Repairing a Shingle Roof

• 1). Locate the source of the leak. Look for shingles which are missing, misshapen or damaged.
  
  
• 2). Soften misshapen shingles and flatten them. In the winter, shingles often curl up and must be warmed with a propane torch. Attach the flame-spreader nozzle to the torch and apply the flame carefully to the shingle's curled edges. Flatten the edges when the shingle is warm and soft.
  
  
• 3). Reattach new shingles (often left over from the original installation) to areas where old shingles were damaged or missing. Apply roof cement to the bottom and each corner of the shingle to attach it to the roof area.
  
  

Repairing a Flat Roof

• 1). Locate the source of the leak. Look for areas where the tar and felt have separated from the roof, bubbled or cracked.
  
  
• 2). Make sure area to be repaired is completely dry. Soak up any water pooled around the crack or bubble.
  
  
• 3). Use a propane torch to warm up felt covering the roof. In the winter the felt can become dry and brittle and will need to be warmed before repairing. Attach a flame-spreader nozzle to the propane torch and carefully soften the felt and tar by moving the torch back and forth over the felt and tar. They should not become hot enough to bubble as this could start a fire.
  
  
• 4). Apply roof cement to torn or cracked areas once tar and felt are warm and soft. Press the felt down securely.
  
  
• 5). Nail down the felt with 6d galvanized roofing nails.
  
  
• 6). Cover the entire area with roof cement.