Roof repair tools in Dunwoody, GA

Hear a tap-tap-tap above the ceiling during a summer shower? That’s not the kids; it’s water sneaking through nail pops, cracked seals, or slipped flashing. Ignore it and drywall stains grow like coffee rings. Grab a curved pry bar, a tube of roof cement, and twelve galvanized nails and the problem is toast before lunchtime. Our small Dunwoody crew keeps that very toolbox within reach—always happy to explain a fix, loan a ladder stabilizer, or climb up ourselves—so neighbors stay dry without midnight emergency surcharges, high-tech gimmicks, or confusing stacks of paperwork.

Roof repair tools in Dunwoody, GA

Why simple fixes now beat major bills later

Most leaks begin as pinholes: a popped ridge nail, a brittle pipe boot, a missing shingle granule. Catch them early and you’re out a Saturday morning and a few bucks; wait six months and you’re pricing insulation, drywall, and paint. The tools below aren’t glamorous—they’re the dependable standbys we trust from Chamblee-Dunwoody Road to Peeler Park. Pair them with a safe ladder, calm weather, and you’ll patch trouble spots without pricey drones or 24/7 call-out fees. That’s neighborly roofing and keep your hard-earned savings where they belong.

Lift shingles cleanly

Stanley Wonder Bar Pry Tool — When you're repairing a roof, the hardest part can be getting under the shingles without damaging the ones around them. This thin-edged pry bar makes it easy. We use it to gently lift shingle tabs and expose the nails underneath without cracking or tearing the surrounding material. It’s strong enough to pop nails and flexible enough to wiggle under tight spots. Whether you're replacing a single tab or removing a few feet of ridge cap, this tool lets you work fast without making more work for yourself later.

Pop and drive nails fast

Estwing 16-oz Straight-Claw Hammer — A good hammer can speed up a repair like nothing else. This one is lightweight enough for all-day work but still packs a solid punch. The magnetic face makes it easy to start nails one-handed—especially helpful when you're on a ladder or holding shingles in place. It pulls old nails with the straight claw and drives new galvanized ring-shanks smoothly without slipping. We use this exact hammer on patch jobs, ridge cap repairs, and even full shingle replacements. It’s dependable, balanced, and built to last.

Seal gaps tight

Henry Wet Patch Roof Cement — When you’ve got a small gap or crack to fix, you want a product that sticks the first time—even when it’s damp or cold outside. This roof cement is thick, tacky, and designed to grab onto flashing, shingles, pipe boots, or anything else on the roof. We use it around vent pipes, chimney bases, nail heads, and patch seams. It even works when the surface isn’t bone dry, which makes it perfect for emergency leak repairs in the early morning or right after a storm. Just trowel it in, spread it flat, and you’re done.

Quick-stick flashing patch

Dicor 4-inch Roof Repair Tape — Metal flashing doesn’t last forever—sometimes it splits, lifts, or gets damaged by tree limbs. This self-adhesive tape is a quick, clean way to fix that without ripping out a whole section. Just clean the surface, peel the backing, and press it in place. It self-seals around vents, skylights, and seams. We’ve used this on everything from RV roofs to chimney corners, and it holds up through sun, rain, and wind. Keep a roll in your toolbox—it’s a great fallback for when you don’t have time to redo flashing from scratch.

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Trim shingles straight

Milwaukee Hook Utility Blades — Cutting asphalt shingles cleanly is tougher than it looks, especially when you need straight, neat edges on starter strips, ridge caps, or valleys. These curved hook blades glide through bundles without tearing the fiberglass mat or leaving frayed edges. We use them for trimming replacement tabs, cleaning up odd-shaped valleys, or cutting off old seal-down strips. They stay sharp longer than straight blades and give you more control when working on hot, sticky days. Just load one into any standard utility knife and you’re ready to go.

Drive screws in tight spots

DEWALT 12V Max Impact Driver — Sometimes nails aren’t the best option—especially when working with metal panels, ridge vents, or replacement flashing. This compact impact driver delivers just the right amount of torque for driving screws into tight corners, metal surfaces, and awkward overhangs. It’s lightweight and fits into small spots where a regular drill won’t go. We use it for fastening metal caps, securing vent boots, or tightening screws on new ridge vents. The battery lasts a full day on one charge, and it’s small enough to carry in a pouch on the roof.

