How to Repair a Hole in Your Roof

How to Repair a Hole in Your Roof

If you’re reading this blog, you probably just searched on Google for “how to repair hole in your roof.” Luckily, you’re in the right place. We’ll tell you exactly how to patch the holes in your leaky roof, and it’s simpler than you might think.

At Authentic Restoration in Raleigh, North Carolina, we’re the roofing experts. Our team has been one of the most trusted contractors in Raleigh for over a decade, with an “A” rating from the Better Business Bureau and thousands of satisfied customers. We handle home improvement services for residential applications, including roof replacements, installations, and repairs.

This article will explain how to patch a hole in asphalt shingle roofing. But, if you’re not DIY-inclined, our team of professionals is just a phone call away. We’ll have your roof repaired and back in excellent condition before you know it. Call Authentic Restoration at (919) 604-7683 to request your free inspection and book your roof repair service today from our expert contractors.

What You’ll Need to Repair a Hole In Your Roof

Before you repair a hole in your roof, you’ll need to gather some supplies. If you have heavily damaged shingles, you’ll need to replace them entirely rather than patch them up. However, you can quickly repair a small hole with roof cement. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Roof cement
  • Hammer
  • Sheet metal
  • Inexpensive work gloves
  • Tape measure
  • Ladder
  • Silicone caulk
  • Tinner’s snips
  • Chip brush

Before You Start: Quick Tips

  • Roof cement is sticky, so choose a pair of work gloves you won’t mind throwing away afterward.
  • Wear a pair of durable, non-slip shoes to climb on the roof.
  • Don’t climb up to your roof unless the weather is clear and dry.
  • Never place a ladder on uneven, wet, or soggy ground.
  • Wear a carpenter’s work belt to keep your hands free when you’re climbing the ladder and moving around on the roof. Even a large, durable fanny pack or an apron-style pouch that ties behind your back will keep your tools easily accessible.

Step-By-Step Instructions for Patching Holes With Roof Cement

Here are step-by-step directions on how to repair a hole in your roof using sheet metal (flashing) and roofing cement:

  1. Place your ladder on firm, even, dry ground and climb up to the roof with your supplies (If you are not comfortable climbing on your roof, call a professional).
  2. Find the holes you want to repair and measure them. With your silicone caulk, you can permanently repair small holes (under 3/8 of an inch). Larger holes require a sheet metal patch since Raleigh’s climate will cause them to expand and contract, compromising the seal and rendering silicone caulk ineffective.
  3. Use your previous measurements to determine how large your metal patches must be, leaving an inch or two of extra metal around the edges. Then, take your tin snips and cut out each patch ahead of time.
  4. Wearing your work gloves, gently pry up the damaged shingles in the area where the hole is. Dip your chip brush in the roof cement and apply it generously onto the roof below the shingles.
  5. Pick up your sheet metal patches and place them firmly onto the roof where you just applied the cement, covering the hole completely.
  6. Apply silicone caulk to the edges of the sheet metal and then put the asphalt shingle back into place over the top of your metal patch.
  7. While you’re on the roof, look for any protruding nails. Hammer them back into place and then paint the head with a dab of roof cement.

You May Need a Roof Replacement

As you can see, it’s relatively easy to repair a hole in your roof. However, if you have extensive damage to your shingles or don’t feel comfortable climbing around on top of the roof, we’ve got you covered. If your damage is too severe, you may need a complete roof replacement. At Authentic Restoration in Raleigh, NC, we provide fast and affordable services for residential roofing, including installations, repairs, and replacements.

For years, we’ve been serving Raleigh with our quality craftsmanship at competitive prices, and we even offer flexible financing options. Call Authentic Restoration today at (919) 604-7683 to schedule your free inspection with our team of expert roof contractors.