Patch hole in roof

Use a circular saw to cut out the damaged plywood. Be careful not to cut or damage the rafter. You may need to work in sections, cutting two holes to avoid cutting the rafter. Extend the braces at least the length of the hole on either side, so that the brace is three times the length of the hole.

Using gloves, apply liquid nails to the new plywood patch and fit it into the hole. Then nail the new plywood to the framing you just created with 8-penny nails. Spread roofing cement over the seams where the new plywood meets the existing plywood. Next, lay tar paper over the patch, being sure to extend it underneath the top shingles by 2 inches. Nail the tar paper to the decking. Work from the bottom to the top when attaching new shingles. Use roofing nails to attach the new shingles to the plywood.

Cover the nails with roofing cement to prevent leaking around the nails. This is the final step. Before you leave your attic use a measuring tape to roughly map out where the leak is, so you can find it once the rain stops. After the rain as stopped and the sun is out put on some rubber soled shoes and use the same measurement to find the leaky area on the outside of your roof.

You can add some more roofing tar to the area to complete your temporary patch. This also goes for homes where there is no attic or attic access. Plastic roof covering comes in 4-foot rolls of polyethylene. Buy some and head home to get it placed on your roof. Once it is cut to length you will unfold it to make a section that is long enough for your roof, and about 8 feet wide.

Do the same thing on the other end of your plastic roof covering to finish preparing your cover. If you need emergency roof repair services because you have a leaking roof, Right Way Roofing, Inc. We are family owned and operated, so we always keep in mind how much your home means to you and your family. Visible daylight. Inspect your attic on a sunny day.

Missing or cracked shingles. If you can safely perform a roof inspection, check your shingles. Missing or cracked roofing shingles may mean a hole in the roof. Repair a Hole in Your Roof You may be able to make a minor DIY roof repair IF and only if : the hole in your roof is small and accessible your roof is basically sound and within its expected lifetime 20 years for an asphalt shingle roof you have solid knowledge of home improvement and roof safety — plus a proper roofing ladder, good non-skid shoes, and a buddy to assist you.

Updated April 19, Laura Firszt. Get Free Quotes. Use a pry bar to lift shingles off of the damaged area. Start with shingles above the hole and work downward. Pull out all nails with a claw hammer. Cut the tar paper in the damaged area with a utility knife. Cut a square or rectangle around the hole with a reciprocating saw.

Do not cut into roof rafters. Make sure to remove all damaged decking. You might have to cut out two squares if the damage crosses a rafter. With the deck edges exposed, measure board thickness to determine the size of replacement decking.