How to Repair a Flat Roof on a Home

Repairing a flat roof as a do-it-yourself project is an affordable option for those not wanting to spend a mint on a new roof. Flat roofs are often constructed from layers of special paper and tar with a covering of gravel. The gravel assists in water drainage to prevent the pooling of water. When the gravel fails, standing water may cause damage to the roof and leaking occurs. For this issue, a simplistic patch project is a solution.

Push broom
Utility knife
Roofing paper or asphalt saturated cotton sheeting
Roofing tar
Trowel
Gravel

Instructions

- 1
  Locate the leak or damage on the roof. The location process varies according to the type of damage.
- 2
  Sweep away the gravel and all debris. Use a push broom to remove surface debris from the area of damage, exposing the tar and paper.
- 3
  Cut a large "X" shape into the damage area with a utility knife. Pull up the tarred paper from the roof in four sections from the center of the cut. If the damage extends beyond the cut "X," extend the cut only on the damage sides. Cut out the damaged area.
- 4
  Lay roofing paper, or asphalt-infused paper, over the damaged area, overlapping slightly onto the outer edges. The first layer will sink into the created hole slightly.
- 5
  Pour and smooth a layer of tar over the freshly laid paper. Spread roofing tar over the paper and onto the old, undamaged area of roof surrounding. Repeat the paper and tarring process.
- 6
  Cover the area with a new layer of gravel. Spread the gravel with a broom and extend onto the old part of the roof.

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