How to Repair a Flat Asphalt Roof

Many homes and commercial buildings are built with low-sloped or flat asphalt roof structures. As these roofs age, cracks or splits may appear in various areas around the material. It is essential to repair and maintain these roofs as needed, and we recommend contacting our roofing contractors in St. Charles, MO, for the job.

If you are set on giving the repair job a try on your own, basic repairs can be completed quickly with the right materials. Below is everything you will need for the job:

• Trowel
• Pry bar
• Caulk gun
• Utility knife
• Dust brush
• Scissors
• Asphalt primer
• Roof cement
• Reinforcing fabric

Step 1: Prepare the Area

You want to begin by cleaning the roof’s surface. This will ensure your patch adheres appropriately. If your asphalt roof has gravel surfacing, you will need to remove the gravel around the area to be repaired before proceeding. This can be done with your pry bar.

Step 2: Prime the Area

Apply the asphalt primer to the roof with a brush or a roller. Applying a primer to the roof will allow the patch to bond to the roof surface more successfully.

Step 3: Cut the Patch

Measure your reinforcing fabric, so it extends at least three inches past the edge of the repair area. You should install the patch in two layers, one that is four inches wide and a second that is six inches wide.

Step 4: Cement the Patch

Apply a bed of flashing cement with your trowel to cement the patch in place. Once the entire patch has been applied, finish it off with a coat of asphalt mastic and reset the gravel if necessary.