Edmonton AB Roof Repair Tips: Is Roof Sealant Caulk Always the Best Repair Tool?

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Edmonton AB Roof Repair Tips: Is Roof Sealant Caulk Always the Best Repair Tool?

When the rainy season arrives, Edmonton AB homeowners often head to their nearest suppliers to purchase roof sealant caulk as soon as possible. Most homeowners who failed to schedule a roof check-up prior to the season's arrival will find sealants and caulks most helpful. However, does it mean they're the best roofing repair tools during the most disastrous of rainstorms?

Roofing sealants and caulks are present in numerous DIY blogs especially when dealing with extensive rain. When homeowners can't call reliable and experienced Edmonton AB roofing professionals for roof leak repairs, the solution sounds as simple as applying caulk on the problematic part.

While they're helpful, they do not guarantee long-term solutions for your roof leaks. Caulks can seal and repel water, but they do not have the water and impact resistance your roof needs. Over time, they'll let leaks that puts your roof in a worse condition than before. The same rings true for sealants, which only last a bit longer than caulks.

It's wise to buy sealants and caulks when it rains, but it pays to know all about what they can and cannot do to help you use them efficiently.

The Major Difference Between Roof Sealants and Caulks

Roof sealant caulk isn't a real product. Most people only confuse roofing sealants with caulk. Nir Roof Care writes that caulk isn't a roof sealing material. While they're effective in putting away leaks during rainstorms, they do not possess the right specifications to address roof leaks and other major integral concerns.

On the other hand, sealants have the right durability, impact resistance, water resistance, and even estimated lifespan to withstand numerous rain and hailstorms. There are two types of roof sealants available on the market. If you've left your roof unchecked, here are the two roofing sealants you should use:

SILICONE SEALANTS

Today, of the 113,000 metric tons of sealant used in construction, 88,500 metric tons are silicone. Almost all silicone sealants cure by exposure to moisture. Silicone sealants are usually clear or translucent, to coordinate with various colored building materials, and can also be pigmented to allow color matching. They cure faster than polysulfides and are capable of fairly deep cures.



POLYURETHANE SEALANTS

Polyrurethane sealants are based on the reaction products of (1) polyisocyanates containing two or more NCO groups, and (2) hydroxyl-bearing molecules containing two or more OH groups called “polyols.” Urethane chemistry represents a very diverse group of polymer systems ranging from two-part to one-part moisture-cure and even one-part oxygen-cure sealants. (Source)

Single-ply membranes and longer warranty requirements induced roofing contractors to begin using the more expensive urethane sealants. Today urethane sealants are specified in many single-ply roofing details where they are used extensively in flashing, termination bars, reglets, coping and pitch pans.

How Difficult Can It Be to Apply Them?

It is true that roof sealant and caulk application is as easy as the instruction manual makes it sound. However, there is a difference between applying roof sealant caulk properly and a professional, repair-efficient way of doing it.

One of the best guides to apply roof sealant caulk in the best way comes from SF Gate Home Guides. When you're in the middle of a storm and have no way to call for help, this instruction can become invaluable.

Find the Leak

The first step to sealing an asphalt shingle leak is to find it. Small leaks around nail holes or flashing can be effectively fixed with a sealant. For large leaks, such as where shingles have been blown away in large patches, an asphalt sealer is not the answer. In this case, you must replace the missing shingles.

Sealing an Asphalt Roof

Slight buckling or cracking over the entire asphalt roof surface can be sealed effectively with an acrylic formula. The acrylic is sprayed over the entire roof and will seal minor cracks, chips and slight buckling. The formula will actually seal and bond the shingles together and create a clear, ultraviolet radiation-proof film coating.

Sealant Spray

Use a sealant spray for areas where the shingles leak around flashing, gutters or vents. These work in a similar manner to acrylic sealants, but they come in a spray can and are intended for smaller areas. The spray fills in the cracks or separations where the shingles meet flashing around chimneys, vents or skylights and forms a waterproof seal. The spray can lets you target and spray seal these areas quickly and easily.

Roofing Tar

Spreading roofing tar works best where the shingles are leaking around flashing. You brush or spread it on manually and can be used anywhere that a spray-on sealant is used. The tar fills cracks, crevices and separations around flashing. It is easy to work with, but it is also messy. Brushes or clothing that come into contact with the tar are not easily cleaned and may just have to be thrown away. (Source)

Should I Always Use These Two Materials to Improve My Roof?

Roof sealants and caulks are excellent roof repair materials. However, they're not permanent roof repair solutions. Sealants and caulks cannot replace missing shingles or damaged screws in metal roofs. It cannot guarantee improved performance of rusted and aged roofs. Therefore, consulting your roofing professional is the best way to expand and improve your roof's lifespan and performance.

If you have yet to find a trusty roofer in Edmonton AB, you can count on DDCL to help you. We have decades of experience providing excellent roofing solutions and services. Contact us today and we can help you with all of your roofing needs.

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