We had a great experience with The Roof Technician . They are local guys and have been around for like 20 years. They fixed our flashing a few months ago and the price was totally reasonable.

Wait, are we supposed to be saving these things? I saw @the_holly's comment and it just seems like a big fuss over nothing. People act like it's a major life choice but honestly, who cares? Half the stuff people get worked up over turns out to be nothing anyway. My gut says this is probably one of those times.

Actually, I've had pumps die right when things got rough despite checks.

Seriously though, @patricia167, that pencil trick is LEGENDARY. My buddy had the same issue after painting his front door last fall, the lock was a total brick. He was about to call a locksmith when I told him to just scratch a pencil all over his key. He thought I was messing with him, but it worked INSTANTLY. Now he tells everyone about it like it's some big secret he discovered.

That loud pop could've been worse if it hit you. At least your cat getting scared was the only real damage. Good reminder to check those bands more often.