You can fix a small damaged area in an almost-flat roof by cutting out a small section and replacing it with a new piece.

Because this type of roof is designed to hold standing water, making a watertight repair can be tricky. If it sounds like more than you want to attempt, call a roofing contractor. If you want to do this repair yourself, follow the directions below.

1) Sweep gravel and dirt away from the hole.

2) Cut out the damaged area, making a rectangular cut with the aid of a straightedge and utility knife. Slice through the top layer and, if necessary, other damaged layers.

3) From roll roofing or an asphalt shingle, cut a replacement piece the same size as the cutout. Spread plastic roofing cement inside the cutout area and up over the edges. Fit the patch in place, and nail it around the perimeter with galvanized roofing nails spaced about 2 inches apart.

4) Cut a second patch 4 inches larger than the first one so that it overlaps by 2 inches on all sides.

5) Cover the first patch with roofing cement as well as about 3 inches beyond the patch’s perimeter.

6) Press the second patch into place and nail and cement it as you did the first one.

7) When the cement begins to set up, sweep the gravel back over the top of the patch.