DIY: Repairing Cracks or Bubbles in a Flat Roof

Below are several tips on how to fix that nagging leak in one's flat roof.

A professional could easily do the repair job, but it would be an expensive undertaking for the homeowner because it would be a job that needs to be done regularly. Flat roof repairs are simple and can be done by the homeowner himself.

The materials needed for flat roof repairs are; roofing cement, roofing nails, a nail gun, utility knives, putty knives, brooms and towels. Ensure that the weather is cool and dry before venturing up on to the roof. The first step to repairing a crack in the roof would be to get a broom and sweep the roof to remove loose dust and dirt particles.

Next, find the leaky spot on the roof; check metal barriers where they meet the roof, as well as chimney and plumbing stacks, these are the usual culprits where cracks will develop. Once the leak has been found, clean off any dirt from the leaky spot in order to see the damage properly. It also helps to get the cement to stick to the roof surface more securely.

Carefully cut around the cracked area making sure not to cut the felt underneath, cutting out a rectangular shape is good; remove the cutout and soak out any water. Cut a piece of shingle, using the cut-out as a size guide; slide a putty knife covered in roofing cement under the edges in order to apply a thin layer of cement. Now fit the shingle in place and apply pressure; nail down the shingle using roofing nails on each side. The whole patch should be sealed by spreading roofing cement all through. Ensure that the cement covers up all the nail heads. The flat roof repairs are all done to stop the leak.

Bubbles and blisters occur on flat roofs, and in order to treat these several steps are need to ensure that the flat roof repairs done actually save the roof. The first step is to look for large bubbles or blisters in the roofing. It is best to find these when the roof is dry. The area around the blister or bubble should be swept clean. Slice the blister in the center, carefully so as not to cut the under-felt. Force roofing cement through the slit onto the bottom of the edges, then press the blister firmly down. Nail down the edges with roofing nails, then cover the whole patch with roofing cement, ensuring that all nail heads are covered up, and leave to dry.