10 BEST ROOF SEALANTS
Our top pick
Dicor RP Rubber Roof Acrylic Coating
It is truly a fantastic product of excellent quality.
It only takes a few days to dry completely. You should note that even before it dries completely, it still protects your roof, even from UV rays.
On the downside, its good quality comes at a price. The product is packaged in 1-gallon cans meaning for a big job. There is no reason to buy more cans.As an acrylic product, it is very durable and can give you years of service.
Roof Sealants are the Right Solution for Extending the Life of Roofs
A roof is an important element of a home that keeps out the weather and acts to protect the residents and their belongings. Roofs are composed of various materials that can deteriorate with the action of the sun, water, and wind, and will always benefit from an extra layer of protection that Roof sealants can bring them in their fight against the elements.
The cost of roof sealants and their application will depend on the quality of the sealant, with those that can reflect light costing more than the others. Costs of application on pitched or sloping roofs are more because of the extra care that working on such roofs requires. Costs can also depend on the condition of the roof before the application of a sealant, as roofs need to be cleaned before any application of roof sealant is made on them. Sealants will also not stick to roofs that are dirty and where they are applied on roofs with dirt, these sealants will peel away after some time.
With Roof Sealant products, it is specifically engineered to do exactly what the name implies- seal roofs and prevent roof leaks.
polyurethane
Why use a roof sealant?
Roof sealants serve as a waterproof coating over your roof surface
Some roof sealants like silicone and elastomeric provide a protective layer on your roof, thus minimizing the chance of damage.Premium roof sealants are also breathable and allow moisture from household activities like cooking to escape through your roof while still serving their waterproofing and protection purposes.
Protect your roof from UV light
Sitting under the sun all day can be tough on your roof, especially if it is an asphalt shingles roof.
Ultraviolet rays cause curling and degradation in the shingles due to molecular changes in their structure.
Most roofing materials contain a reflective material to minimize the effect of ultraviolet rays . Still, the best way to avoid and control problems caused by UV is by the use of roof sealants making the roof UV resistant. According to some roofing professionals, elastomeric roof coatings protect the roof from ultraviolet rays damage
Increase fire resistance to your roofing materials
Apart from metal roofs, most other roofing materials can catch fire. One of the best ways to ensure your roof doesn't find or spread fire easily is by the use of roof sealants.
Roof sealants are not flammable; in fact, most of them don't catch fire. With a fire-resistant coating, it makes it very difficult and less likely for your roof to catch fire.
They prevent the growth of mold
Mold growth on roof threats is highest in damp areas. Roof sealants are not moist and don't allow microorganisms to flourish, thus preventing mold growth.
Reduce heat on the roof and also cooling costs
Brightly colored roof coatings reduce the heat absorption rate of your roof, reflecting some of the heat energy from the sun. A cooler roof means a cooler house since a heated roof plays a significant role in increasing indoor temperature.A cooler home means that you get to spend less on electricity used in air conditioning.
Review of the Best Roof Sealants in the market
1. Dicor EPDM Rubber Roof Acrylic Coating
It is truly a fantastic product of excellent quality.
It only takes a few days to dry completely. You should note that even before it dries completely, adhesion still protects your roof, even is UV resistant.
On the downside, its good quality comes at a price. The product is packaged in 1-gallon cans meaning for a big job. There is no reason to buy more cans.
As the formulation makes it 100 %acrylic product, it is very durable and can give you years of service.
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2. HENRY HE587372 Roof Coating
It is an acrylic roof covering, hence provides all services a roof sealant should. It is very durable, works for simple roof repairs and also prevents leakage.
The product is very efficient as it comes in a 5-gallon package that can be used up to 500 sq. ft . It also retains over 70% of its reflectivity, thus protecting your house from UV rays and keeping the interior cooler.Made to adhere to a number of variety of surfaces, including wood, vinyl, aluminum, galvanized metal and fiberglass.
This product can prove a bit disadvantageous if you're operating on a tight, strict time limit because it takes a few days or even up to a week to settle and dry thoroughly.
This is our top pick because of its affordability, considering what you're getting and its ease of application. Also comes with a warranty. If you're in no rush, it is the best product for you.
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3. Liquid Rubber Color Waterproof sealant/adhesion
This product works best for metal roofs. It is of high quality and also very affordable.
The brand 'Liquid Rubber' is known for its high quality, affordable products. This product is stronger than most products in the market, but it is most effective on metal only. Its effectiveness on other roofing materials is not that great. It also comes in a one-gallon tin, thus making it pricey for a big lob.
This is a great product, especially for metal roofs, offering excellent protection and durability. If you don't have a big job or need the best coat for your metal roof, then this is the product to choose from.
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4. Primesource Building Products GCERC2 Roof Coating
This is the best product for flat-roofed buildings and is best rv roof sealant . It is silicone-based and pretty easy to apply. It is also suitable for any type of roof.
