How to Patch Rolled Roofing
Rolled roofing is commonly used on flat or low-pitched roofs. This type of roofing needs yearly inspection to make sure that the roof is shedding water and protected from damage. Leaks should be fixed as soon as possible to avoid rot because the water can not move off the roof easily. Leaks can occur if there is standing debris, "popped" nail heads or blisters that have formed under the roofing due to improper wet seal or roofing cement application. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Stiff bristled brush
- Roof patch
- Trowel
- Reinforcement webbing
- Nails
- Rolled roofing
Instructions
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Small Patch
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1
Locate the area that needs to be patched. Remove debris with a stiff bristled brush. Debris like pine needles, acorn hulls and piles of leaves can build up in an area and cause damage. Make sure all visible debris is removed.
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2
Inspect the area for popped nails. If you see exposed nail heads drive the nail flush with the roofing layer. Drive an additional nail next to the popped nail. Cover the nail heads with wet patch or roofing cement.
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3
Spread a layer of wet patch 1/8-inch thick on top of the tear. Spread the wet patch so that it covers the tear and two inches on either side of it.
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4
Place reinforcement webbing into the layer of wet patch. Reinforcement webbing is cloth that will absorb the wet patch.
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5
Spread a second layer of wet patch 1/8-inch thick over the reinforcement webbing. This layer should be spread thinly and evenly across the patched area.
Large Patch
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6
Cut through the rolled roofing to be patched. Lift up the edges and allow the roofing underneath to dry.
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7
Spread a layer of wet patch 1/8-inch thick under the entire area of rolled roofing. Smooth the rolled roofing down and lay bricks on top to weigh down the edges.
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8
Cut a piece of rolled roofing larger than the damaged area to form a new patch. Spread a layer of roofing cement 1/8-inch thick over the newly cemented rolled roofing. Lay the new rolled roofing patch on top and smooth it down.
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9
Nail down the edges of the patch. Spread wet patch on top of the nail heads to seal them.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Inspect the roof for damage twice a year.
Clean gutters and valleys to prevent debris build-up.
Make sure flashing is flat and tight against the roof.
Roofing patch is commonly referred to as wet seal, roofing cement or roofing compound.
Roofing patch is sold in caulk tubes, small cans or buckets.
Let someone know you are going on the roof before you go up.
Make sure the ladder is in good condition before climbing on top of the roof.
