Like every other roof, flat roofs require regular maintenance and protective measures. And though flat roofs generally have a long life span, this could only be achieved when appropriately maintained. And one of the most rewarding ways to maintain your flat roofing is to apply sealant.
Flat roofs are designed to withstand the onslaught of the elements and boost the home value. While they can stand the elements for long, constant exposure to rain, hail, sun and snow will eventually have its way on your roofing, leading to small gaps or leaks. However, by investing in roof sealants, you can avoid these common flat roofing problems and make your flat roofing repairs and maintenance less challenging. So here are all you need to know about roof sealants and how to get the best for your flat roof.
Although by nature, flat roofs are designed to last for years, usually longer than most other conventional roofing systems. But regardless of how strong the roofing system is, daily exposure to the elements will eventually have its toll on them. Besides, even the strongest man needs protecting. While our roofing system acts to protect us from the direct impact of the elements, the roofing sealants act to protect the roof.
Generally, roofing sealants serve to protect the roof and equally in repairing your roofing system. There are different types of roofing sealants out there. While most are general, others are made explicitly for a particular flat roofing material. So, depending on the product type, the sealant can create a protective barrier against the sun, rain or water damage, and fix issues like leaks before it gets more severe.
By helping to fix minor leaks before it gets severe, roof sealants promise to help lower the cost of flat roof repairs and maintenance in the long run. It also makes the job a lot easier. If you so much desire to see your flat roof reach its lifespan while reducing costs on repairs and maintenance, investing in flat roof sealants is the surest way to go.
There's no general frequency for applying roof sealants on your flat roof. However, it is prudent to inspect your flat roofs for signs of leaks, including cracks, blisters, and any other flaws, every two years. Some roof sealant manufacturers and roofing contractors recommend resealing your flat roof every four years.
Acrylic is the most common variety of roof sealants. They function specifically to deflect UV rays. However, they are moderately resistant to moisture but do not perform so well against built-up water.
Where the acrylic strength fails, that's where polyurethane continues. While this roof sealant does not perform so well against UV rays like acrylic, unlike acrylic, it offers a strong barrier against rain and snow.
Call it Mr. well-rounded. Silicone roof sealants provide an outstanding barrier against UV rays and moisture. However, silicone roofing sealants are pretty expensive, making coating the entire roof a major project as it requires heavy budgeting.
It is very easy to seal leaks and small cracks with it. The rubber sealants comprise liquid rubber, mostly thin-water-based formulas that act as a strong guard against sun rays and rain.
Although this type of roof sealant is very affordable, easy to use, and requires less workforce, it is best suited for minor roof repairs. It is not designed to cover large sections of the roof. Sealant tapes are from thin strips of moisture-resistant material. It works best in fixing minor leaks and sealing vulnerable roof seams.
What is the ideal roof sealant? There's nothing like an idea roof sealant. Your choice of sealant for your flat roof depends on several factors. Your flat roof material can influence the choice of your roof sealant. Not all roof sealant formulas work on all types of flat roofing materials. You need to choose a suitable sealant that is specially made for your flat roofing material. Doing this will ensure the effectiveness of the sealant and also gets your roofing system the much-needed protection.
Whether you plan to fix some minor leaks or damages or sealing to protect the roofing material, it will always reflect on your choice of sealant. Some roof sealants are made to be applied on the whole roofing surface, where others are more specific in action.
And to help you narrow down your choices, considering that there are many options out there for your flat roofing material and even your specific needs, here are things you need to know.
When shopping for the best roof sealant for your roof, here are features you should check out.
The C1 to C5 certification standards were established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to test and rate sealants' abilities with respect to how they can withstand specific environmental conditions. The highest grade, the C5 certification, is rated for materials that can tolerate highly corrosive environments. The C5 rating category was further broken into the C5I and C5M. While most sealants, especially for residential flat roofs, won't have as high as a C5 rating, it's worth considering if your sealant is rated so high as this gives an assurance that it can withstand the elements better.
While roof sealants offer a barrier against moisture, not all types of sealants are so effective at it. If you're more concerned about preventing water damage, you should go for those that have proven to offer strong protection from moisture. Sealants like rubber, silicone, or polyurethane could make for an excellent option. However, always remember to coat multiple times (except when fixing leaks) and follow the manufacturer's directions.
Reflectivity easily means absorbing fewer UV rays, and less heat absorbed leads to lower utility costs. Sealants like rubber, acrylic, silicone, and polyurethane all possess high reflectivity. However, the material's composition and color affect its reflectivity. Always read the reflectivity percent on the product before buying. However, this is not ideally foolproof, as most claims are made by the manufacturers.
The life span of a roof sealant can be influenced by sealant material, thickness, and application. Generally, a roof sealant can outlast 20 years. But it pays to involve the services of a professional roofing company that can utilize the right time and the right amount of application to give you results that will thrill you.
Of course, it's no news that you have to be a savvy shopper, but that's never enough. For each product, review and compare their characteristics. Read the labeling and ask questions. The right product should serve your specific needs efficiently. Above all, it helps always to consult your local roofer. A professional roofer should know the suitable roofing sealant for your roofing, either by having a chat with you or by carrying out a brief inspection on your flat roof. Never forget to get in touch with your local roofer. For additional information on flat roofing solutions, contact us at 1274 5th Ave New York, NY 10029 (212) 457-1324 https://bestroofingnyc.com/
