Things You’ll Need
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Roofing cement
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Plastic putty knife
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Adhesive drywall patch
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Paint stir stick
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Newspaper
Patching a rooftop hole can be an easy DIY. Image Credit: Debbie Williams
A common feature of older homes is a rooftop deck, which can be very nice, but does require maintenance to keep it a safe place to enjoy the outdoors. Patching a hole in this type of roof deck is sometimes required and it is an easy task that you can do yourself.
Step 1
Spread the roofing cement all around the hole. Image Credit: Debbie Williams
Clean the area of all dirt and debris and let it dry thoroughly. Using a paint stick, or similar tool, spread the roofing cement generously around the hole. The cement is very thick and sticky – just be patient and keep at it.
Step 2
Roofing cement ready for the patch. Image Credit: Debbie Williams
When you have a good, thick coating of the roofing cement all around the hole, wrap the stick in newspaper or other waste paper to dispose of it before it is spread to other surfaces.
Step 3
Carefully push the patch into place. Image Credit: Debbie Williams
Remove the protective paper backing from the adhesive drywall patch and place the patch over the hole. Lay the paper backing on the top of the patch to protect your hands as you push the patch into place.
Step 4
The patch should look like this. Image Credit: Debbie Williams
Make sure the patch is pressed into the roofing cement all the way around and has a secure seal.
Step 5
Spread another layer of roofing cement. Image Credit: Debbie Williams
Using the plastic putty knife, spread more roofing cement over the patch, extending beyond the original cement and tapering off in all four directions.
Step 6
The waterproof patch is complete. Image Credit: Debbie Williams
The roofing cement should be slightly domed in the center and taper to nothing at the edges. Smooth the surface as much as possible and dispose of the plastic putty knife. Let the patch dry for 24 hours before walking on the roof deck.
Tip
Chose a time for the repair that allows you about 24 hours without rain to give the roofing cement time to dry completely.
Warning
Use caution when working above the ground, even with a railing present.
