How to Fix an Old Cracked Tar and Gravel Roof

Walk along the roof and locate any cracked or damaged areas. Mark the areas with chalk so they are easily identifiable. Most cracks occur near the flashing around chimneys or pipes, as well as areas where the gravel is gone and the tar is exposed.

Scrape the gravel off of the damaged and cracked areas with a trowel. Clear an area at least 6 inches beyond the crack on all sides. Place the old gravel into a bucket or simply create a pile off to the side.

Set up a heating kettle, available for rent at most tool supply stores, and add tar to the kettle per the manufacturer’s instructions. Wait until the tar melts completely then put on thick gloves and a face shield.

Scoop out 1/2- to 1 gallon of tar from the kettle with a dipper. Pour the tar into a 5-gallon bucket and carry it very carefully up to the roof.

Insert a roof mop into the tar and spread a 1/4- to 1/2-inch layer over all of the damaged roof areas.

Wait until the tar hardens then apply another layer. Continue applying layers until the damaged portions rise to the same level as the surrounding roof and the cracks are no longer visible.

Cut a piece of fiberglass roof mesh to the same size as the repair site with shears. Lay the mesh in the wet tar then apply another layer of tar over it until you can no longer see it.

Spread gravel over the repair site until no portion of the tar is visible. You can use the gravel you removed earlier or apply fresh pea gravel-sized rocks to the repair site.