The Fix-It Playbook — Pre-Winter Roof & Flashing Check

A pair of binoculars and twenty minutes from the ground finds most roof problems before winter finds them for you. Only about 1 in 5 homeowners actually do this check.

Inside: Step 1: The ground-level inspection · Step 2: The five flashing points that leak · Step 3: Check the attic too · Step 4: The emergency patch · The honest cost comparison · When to stop and call a pro · Troubleshooting · Printable roof checklist.

Doing it yourself: free if you own binoculars; an emergency patch kit (tarp, roof cement, furring strips) runs $20–40.
Calling a pro: $100–400 for a professional inspection; $200–1,500+ for flashing repair.

6 pages of labeled diagrams, parts lists and real numbers — no filler, no 40-minute video. Temperatures and measurements in both Fahrenheit/Celsius and feet/meters, so it works wherever you are. Ends with a printable checklist.

Instant PDF download: print it for the garage or follow it on your phone with the parts in hand. Yours to keep, no subscription.

Need more than this one job? The Draft-Proof Kit bundles all 5 building-envelope guides — 28 pages — for $14.