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Repairing Asphalt Roof in 4 Easy Steps

Photo by: Bigstockphoto
Photo by: Bigstockphoto

Asphalt roof is one of the most durable and inexpensive roof materials in the market. However, it is not impervious to damage. If your asphalt roof has seen better days, you need to make repairs right away. The good news is, you don’t need to hire a professional to get the job done. The beauty of asphalt roofing is that patching any holes is very easy. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to repair a hole in asphalt roofing:

You will need:

Trowel

Flat Pry Bar
Caulk Gun
Utility Knife
Dust Brush
Scissors
Asphalt Primer
Roof Cement
4 to 6 inches Reinforcing Fabric

Step 1: Prep the Area

You have to prep the damaged area first before you can make repairs. If you don’t, the patch will not adhere properly to the damaged area. If your roof is covered with gravel, you’ll have to remove the gravel before applying the patch. If the gravel is not removed, the patch will come off, causing a leak.

To prep the area, get a flat pry bar and scrape the gravel from the surface of the roof using the flat portion of the bar. Scrape in one direction so you won’t damage the surrounding area. Once the gravel is removed, get a dust brush and sweep the area clean of dust and dirt. If the treated area is filled with dirt, the patch will adhere to the unwanted debris instead of the hole, causing a leak.

Step 2: Prime the Area

Once the damaged area has been prepped and free from dust, debris, and moisture, it is time to prime the area for patching. Apply the liquid asphalt primer to the roof surface in an even layer using a brush or a roller brush. Leave the primer to dry before applying the patch.

Applying the asphalt primer ensures a solid seal once the patch is applied. The patch will bind to the primer, ensuring durable adhesion. Make sure the primer is not too wet when you apply the patch or the patch won’t stick properly.

Step 3: Prep the Patch

After the primer has set, cut a portion of the asphalt impregnated cotton fabric using a straight blade or a pair of scissors. The fabric will serve as the patch for the hole. The size of the patch should be a minimum of three inches past the edge of the area to be repaired. You will apply the patch in two layers for durability.

Step 4: Apply the Patch

After cutting the right sized patch, you will cement the fabric directly on the hole. With your trowel, apply a bed of asphalt flashing cement on the surface of the roof in a uniform level. After applying the flashing cement, embed the cotton fabric into the roof cement. Once the first layer of the fabric is applied, add another layer of flashing cement and embed another layer of the fabric into the cement.

Once the two layers of the patch have been applied, finish up with a coat of asphalt mastic to the roof patch. Finally, place the gravel back on the patched area of the room to restore the roof’s pristine, uniform appearance!


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