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WHY SEAL YOUR FLAT ROOF
Flat roofs are known for their modern aesthetic and space-saving advantages. However, they do come with their own set of challenges. One common issue that flat roofs face is water leaks and moisture problems due to their unique design. There is a solution to these problems that keep your flat roof in good condition – flat roof sealants.
Below are reasons to seal your flat roof on a regular basis.
Longer Roof Life
One of the most significant benefits to using a roof sealant is that it can prolong your roof’s life expectancy. Sealants provide a protective layer so your roof experiences less damage from weather elements.
Protection from Elements
Inclement weather is the number one cause for roof damage and a good sealant can shield your roof from rain, ice, snow, and sun. Many sealants can also increase fire resistance for your roof.
Reduce Mold
In many areas, mold and other microorganisms permeate damp and moist areas of the roof. A good roof sealant waterproofs your roof so that minimal moisture is able to seep in. This reduces the threat of mold growth in unwanted spaces.
Fewer Repairs and Replacements
An unsealed roof carries the risk of more cracks and leaks than a sealed roof. Repairs and replacements can be costly, but an appropriate sealant will save you time, money, and stress.
Energy Efficiency
A longer roof lifespan means less environmental waste. Plus, most of today’s sealants are designed to be environmentally friendly, so there’s no need to be concerned about harmful chemicals being released into the air during application.
Improved Appearance
Last but not least, sealants can preserve the physical appearance of your roof. It helps maintain the roof’s color and keeps it looking new. A roof that continues to look fresh will also increase in both value and curb appeal.
What to Know About Roof Sealants
There are still a few more points that a homeowner should consider before choosing their roofing sealant.
Water Resistance
Some roof sealants are more water resistant than others. In wet areas of the country, or roofs of certain designs, this can be an important factor when choosing a roof sealant. For example, flat roofs can trap water, especially in downpours or if a drain clogs. For wet areas, polyurethane, rubber or silicone sealants are best. They’ll stand the best chance of keeping water from penetrating through the roof and causing damage.
UV Protection
Sunlight affects roofing sealants differently. For example, polyurethane sealants will break down quickly when exposed to sunlight day in and day out. However, acrylic sealants can not only resist sunlight but also deflect it, making them a great choice for roofs in hot climates.
Lifespan
In most cases, homeowners can expect their roofing sealants to last 10 to 20 years without reapplication. This is often plenty of time, as the entire roof will likely need replacing within that time frame. However, folks who want the most prolonged protection possible should know that the thicker they apply the sealant, the longer it will last. Getting the most time possible out of a sealant may require several coatings.
Ease of Application
Folks who want to apply their own roofing sealant should definitely consider the ease of application. Some materials, such as water-based rubber and acrylic sealants, as well as roof sealant tape, are much easier to apply than solvent-based silicone or polyurethane. However, these easy-to-apply material types aren’t likely to last as long as the others, so they will require reapplication.
Types of Sealants
Some common types of roof sealing options include:
1. Silicone – This is best for areas that experience a lot of heavy rain or high UV rays.
2. Acrylic – Similar to silicone, these coatings are most useful when you want the roof to reflect UV rays.
3. Polyurethane – This type of sealant helps preserve your roof during severe weather, such as hailstorms.
4. Asphalt – An asphalt coating adapts well to most weather and is often used on metal or bitumen roofs.
Before applying a sealant, you’ll want to make sure your roof is in good condition. This includes repairing all problem areas on your roof to avoid sealing over cracks.
Types of Roof Sealant
Just as there are several ways to buy roof sealers and different bases from which to choose, there are several types of roof sealants. These types differ in the materials that comprise them. Each of these leaking roof repair product types has its pros and cons.
Rubber Sealant
Rubber roof sealants are typically water-based, and they’re effective at sealing the roof from rain or sunlight. These sealants tend to be inexpensive and easy to apply, and they’re easy to work into cracks and small gaps.
Silicone Sealant
Silicone sealants are expensive, but that’s for good reason: they’re very effective at sealing against rain, snow and other forms of moisture, as well as UV rays. This one-size-fits-all approach makes them a great choice, but they can be too expensive for large repairs or installations.
Sealant Tape
Sealant tapes are some of the easiest roof sealants to apply. These sealants come in long strips with highly-adhesive faces. They can protect seams in leak-prone areas or patch tears and rips in rubber membranes or shingles. They’re very popular with the RV crowd as they’re extremely easy to apply, making emergency repairs possible.
Polyurethane Sealant
For areas that see a lot of snow and rain, polyurethane sealants may be a great choice. These sealants are effective at creating a waterproof barrier, keeping moisture from passing behind flashing, through gaps or tears and other small problem areas. However, the sun’s UV rays break down polyurethane sealants relatively quickly, meaning they aren’t ideal for sunny areas.
Acrylic Sealant
Opposite of polyurethane sealants, acrylic sealants create an excellent barrier against UV rays, even deflecting them rather than absorbing them. However, they’re not effective for waterproofing, meaning acrylic sealants are better for hot, dry areas.
