• This Old House online offers an excellent online series, Understanding Your Home From the Ground Up. Although the series’ theme is “building a house right, from foundation to roof," the articles — accessible rather than technical — are of value to any lay person seeking a better understanding of the structural components of his or her home. See the articles on"Repairing a Rotted Soffit" and on "Hanging Clapboard Siding" for details on the structure, materials and installation of roofing systems.
  
  
• About.com’s "Home Improvement ROI – Home Maintenance and Repair Projects" will enable you to have an intelligent conversation with your contractor about roofs and flashing, gutters, downspouts, and more.
  
  
• The Sound Roof, brought to you by The Sound Home Resource Center, offers practical information on re-roofing that will “help you... avoid common mistakes, save money and reduce the need for frequent roofing work.“ See the ”Roofing Selection Guide,” “What to Look for In Roofing Specifications” and ”Roofing Maintenance Tips.”
  
  
• Roofhelp.com can also help you with “specific roof repair questions and answers." You’ll find insight on typical causes of roof problems and how-to advice for emergency repairs. Be sure to also look through Roofhelp’s “Preventative Maintenance” and “Hints & Tips” sections.