainability of metal roofing.
Metal roofs with a cool coating deflect the sun’s infrared energy to keep your home cooler. (Metal Roofing Alliance)
Energy Efficiency
Are darker metal roofs less energy-efficient than lighter ones?
Todd: Generally, when we talk about metal roofing’s energy efficiency, it’s in terms of solar reflection.
The more solar energy your roof absorbs, the hotter your home will be. This results in your air conditioner working harder to keep your home cool.
Typically, lighter metal roofs reflect more sunlight than darker ones.
White naturally has a high solar reflection of about 65 percent, but you don’t necessarily have to get a white roof to have an energy-efficient roof.
There are now cool roof coatings with pigments that reflect infrared energy from the sun and keep the roof cool.
Without this cool roof coating, a darker roof only reflects about 3-4 percent of the sun’s infrared energy. With these new pigments, the roof reflects up to 25-30 percent.
Find a metal roof product that complements your home’s architecture. (Metal Roofing Alliance)
Todd’s Tips
Choose the product first. Ultimately, you’re going to live with the looks of that product for a long time. If you don’t love the look and it doesn’t fit your home, you won’t be happy with it. The Metal Roofing Alliance has a visualizer to help you see how a metal roof will look on your home.
When you choose your product, find an installer through the manufacturer. They’ll know the product through and through.
Think long-term. The upfront cost of installing metal roofing is more expensive than a traditional roof, but you’ll save over time. Look at it on a cost-by-year basis. If you intend to stay in your home for a number of years, you can see good payback over time with lower utility bills and fewer repairs.
Just when you think you’ve seen it all, forget about it — you haven’t seen anything yet.
Years ago, a woman in upstate New York wanted a metal roof installed on a small bungalow. She owned a fairly high-end magazine and website and wanted to work out a deal where Todd would help her get a roof and, in turn, she would promote Todd’s business.
It seemed like a win-win for Todd. As part of the deal, he sent a crew from Ohio to install the roof — free of charge.
Four years later, an upset woman called Todd. She said “You put a roof on my house and I don’t know why!”
Turns out, the woman who contacted Todd was not the owner. She was the renter.
“We put a roof on someone’s house who didn’t know it and didn’t even want it!”
All’s well that ends well, she turned out to be delightful, and she and Todd became great friends.
Stone-coated metal roofing, left, offers the look of traditional shingles with the durability of metal. A painted metal roof provides a pop of color with long-lasting protection.
Interested in replacing your roof or looking to choose a roof for a new home? Stone-coated metal roofing offers the look of shingles with the benefit of metal’s superior protection.
Or do you want to add a pop of color with a durable finish? High-performance metal roofing paint systems add character and boost any home’s curb appeal.
Read on to learn more about these two coating options and decide which is best for your home.
Painted metal roofs come in a wider variety of colors than any other type of material. (Photo by Aleksandr_Kendenkov/Getty Images)
To step up your home’s style and make a statement, high-performance metal roofing paint systems can provide a durable coating with improved gloss retention, superior weather resistance, and reduced color fading. In addition, they can substantially increase the roof’s energy efficiency and longevity.
Quality metal roofs come with a factory-applied, low-maintenance finish. Most manufacturers recommend just rinsing them with a hose and mixing gentle soap and water to clean them.
A quality, long-lasting painted finish should be applied to a metal substrate at 0.2 to 0.3 millimeters thick for the prime coat, and 0.7-1.2 millimeters thick for the topcoat. Style options also include sophisticated paint finishes that closely mimic the multi-toned appearance of natural stone, such as slate.
Whichever option you choose, a painted metal roof offers beautiful style matched with steel’s strength and lightweight benefits.
A stone-coated metal roof looks just like a shingle roof. (Photo courtesy Metal Roofing Alliance)
Stone-Coated Panels: The Traditional Look
If you love the look of a traditional shingled roof, yet want the longevity and performance benefits of metal, consider a stone-coated metal roof.
Stone-coated metal roofing can look like asphalt shingles, tiles or cedar shake and can be a great solution for homeowners who live in areas with certain design standards or face regional threats such as high winds and wildfire.
(Always check with your homeowners association before installing any roof).
These specially primed roofing panels — made of metal; often steel — are coated with an acrylic polymer adhesive before a granular stone coating is applied, bonding the two. Finally, a clear-coat sealer is applied over the top for extra protection.
This type of finish offers homeowners all the benefits of metal roofing, in addition to a unique curb appeal option.
No matter what your style preference, all quality metal roofs offer longer-lasting and increased protection and performance, especially when compared to asphalt.
Modern stone-coated metal roofing can seamlessly match an older home’s architectural style. (Photo courtesy Metal Roofing Alliance member Unified Steel™, Westlake Royal Roofing)
Retrofitting Older Homes
Metal roofing is an ideal option, regardless of a home’s age, due to its long lifespan and low maintenance.
