A flat roof is usually slightly sloped. It may be covered with a granular roll roofing, EPDM (which is smooth surfaced), or modified bitumen (which may be smooth or mineral surfaced). Some flat roofs have hot tar built-up roofing, which may have a gravel surface. If you live in an arid region or an older urban area, you may have a large flat roof. Suburban homes sometimes have small flat sections. Where the roofing curves to meet a wall or chimney, the material may loosen along its topmost edges. Apply plenty of roofing cement to fill the void and smooth the cement so water can run off unimpeded. An application of aluminum fiber coating quickly seals many small leaks and can prolong the life of a roof. It cannot be applied over a gravel-topped or mineral surfaced roof however. Follow our steps below to learn how to fix it yourself without hiring professional help. Editor’s tip: An aluminum coating can be applied over a hot-tar roof or an EPDM roof. It not only seals cracks but also reflects light, making the roof somewhat cooler in the summer. Apply it over the entire roof with a squeegee/broom tool.
