There are many ways a roof can get damaged. We’ve seen it all – from fallen tree branches to severe weather. But one unique cause of roof damage is something you might not expect: bullet holes.
While it’s not common, bullet holes in roofs do happen. These can cause roof leaks and other damage, which surprises a lot of our customers.
They can be caused by stray shots, accidents, or even celebratory gunfire (which is not unheard of in Oklahoma!). No matter how it happens, a bullet hole in your roof is a serious problem that needs quick attention.
So how do you repair holes or roof punctures caused by bullets or other sharp objects? In this guide, we’ll cover what to do, how to assess the damage, and how to make repairs. Even if you’ve never dealt with this kind of situation before, don’t worry. We’ll break it down into simple steps you can follow.
How To Patch A Bullet Hole In The Roof
At A. Fricker Roofing and Waterproofing, we have experts who have been serving Oklahoma for years. As a result of our repairs and inspections, we have observed a rise in bullet-related roof damage, including splits, holes, and punctures.
How To Fix Bullet Holes in Shingle Roofs
To repair bullet holes in a shingle roof, here are the steps you can take:
Gather The Required Materials
Before you start the repair, make sure you have everything you need:
- Safety gear – work gloves, safety glasses, and non-slip shoes
- Ladder
- Roofing cement
- Putty knife
- Roofing nails
- Hammer
- Replacement shingles that match your existing roof
- Flashing (small metal sheet)
- Utility knife
- Caulking gun and exterior-grade caulk
Locate The Hole in the Roof
The hole in the roof may not be directly visible from the ceiling, so you need to locate it from the outside. Set the ladder and safely climb onto the roof. Look for the hole by visually inspecting the roof surface for visible signs of damage. This can be in the form of holes or cracks in the shingles.
If the hole is not immediately visible from the roof, it’s time to check the attic and search for signs of moisture as this can indicate a leak.
Remove Damaged Shingles
The next step is to work towards the damaged shingles. However, before you begin removing damaged shingles, it’s crucial to check for and remove the bullet if it’s still present. Start by using a pry bar to gently lift the edge of the shingle directly above the hole.
Inspect The Roof Deck
Check the wood underneath (the roof deck) for damage. If the bullet went through, you’ll need to patch this hole first. For a small hole, use a piece of flashing slightly larger than the hole. Apply roofing cement around the hole, press the flashing into place, and secure the edges with roofing nails.
If the puncture is deep, this might not work. For larger holes, you might need to replace part of the damaged deck and fix the framing.
Install New Shingles
After addressing any damage to the roof deck, you’re ready to move on to the next step: installing new shingles. Use leftover shingles from your roof replacement or find ones that match the rest of the roof. Carefully place and secure new shingles so they seamlessly blend with your existing roof, ensuring proper water drainage and protection for your home.
Contact a Roofing Professional
If the damage is not significant, patching may work on shingle roofs. However, for more extensive or more complex repairs, contact a professional roofer in Oklahoma. They have the right equipment to get on your roof safely and ensure the hole is fixed correctly. Also, a professional roof repair service will prevent water leaks or further damage.
How to Repair a Hole in a Metal Roof
The section above was specifically designed for shingle roofs, as they are found on the majority of the roofs in Oklahoma. Next, we cover how you can repair a bullet hole in a metal roof.
Assess The Damage
Metal roofs are more resistant to bullet penetration than shingle roofs. The bullet may not pass through completely, instead leaving a dent or small puncture. If the bullet did pass through, the hole would likely be small and clean.
Clean the Repair Area
It is always better to clean the surface of your metal roof thoroughly before starting with the repairs. The presence of any dirt, film, and algae growth can cause more harm. You can do this with a garden hose and a cleaner. Wipe away any residue with a cloth and make sure the area is completely dry before continuing.
For Dents Without Penetration:
- If the bullet only left a dent, you might not need to patch it.
- Use a rubber mallet to tap the dent back into a flat surface.
- Apply a coat of rust-inhibiting primer and paint to match your roof.
Prepare the Patch
Next, prepare the patch material. If using a metal patch, cut it so that it is at least 2 inches larger than the hole on all sides using metal snips. This size ensures adequate coverage and a secure seal. If you are using roof repair tape, cut a piece slightly larger than the hole. The patch material should match the type of metal of your roof to ensure compatibility and durability.
Apply Sealant
Apply a generous amount of high-quality, waterproof roofing sealant around the hole and on the underside of the patch. The sealant will create a waterproof barrier and help bond the patch to the roof. Make sure to cover the entire area that the patch will touch.
Attach the Patch
Place the metal patch over the hole, pressing it firmly into the sealant to ensure a good bond. Secure the patch by driving roofing nails or screws evenly around the edges of the patch. Ensure the fasteners are spaced evenly and driven securely to hold the patch in place. For roof repair tape, press it firmly in place, ensuring no air bubbles are trapped underneath.
Preventing Future Incidents
While you can’t control every situation, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of bullet damage to your roof:
- Be aware of hunting seasons in your area
- If you own firearms, always follow proper safety protocols
- Consider installing impact-resistant roofing materials during your next roof replacement
Conclusion
Repairing bullet holes or any other roof damage is crucial to prevent further problems. As we have seen, in most cases it’s best to hire a professional. At A.Fricker Roofing and Waterproofing, we have a team of experienced roof repair experts who know how to deal with all roofing problems. Our team can not only patch a bullet hole but can also handle any other issues you may have with your roof.
Contact us today at (918) 402-7167 to learn more.