Style and performance benefits are key reasons why more homeowners and property owners are choosing metal roofing.
For example, at theAudubon Sanctuary in Trabuco Canyon, Calif., the organization chose to re-roof using a high-quality stone-coated metal roof to replace the 90-year-old building’s asphalt roof, which had suffered decades of wear and tear. Much of the damage came from woodpeckers that stored pounds of acorns in the deteriorating roof, compromising the building’s structure and making it vulnerable to seasonal wildfires.
The new metal roof met two key priorities by offering long-lasting, low maintenance performance and strong protection against wind and fire. Protection from the elements is particularly important in Trabuco Canyon, where dry Santa Ana winds create dangerous wildfire conditions.
Unified Steel™, Westlake Royal Roofing andMcCormack Roofing installed a stone-coated metal roof that checked off all the boxes. The replacement matched the historical building’s style and offered all the long-lasting, strong performance capabilities of quality metal roofing. Its Class A, fire-resistant rating — the highest possible — was especially important.
This new roof is lightweight, strong and impervious, installed tightly with few penetrations to prevent woodpeckers from using it for storage.
Plus, the stone-coating provides a beautiful complement to the structure’s historic, rustic feel, lending a natural charm.
Quality metal roofing can last 50-plus years. (Photo courtesy Metal Roofing Alliance)
Benefits of Metal Roofing
If you’re looking to stretch your dollar and boost your home’s value, choosing a quality metal roof is a worthwhile investment as it can last 50+ years (up to three times longer than most asphalt roofs), offer strong performance and can help with energy efficiency. A properly installed quality metal roof can withstand severe weather such as wind, hail, and snow, providing you peace of mind.
Plus, having a metal roof can even lower your homeowner’s insurance premiums in some states.
(Check with your homeowners’ insurance company for specific policy information.)
To learn more about the benefits of metal roofing, visit the Metal Roofing Alliancewebsite.
When David and Ruby LeBlanc starred on a Today’s Homeowner television episode that featured an exterior renovation and metal re-roofing on their Cut Off, Louisiana home, they had no idea it would become the best insurance for Hurricane Ida, which would arrive shortly later.
The re-roofing project — and episode — was completed just weeks before Ida hit. The Category 4 storm lashed David and Ruby’s neighborhood for seven long hours, with torrential rain and wind gusts exceeding 180 miles per hour. Country-wide, Ida lasted from Aug. 26–Sept. 4, 2021.
David and Ruby evacuated before Ida hit, but they were on pins and needles waiting to find out how their home had fared. They soon learned that the destruction to the area was devastating. But their new metal roof remained virtually unscathed from Ida’s tremendous force. It saved their home.
“Our neighbor’s garage had exploded. Boats were flung up on the road. It took two hours to clear our driveway alone. All over our neighborhood, homes with tarpaper roofs suffered complete losses,” said David. “But our new metal roof performed wonderfully. There was no structural or wind damage and not a drop of water inside from the roof.
“If we hadn’t replaced our roof when we did, we probably would still be gutting the house all the way down to the framing.”
David and Ruby’s old asphalt shingle roof had mismatched shingles from quick repairs over the years.
The Challenge
David and Ruby’s 70-year-old home, located on the Bayou, had been hit by hurricanes before. As a result, the old roof was a hodgepodge of repairs and tarpaper (asphalt) material that suffered leaks and damage.
So, when it was time to re-roof, the owners wanted a change. Metal was the ultimate choice, and as highlighted on the Today’s Homeowner episode, special attention was paid to quality installation for maximum wind-resistance performance and longevity.
“Going with a quality metal roof was more expensive initially, but when you look at how well it performed, the damage it saved our home from and the long-lasting reliability, it was absolutely worth it,” said David.
Workers from Middle South Systems install a metal roof.
The Solution
David and Ruby selected Classic Metal Roofing’s Rustic Shingle steel in Shake Gray for their re-roofing project. Installers placed the new roof right over the old roof, using a quality underlayment and foam under each shingle, which lock into place to give the roof superior performance and hurricane resistance.
Installer Middle South Systems reinforced the new roof’s strength by securing each 2-foot shingle with three hurricane clips.
The homeowners were delighted to learn that the beautiful style of their new roof is matched only by its long-lasting reliability, as proven by standing up to Hurricane Ida.
For more information:
Representing the residential metal roofing industry in the United States and Canada, the Metal Roofing Alliance was formed to help educate consumers about the many benefits of metal roofing.
MRA’s main objective is to increase awareness of the beauty, durability and money-saving advantages of quality metal roofing among homeowners, as well as to provide support to the residential metal roofing industry.
