How to Repair a Flat-Rock Roof

As with all roofs, flat-rock roofs develop leaks over time. Whereas sloped roofs carry rain off the roof naturally, flat roofs tend to allow water to accumulate. It's for this reason that flat-rock roofs are more common in climates that rarely experience extended periods of rain. Although installing a new roof is one way to stop a roof leak, doing so can be expensive and is often unnecessary. Repairing the roof yourself is considerably less expensive than replacing the entire roof, and the process is straightforward.

Things You'll Need

• Flat spade shovel
• Utility roof
• Putty knife
• Roofing cement
• Fiberglass roof patch
• Mason’s trowel
• Broom

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Instructions

1. Shovel away the rocks that cover the damaged area, using a flat spade shovel.

2. Cut a rectangle through the surface of the roof and around the damaged area with a utility knife.

3. Pry the cut rectangular piece off the roof, using a putty knife.

4. Fill the recessed rectangular cavity in the roof with a generous amount of roofing cement. Apply the cement to the roof with the putty knife.

5. Trim a fiberglass roof patch to match the dimensions of the rectangular repair area, using the utility knife.

6. Press the roof patch into the roofing cement.

7. Apply a generous coat of roofing cement across the roof patch with a mason’s trowel.

8. Allow the roofing cement to dry.

9. Sweep the roofing rocks over the repair area with a broom.

References

• Ultimate Guide to Home Repair and Improvement; Creative Homeowner