Sealing Holes on Roof
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May 13, 2025 at 2:32 p.m.
HannahFord7
Elaine from West Virginia asks: We are buying a house and the owner had a roof leak and top nailed a tarp the roof. The owner took out the nails and filled the holes with sealer. Is the roof compromised now?
May 13, 2025 at 2:32 p.m.
HannahFord7
Below is what our roofing expert John Kenney with Cotney Consulting Group had to say in response to your question:
Yes, the roof may be compromised. Top-nailing a tarp creates penetrations in the roof surface, and simply sealing those nail holes afterward is not a proper repair. Even high-quality sealant can degrade over time, especially under UV exposure, and may not prevent future leaks. The extent of the damage depends on the roofing material, how long the tarp was in place, and whether water entered through those holes before sealing.
Have a licensed roofing contractor perform a detailed inspection before closing to protect your investment. They should check for hidden moisture damage, weakened decking, and the system's overall health. A quick patch job may hide bigger problems—so verify before you buy.
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