- 1). Find the spot where the roof is leaking. Since water can sometimes travel sideways under part of the roof until it finds a place to seep through the roof, don't assume that the roof is leaking directly above where you see wall or ceiling damage in the structure. Look for low spots on the roof where water may puddle after a rain. Clear off the gravel in a 100-square-foot area around this low spot and dry completely using the dry towels.
- 2). Cut out any blisters that may be found. Slice an "X" into the blistered area and pull back the corners and let the roof underneath dry. If any cracks are found pull them apart and let them dry. Cracks and blisters are a leak point which can allow water to leak through the roofing material and into the structure.
- 3). Apply tar underneath the areas that were cut and fold the cuts into the tar. Apply a coat of tar to the entire area that is at least 1/8-inch thick, and extends at least six inches beyond the repair area. Be sure to clean the area of dirt and debris before applying the tar to get the best results.
- 4). Cut a piece of fabric that will cover the repaired area and lay it in the tar. Be sure that the fabric becomes submerged in the tar. Trowel another layer of tar over the fabric and smooth it beyond the edge of the repair into the old roof.
- 5). Push the stones back over the repaired area by hand so as not to disturb the new patch. The stones will protect the repaired area from the weather. This patching process is only meant to be a temporary fix until the entire roof can be replaced.
How to Fix a Tar and Gravel Roof From Leaking
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