For rust spots, scrub off the flaky bits with your wire brush. You want shiny metal—like a bald tire, but for roofs. Apply sealant with your putty knife. Slather it on like butter on toast.
For loose screws, remove the old one. Squirt a dab of sealant into the hole, then drive in a new, slightly larger screw. This is called the “plug and play” method. Very satisfying.
For seam gaps, run a thick bead of sealant along the opening. Spread it smoothly with your finger (or the putty knife if you’re fancy). It looks like frosting a cake for giants.
Quirky Fact Time
Did you know that metal roofs were used on Viking longships? They had to be waterproof for raids. Your leak is basically a Norse-level problem. You can handle it.
Also, a single roof leak can waste 1,000 gallons of water a year. That’s enough to fill a swimming pool for a backyard squirrel. Fix the leak, save the squirrel’s pool.
