How to Seal a Leak on an Asphalt Roof Liner

An asphalt roof liner, also known as asphalt roofing felt paper, is a barrier designed to prevent water from hitting the plywood roof beneath. When it’s installed, the felt paper is either nailed or stapled to the roof after being rolled out. The roof’s shingles are then installed on top. Due to the elements, the nails will sometimes pop up through the roof liner and shingle, causing a leak. Sealing the leak is possible with a small repair job.

Asphalt roofing felt
Hammer
Scraper (optional)
Asphalt cement
Shingle granules

Instructions

- 1
  Draw the outline of a 4-inch by 2-inch rectangle onto a new piece of asphalt roofing felt. Cut out the outline using a utility knife. Fold the piece in half to form a small square.
- 2
  Pry the roof shingle back where the nail is sticking out, using a scraper for help if necessary, leaving the asphalt roof liner exposed.
- 3
  Pull the protruding nail out from the roof and reinstall it approximately an inch up from the prior location with a hammer.
- 4
  Paint a layer of asphalt cement over the nail hole in the asphalt roof liner. Press the square of asphalt roofing felt into place over the cement. Lay the shingle back in place. If the nail hole went all the way through the shingle, place a dab of the asphalt cement in the hole and fill with granules of loose shingle, which you can often find in your gutter.

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