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Brush on extra defense

Gardner 4-Gallon Roof Coating — Once you’ve sealed a roof patch, it’s smart to add a protective coat that can handle UV rays, rain, and Georgia heat. This white, reflective coating brushes on like paint but adds a weatherproof layer that keeps leaks out and sun damage down. We use it on flat roof repairs, skylight curbs, and older patched sections where shingles have started to break down. It helps bounce heat off the roof and prolong the life of anything it covers. Great for mobile homes, garage roofs, and older low-slope sections.

Stay clipped in

Roof-Work Safety Harness Kit — We never step onto a steep roof or second-story ridge without a harness—and we recommend every homeowner or helper do the same. This kit includes a full-body harness, anchor, and lanyard—all basic but solid gear to keep you from falling. It sets up in under 10 minutes, and once it’s clipped in, you can move confidently and safely across the roof. For the price of a dinner out, you get peace of mind every time you climb a ladder. We’ve been using this same model for years—it’s simple, reliable, and could save your life.

Find the leak without tearing half the roof

You don’t need to start ripping shingles just to find the source of a leak. We always begin inside the attic—turn off the lights and use a strong flashlight to scan the decking. Look uphill from the ceiling stain until you find dark wood, nail rust, or a pinhole of daylight peeking through. Once you’ve narrowed it down, go outside and use binoculars to scan the roof in that same area. You’re looking for lifted tabs, cracked shingles, missing granules, or old sealant around flashing. For those tight spots, we recommend the TEKTON Inspection Mirror—it lets you peek under shingles without having to tear them up. It’s cheap, handy, and saves a lot of time when you just need to confirm what’s going on beneath a tab or around a vent collar. This is how we do it on every leak call in Dunwoody—slow, careful, and with the least damage possible.

Pipe-boot refresh in minutes

Cracked or sun-dried pipe boots are one of the most common causes of roof leaks. The good news? You don’t need to pull shingles or tear out the old stack flashing. Just grab a universal rubber collar or “boot cover” from the hardware store. Slide it right over the existing pipe and seat it snugly against the old boot. Once it’s flush, run a bead of roofing cement around the base to lock it in place. It’s a simple fix that usually takes under 10 minutes and costs about ten bucks. We’ve done this countless times for customers who thought they needed major work. If the leak is coming from a vent pipe, this is the first thing we check—because more often than not, it’s all that’s needed.

Shingle swap five-step

Replacing a single damaged shingle doesn’t have to be a big project. With a basic hammer, flat bar, and roofing cement, you can handle this in five simple steps. Step 1: Gently lift the shingle tabs directly above the one that’s cracked or missing. Step 2: Use a flat bar or roofing hammer claw to pull the nails holding the old shingle in place. Step 3: Slide in a matching new shingle, tucking it under the course above so it overlaps evenly. Step 4: Nail it just below the seal strip—two nails should do. Step 5: Dab a little roofing cement over the nail heads and press the tabs down so everything seals tight. That’s it. We teach this to homeowners all the time—it’s an easy way to fix a problem before it becomes a leak, and it blends right in when done right.

Flash chimney the easy way

Chimneys can leak in a dozen different ways—but most of the time, the culprit is old or missing step flashing. If the mortar’s starting to flake or water’s finding its way into the attic, we go with a simple, reliable fix. First, clean out any loose debris or crumbling mortar where the old flashing meets the brick. Then, slide new step flashing pieces under each course of shingles, tucking them behind any vertical flashing or siding if present. Fasten with roofing nails just above the step bends—never through the metal’s base. Once everything’s in place, apply a generous coat of ChimneySaver CrownCoat - 2 Gallon to the top edge of the crown to keep water from soaking into the brick or cracks. It’s not fancy, but it keeps water out—and that’s the whole point.

Seasonal tune-up checklist

A little maintenance goes a long way when it comes to avoiding big repairs. Every spring and fall, we recommend setting aside an hour to walk your roof and hit the basics. First, sweep or blow out any debris from valleys, especially leaves and pine needles that hold water. Next, tap down any nails that may have backed out over the summer, and cover them with a dab of roof cement. Check all sealant joints around vents, stacks, skylights, and flashing—if anything looks cracked or dried out, top it off with fresh cement. Finish by running a magnetic nail sweeper around the lawn, driveway, and garden beds to pick up stray nails or staples that might’ve fallen since your last check. It’s a short list, but it keeps your roof in working shape and helps avoid those surprise leaks when storms roll in.

Ready to patch that pesky leak for good?

We repair roofs Monday through Saturday—no overnight rates, no tech upsells, just neighborly fixes and the tools to DIY if you prefer. Call, text, or wave when our dented silver truck passes by Mount Vernon Market, and we’ll leave your living room bone-dry before the next summer storm.

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