Gaco coating system takes about two hours to dry-though not wholly.
It comes in two-gallon packages hence costs a lot for big jobs. It is, however, suitable for small jobs and gives excellent results with its premium protection watertight and protect against UV rays.
It is silicone-based hence not susceptible to cracking and leaking as most acrylic products. It comes in 2 gallons, and it is firm and durable. This is a must-have product for those who want quality over quantity.
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5. Deck Flex Elastomeric Roof Coating
If you wish to purchase a long-lasting product in large quantities, then this is the product for you.
It comes in five gallons and is very versatile in that it works on many materials, including metal, asphalt, and BUR (built-up-roofing). It can also work on your RV roof.
Although it is advertised as easy to apply, it takes a few repeated coatings to work effectively.
This product is silicone-based, meaning you don't have to worry about cracking. Its high solar reflectivity (89%) makes your roof and interior cooler, thus saving on energy. It is suitable for big jobs due to their bulk packaging.
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6. Deck Flex All-purpose Clear Protective Sealer
This product is clear (colorless), making it suitable for a variety of surfaces that don't do well with a white coating.
This product is also very cost-effective, thus making it suitable for big jobs.
This adhesive works on A VARIETY OF SURFACES. If you have a shingle roof, then this is the best product to go for because of its excellent protection properties and cost-effectiveness.
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7. Liquid rubber seam tape
Since it has an utterly different mode of application than most formula based sealants, it can be argued to be an entirely different product. However, this does not mean that it is less effective.
It is suitable for preventing leaks in flat roofs, trailers, mobile homes, ponds, gutters, basements, foundations, and RV roofs. It also works on different surfaces.
This product gives you peace of mind because you can apply another type of coating on it for further protection. It is also a tape hence straightforward to use.
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8. Henry Company HE687406 Enviro Premium White Roof Coating
If you want a product that fully gives you value for your money, then this is the product you should choose.
It is very similar to Deck Flex products in terms of the number of surfaces it can work on. It is, however, not very long-lasting in that it is worn out by heavy rainfall. It is an elastomeric roof coating-has another layer of coating built into it.
If you live in a mostly sunny area, then the disadvantage of this product of being affected by heavy rainfall is not an issue. Since it is an elastomeric coat, it offers added protection for your roof at a relatively low cost.
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9. GacoRoof CR2600-1 White Silicone Roof Coating
This product is not as cost-effective as the others on the list. However, it is incredibly efficient and works well with slanted and flat roofs.
It is easy to apply and dries quickly. Also, its color is the very durable meaning you get to enjoy its reflectivity benefits longer.
If you need a sealant to use on a flat or slanted roof, then this is the best choice for you. It also handles pounding water well and can withstand a lot of weight, making it an excellent product to invest in.
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10. Eternabond RSW-6-50 RoofSeal Sealant Tape
It is very similar to the rubber sealant tape we reviewed earlier in this guide. It, however, has added benefits in that it is fit for sunny environments.
It does not work well in rough hail, but that's by far its only disadvantage. It is available in white color.
If you are looking for a product that will keep your roof insulated, sun out, and handle a lot of rain without leakage, then this is the product for you.
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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
1. What is roofing sealant?
Answer: Roofing Sealant is a liquid solution which when applied to sloped roofs help in the prevention of leaks and also act to extend the life of the roof. Roof Sealant acts as an extra layer of protection for the roof from the action of the sun, water, and wind.
Roof sealants can make a roof look more attractive and boost curb appeal. In some cases, they can also act to increase the energy efficiency of a home by reflecting the light and heat that falls on it.
2. What is the primary purpose of roof sealants?
Answer: Roof sealants are mostly used as preventive measures for leaking. They can also be used for repair wherever a leak is detected. They also prevent rust and corrosion.
3. How are roof sealants applied?
Answer: First, you should clean the surface you want to use it to then read and follow the instructions on the side of the container of your sealant for instructions on how to apply it.
4. When is the best time to apply coating to your roof?
Answer: Roof sealants are best applied in the dry season when there is no chance for rain and you have a period of at least 24 hours for the coatings to dry. Solvent-based coatings can be applied in colder weather, but it is always advisable to follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. Drying can take some time and will depend on the air temperature, roof surface temperature, and the wind. Some sealants require moisture curing and will be helped when there is high humidity.
5. What can I use to seal a leaking roof ?
Answer: Use a thin, flexible knife to spread roof cement to the cracks in the sealant around the required surfaces.
Conclusion:
When selecting the best roof sealant , you should consider one that is affordable, convenient for the task at hand, and will give you the adequate protection you need for your roof. No matter your budget or type of roof, you can choose from the sealants we've listed above.
There are many more roof sealants available on the market; we simply chose the best and put them on a list so that it would be easier for you to select your favorite.
Good luck with your shopping and remember to choose the best so you can get value for your money.
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