Unless you’re skilled and experienced in handling roof repairs yourself, hiring professionals is the best way to get your roof repaired quickly and correctly.

It’s no secret that rain and wind do damage to roofs – knocking off shingles, tearing up flashing, or causing leaks.

A professional will perform an inspection and locate any areas that need repair or replacement.

Many homeowners are able to repair minor damage to their shingle roofs without the need for professional help. This is especially true when the roof leaks are caused by damaged or missing shingles, and not broken flashing or caulking. However, if the leaking area is large, or you have difficulty working on your roof, then it’s always best to call a roofer.

To repair a damaged shingle, you’ll need a flat bar, asphalt roofing cement, and replacement shingles. First, locate the leak point, by following water stains to their source. Next, identify the damaged shingle by looking for its bare spot and missing or curled edges. Once you’ve located the damaged shingle, use the flat bar to loosen it. Then, work the pry bar underneath each of the nails that hold the shingle in place. Be careful not to rip the shingle, and don’t try to remove the nail head directly (unless you want to replace it).

Once the shingle is loosened, spread a thick coating of asphalt roofing cement under it. Then, replace the shingle and secure it with its new nail. Then, re-nail the other three shingles that surround it. After that, apply a second coat of roofing cement over the entire repaired area.

Cupped shingles, also known as blisters, are another common roofing problem. They develop when the granules of an asphalt shingle wear away, leaving the underlying underlayment exposed. This creates a bowl for rain, snow, and ice to sit in, which could eventually leak into your home.

Cracked shingles are also common, and are usually the result of wind or sun exposure. The cracks allow rain, snow, and ice to seep through the surface of your shingle, and damage the underlayment underneath.

Some cracked shingles may actually be due to a defect in the shingle itself, and you should contact your manufacturer about possible warranty coverage. Some manufacturers may even offer a free replacement. So, be on the lookout for any shingles that have developed a crack, especially after severe storms. If a lot of shingles in one area are cracked, then it may be time for a full roof replacement.

Leaking Flashings

While roof shingles usually receive the most attention, the flashings are one of the more vulnerable parts of your roofing system. These thin sheets of metal cover seams and transitions, like the joints and valleys of your roof, as well as other areas like chimneys, skylights, and drainage pipes.

Flashing is designed to prevent leaks through these vulnerable areas. But if your flashings are corroded, rusty, or simply worn away from constant exposure to rain and sun, they may begin to leak. Leaking flashings can be difficult to detect because they may be invisible until it’s too late, and water that gets into the attic or through the walls can cause significant damage to your home over time.

The most common problem with flashing is corrosion, which can make the metal brittle and weaken the sealant that holds it in place. This can lead to gaps, which allows rain or melting snow to seep through the flashing and into your house. If the flashing has a hole or gap, you can usually patch it with roof cement and reseal the area.

If the leaking is coming from around a pipe or chimney, you can probably remove the old boot and base flashing and replace it with new ones. The new flashing should be a bit longer than the original, with built-in expansion joints for flexing as the roof expands and contracts.

If the leaking is coming from other spots of your roof, you will likely need to inspect the flashing in those areas and replace any damaged or missing pieces. Check for cracks, rust, or holes in the flashing as well as for caulk that has cracked or worn down between window edges and siding and between the wall and the flashing. Using roofing cement to reseal these joints is much less invasive than replacing entire sections of your roof or dealing with water-stained walls and ceilings. This can be a good time to inspect your gutters as well. If they are clogged with leaves or twigs, they might not be draining properly, leading to roof leaks and foundation problems.

Damaged Chimneys and Roof Vents

Chimney flashing is sections of copper or galvanized steel applied at the intersections where your chimney meets your roof. When this material deteriorates or is improperly installed, it can allow water to leak into your attic and living spaces. This seepage can cause wood rot, mold, mildew and a whole host of other problems. Proper flashing installation keeps moisture from seeping down the chimney and into your home, preventing premature deterioration of both the chimney and roof.

If you have a brick chimney that is in reasonable condition but has rusted through at the top, it may be possible to simply slip new flashing under and over the old rusty metal. This can be a relatively simple repair job and should be done before the underlying shingles have to be replaced.

It’s also a good idea to look at the condition of any roof vents that are attached to your roof, including attic fans and turbines. A lot of these roof vents are raised higher than the roofline and they can create leaks around their bases when the shingle covering is damaged. Using a ladder, you can lift back the shingles at the base of these roof vents to check for cracked or dislodged boot seals and ensure the nails holding them in place are securely fastened.

If your roof has chimney vents that are no longer used, it’s a good idea to consider capping them, especially if they’re at the corners of your roof where there is often more moisture accumulation. Another way to keep moisture at bay is by installing VenTubes, which eliminate up to 85% of the efflorescence, spalling and freeze/thaw damage that happens when water accumulates in the cavity areas of large chimney chases.

Rusty Nails

Rusty nails can cause problems for your roof if they aren’t repaired. They can lead to water penetration, which can damage the roof covering. Additionally, rusty nails can also cause wood rot and even mold. Fortunately, rusty nails can be easily fixed. After the rust is removed, you can repaint your nails.

While it isn’t completely clear how the drink got its name, what is certain is that the cocktail has long been a favorite of the Rat Pack and other famous celebrities. The mix is made from scotch whisky and Drambuie, a gold-colored liqueur that’s flavored with Scottish heather, honey, herbs and spices. The cocktail is usually served on the rocks in a old-fashioned glass.

The reason stepping on a rusty nail can cause tetanus is that the bacteria Clostridium tetani loves to thrive in dirty or dusty areas, which is what a nail and rusty metal are. The rusty nails can then spread the bacteria, which leads to tetanus. If the person hasn’t received any vaccinations or isn’t careful about cleaning and dressing the wound, it can become serious.

One of the best hacks for rusty nails is to put them in a bottle with white vinegar. This is one of the best home remedies for rust and will eliminate the problem quickly. The nail should be soaked in the vinegar for at least a day, and once it’s dry, it will be completely free of rust.

There are many ways to repurpose rusty nails, some of which are really fun. For example, rusty nails can be used to make a crow or dragonfly sculpture. This can be a great project for the kids.