How to Fix the Leak on a Roll Roofing Top

Used because of its quick installation and versatility, roll roofing is common on all types of roofs, ranging from flat to steep slopes. Although waterproof adhesives bond roll roofing to roof surfaces and provide protection against leaks, these adhesives eventually deteriorate and allow water to seep underneath the roll roofing strips and ultimately indoors. Leaks typically occur around the edges of roll roofing strips, where adhesives are more susceptible to weather exposure. Promptly fix leaks in roll roofing to prevent your home interiors from acquiring moisture damage.

Wire brush
Protective eyewear
Rubber gloves
Full-length clothing
Rubberized roof patching cement
Trowel

Instructions

- 1
  Clean the area where the roll roofing strip has loosened from the roof surface. Using a wire brush, scrub the exposed roof to remove dirt and debris.
- 2
  Put on protective eyewear, rubber gloves and full-length clothing to prevent contact with the patching compound. The weather should be clear and the surface temperature should be between 50 and 120 degrees F for optimal repairing conditions.
- 3
  Apply a 1/8-inch-thick layer of rubberized roof patching cement to the exposed roof surface using a trowel. Spread the rubberized cement layer evenly onto the entire exposed surface. If you are repairing a large area of the roof, use 1 gallon of the rubberized cement per 8 square feet of roof surface.
- 4
  Use a strip of reinforcing fabric to strengthen the area and apply a second layer of the rubberized cement over the reinforcement.
- 5
  Let the repaired roll roofing cure for 48 hours.

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