How to Use a Tar Kettle

Place the tar kettle on a flat surface on the ground beside the installation area. Paved surfaces are optimal, but bare soil is also suitable. Do not place it on grass since the heat from the kettle can result in a fire.

Set up the kettle per the manufacturer's instructions. Some kettles have a pipe that runs to the roof to transport the hot liquid. If yours has this pipe, ensure that is at the proper angle and secured according to the specifications.

Set up barriers at least 10 feet from all sides of the kettle using temporary fencing to prevent unauthorized personnel from coming into contact with the kettle or hot substance.

Put on long sleeves, pants, thick work gloves, non-skid shoes and a face shield when working with the tar. In addition, the person feeding the material into the kettle must wear a hard hat.

Open the door of the kettle and insert pre-chopped pieces of asphalt or tar. Close the door and wait until they melt completely. Use only the amount specified in the instructions for the size kettle you have.

Place a metal tar bucket under the opening of the kettle nozzle, which is located on the opposite side of the door. Lift or twist the handle above the nozzle to open the flow of liquid. Close the handle when the bucket is 3/4 full. Place the lid on the bucket to prevent splashing during transport.

Insert a cotton or fiberglass tar mop into the mixture and mop it onto the installation surface just as you would mop a floor. Install tar paper on top of the tar before it dries by unrolling it and pressing it down into the sticky substance.