How to Patch a Flat Roof
This article will show you how to patch a leaking flat roof. A flat roof includes all roll-roofs with little slope. Follow these step to patch a leaking flat roof. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- 1 1/2-inch roofing nails
- #15 tar paper
- wet or dry roofing tar
- gloves
- trowel
- loose shingles
- sand or gravel
Instructions
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1
Clean all of the debris off of the roof. The roof must be swept clean with a broom. Inspect for dips and loose edges. You are looking for anyplace that water will puddle or seep between the layers. Mark each spot so you don't forget where they are.
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2
Use 1 1/2-inch roofing nails to nail all loose edges of the existing roll-roofing. Each seam must be checked for lifting. Any bubbles must be nailed down. Pay special attention to the drip edge area. The drip edge is the aluminum trim that goes around the edge of the roof. Mark each hole for patching later.
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3
Examine the flat roof for dips or any area that puddle. This is usually caused by a leak that has weakened the wood underneath. Put on rubber gloves. Apply a thin layer of roofing tar over the dip with a trowel. Place loose shingles over the tar. Do not nail these shingles. The purpose is to build up the dip so that water will not puddle. Continue to add thin layers of roofing tar and shingles until the dip has been filled.
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4
Starting at the lowest point on the roof, cover the entire area that needs to be patched with roofing tar. Spread the roofing tar wider than the #15 tar paper. Apply a section of paper over the wet roofing tar. Overlap the second row of tar paper by one foot. Cover all nail holes and dip areas with the tar and paper. Use the edge of the trowel to push the paper into the tar. You want to eliminate all bubbles.
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5
Finish by applying a 1/4-inch thick layer of roofing tar over all paper. Use alot of force to feather the roofing tar into the unpatched roof. Do not create a high spot with the patch. Extend the feather from the patch up into the flat roof.
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6
Double check the roof for any nails, loose spots, damaged areas or dips. The roof will be water proof now. To extend the life of your patch spread coarse sand or gravel on top of the roof.
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Tips & Warnings
wear old cloths that you don't mind throwing away
The procedure to repair or replace a flat roof is different from this.
Caution must always be used while on your roof. If you do not feel safe then get off the roof.
