How to Change a Flat Roof

Changing a flat roof will stop and prevent leaks caused by standing water. Flat roofs are generally made of layers of protective materials to prevent water or other elements from penetrating into the home or building. Over time, these materials may become damaged from the weather or rot from the general aging process. When this occurs, it becomes necessary to change the materials on the roof and rebuild the layers. If you can't afford to hire a roofing contractor, the roof might become a do-it-yourself project.

Claw hammer
Crow bar
Shovel
Wheelbarrow
3/4-inch plywood
2-inch nails
Paint brush
Epoxy sealer
Roofing paper
Staple gun with heavy duty staples
Cool sealing roof tar
Paint roller with long handle
Gravel
Push broom

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the old rocks, tar and paper from the roof. Sweep away the loose rocks and shovel up and haul them away with a wheelbarrow. Use a crowbar and claw hammer to pull the tarred paper up and discard. This could be difficult if the roof is more than one-story high. Plan carefully to remove the old debris.
- 2
  Inspect the exposed wood. Look for wet or rotten spots. Remove any pieces of plywood that have bad spots or cracks. Place new 3/4-inch plywood in their place and nail down with 2-inch nails.
- 3
  Apply epoxy sealer to the exposed wood. Use a paint brush or large roller to coat the areas where the wood pieces come together. Allow to dry.
- 4
  Cover the area with roofing paper. Tar or roofing paper comes in rolls. Begin on one side of the roof and roll the paper flush to the edge. Secure in place with heavy duty staples placed every 8 inches. Overlap subsequent lines of paper by at least 1/4 inch for complete coverage and secure with the staples.
- 5
  Apply cool-sealing roof tar to the entire area. Use a long-handled paint roller to evenly apply a thin layer of the tar. Begin in a corner and work backward. Allow to dry, and add a second layer.
- 6
  Spread new gravel over the roof. Shovel gravel onto the papered and tar area and spread evenly with a push broom.

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