How to Patch a Hole in a Roof

Stop Leaks from Roof Damage

Your roof might require repair if a strong gust of wind causes a tree branch to penetrate it. Removing an old satellite dish or vent might also create a hole that needs fixing. Regardless of the reason for your roof’s damage, it’s crucial to complete the task before rain sets in. The process of repairing a hole in the roof is manageable if you have basic carpentry skills. In this guide, the professionals at Dream Home Roofers walk you through the steps of how to patch a hole in a roof.

Necessary Tools & Materials

• Extension ladder
• Pry bar
• Hammer
• Utility knife
• Measuring tape
• Reciprocating saw
• Liquid nails
• 2 x 4 lumber
• Roof decking of the same thickness as existing deck
• Tar paper
• New shingles

How to Repair a Hole in the Roof

1. Position the ladder securely, climb onto the roof, and locate the hole.
2. Utilize a pry bar to lift the shingles off the damaged area, starting with those above the hole and working downward.
3. Extract all nails with a claw hammer.
4. Use a utility knife to cut the tar paper in the damaged region.
5. Employ a reciprocating saw to cut a square or rectangle around the hole, avoiding roof rafters. Ensure all damaged decking is removed. If the damage spans a rafter, you may need to cut out two squares.
6. With the deck edges exposed, measure the board thickness to determine the size of the replacement decking.
7. Measure the opening and cut a piece of new decking to fit.
8. Measure and cut 2 x 4 lumber to construct braces across and around the gap. Attach the braces to rafters around the edges of the gap using 10-penny nails. Leave the edges of each brace exposed around the opening for the patch.
9. Dry-fit the patch and adjust its size if needed.
10. Apply liquid nails to the patch and press it into place.
11. Nail the patch to the braces with 8-penny nails.
12. Spread roofing tar over the patch seams.
13. Cut tar paper to fit over the area. Slide the upper edge beneath the existing tar paper or shingles and overlap the bottom edge by 2 inches.
14. Nail the tar paper with roofing nails.
15. Begin nailing on new shingles from the bottom of the exposed area.
16. Apply roofing tar over shingle nails.

Get Assistance With Roof Repairs Today

A roof with significant damage or rotted decking requires more than just a patch. The roofing specialists at Dream Home Roofers are ready to assist and can efficiently and affordably repair or replace your roof. If you live in the Delaware Valley, contact us today to discuss your roofing needs, or if you’re still wondering how to patch a hole in a roof.