A roof sealant is painted with high elongation, making it appropriate for roofs. It comes from rubber, polyurethane, or other materials such as silicone and acrylic.
You can use a roof sealant on either old or new roofs. Sealants work by covering leaks and protecting the surface from weathering due to UV exposure and water damage.
Roof coatings can make new roofs more durable. They can also restore old roofs that have lost their aesthetic value over time. In this article, we look at the seven best roof sealants for stopping leaks in 2021. We also tell you how to choose the best sealant for your roof and answer some commonly asked questions.
What to Look for in a Roof Sealant
Are you looking for the best sealant for your roof? The options will vary in quality, price, and ease of application. Here are some important features that every homeowner should look out for when choosing a sealant for their roof.
1.Heat and Cold Resistance
A roof sealant should withstand temperature fluctuations. It should be able to handle extremely hot and cold temperatures. That is especially important if you live in a region that experiences extreme weather conditions such as heavy snow or hail.
2.Material
Roof coatings are made from different materials. Not all are effective as roof sealants. Here are some materials that are best suited for roof application.
Acrylic
Acrylic sealants are usually white in color and highly reflective. The water-based coatings are also weather-resistant and long-lasting. However, the quality is not consistent since they contain different add-ons.
Silicone
Silicone is a common material when it comes to roof sealants. The material is preferred for its high flexibility, water resistance, and ability to protect the roof against harmful UV rays and heat. It is a good option if you live in areas that experience constant weather changes.
Asphalt
If you are dealing with an uneven surface, this material is a good option. However, it may not adhere well to smooth surfaces and is, therefore, not favorable for use on metal or RV roofs. Also, you have to contend with bad order and not-so-good looks.
Polyurethane
This type of sealant is manufactured using solvent formulas. They are available in two options, namely:
Aromatic
If you love the freedom of walking on the roof, you need a sealant with high resistance against friction and damage. This option will work well for roofs exposed to human traffic, but it does not hold up well against UV and heat.
Aliphatic
Conversely, aliphatic is a good defense against UV and heat. However, it is not the best option if your roof experiences constant human traffic.
Rubber
Rubber is another popular roof sealant material. It is extremely waterproof, energy-efficient, and durable. What's more, it is an eco-friendly option since it comes from trees.
3.Durability
A high-quality sealant should serve your roof for a minimum of five years before it needs replacing. You should ensure that the coating you buy can withstand heavy abuse. Apart from the product warranty, price is often a good indicator. High-quality sealants are often expensive, but that does not mean you can't get a good deal. The trick is to find that elusive balance between price and performance.
4.Flexibility
If a roof sealant is not flexible enough, it will eventually crack due to temperature fluctuations. Therefore, ensure that the sealant you buy has high elongation, especially if you live in a region that experiences extremely high or cold weather conditions.
5.Ease of Application
A roof sealant should be easy to apply whether you use a roller, brush, or sprayer. That is especially important if you are a DIYer.
6.Breathability
Although the goal of applying a sealant is to make the roof waterproof, the moisture generated should be vaporized. That is why you need a breathable coating to allow the vapor underneath to escape. Otherwise, the trapped air will eventually degrade the roof.
7.Sustainability
Always check the ingredients to ascertain whether a product contains high VOC or toxic chemicals. Such can endanger your health and injure the environment. Often, the cheapest sealants are made using harmful chemicals. If you are serious about protecting the environment, avoid such.
8.Reflectivity
A sealant with a high reflectivity will reflect UV and dissipate heat faster. That can help you save a lot on cooling costs, especially if you live in regions that experience very high temperatures during the summer.
9.Price
Things can get quite confusing here. It is not uncommon to see glaring price disparities with sealants that have the same volume. It is not so much the capacity that matters but the amount of surface area it can seal. Make sure to check the product's label for the information.
7 Best Roof Sealant Options for Stopping Leaks
Are you are looking for the best sealant for your roof? Here is a list of the seven best roof leak repair products.
1.KST Coating, White Roof Coat – Best Overall
One gallon of this coating will cover 300 square feet of your roof, and two layers will be sufficient in most cases. It is thick and sticky and will, therefore, adhere to your roof effectively. The best part is that it possesses elastomeric qualities meaning that it will not get damaged easily when pressed upon.
KST Coating will protect your roof from direct UV and water damage. And don't forget, it has antibacterial properties. It will withstand both hot and cold temperatures. So expect it to serve you for a long time. It's not the best smelling product, but it is manageable.
2.Tuff Guard Heat Block White Reflective Roof Coating – All Purpose Sealant
You can use this roof sealant in hot and cold environments. It is 90 percent reflective, which will go a long way in cutting down your cooling costs. And it's also pocket-friendly. The 5-gallon bucket can cover up to 300 square feet of your roof.
If you are concerned about the environment, you'll be happy to know that this sealant is eco-friendly since it contains no solvents. You can apply it using a brush, roller, or sprayer, but you must ensure you have your mask and gloves on to protect yourself from the fumes. Unfortunately, this roof coating only comes in white.
3.Rubberseal Liquid Rubber Roof Sealant – Best Value for Money
If you are looking for the best runner roof coating, Rubberseal Liquid Rubber roof sealant is something you should consider. It comes with an anti-aging formula and incorporates UV protection technology. So, you can rest assured it will serve your roof for a long time.
One gallon of the coating can cover 60 square feet of your roof. And there are many color options to choose from. The puncture-resistant formula ensures the sealant adheres to the surface effectively, but you may need a few coatings for robust protection. It also does take a while to cure.
4.HENRY HE587372 Dura Bright – Best for Flat Roofs
This roof coating from HENRY is made with high-quality resins to ensure durability. It will expand and contract as the temperature varies and is breathable as well. Therefore, you don't have to worry about the moisture getting trapped underneath.
With a 90 percent solar reflectivity, the sealant will lower the temperature of your building by at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit. As a result, you will require less energy to make your building or home comfortable.
One gallon of this sealant can cover 100 square feet of the roof, but you will need two to three coats. Luckily, you don't have to apply a primer beforehand. As long as you have your brush, sprayer, or roller, you are good to go. The only drawback is that this product is made in China and may lack consistency in quality.
5.Through the Roof! – Adheres to any Surface
Through the Roof! is a sealant from Sashco that will seal leaks with ease, even in standing water. The coating features a unique co-polymer rubber formula to guarantee durability and longevity.
The materials used to make this sealant are resistant to excessive heat and cold. Also, they are unlikely to lose their integrity when exposed to the elements.
This sealant will cover the roof with a waterproof material that will stop and prevent roof leaks. The good thing is that the sealant will adhere to any surface effectively. However, it's highly viscous and maybe a bit tricky to apply in hard-to-reach areas. You also have to contend with strong fumes when applying it.
6.Jetcoat Cool King – Best for Metal Roofs
If you are looking for the best roof sealant spray for your metal roof, this coating from Jetcoat is an ideal option. However, it is an all-purpose coating that you can apply on other kinds of surfaces, save for gravel and shingle roofs.
One gallon of this sealant will cover 50 to 70 square feet of your roof. Once applied, you will need to wait for at least 6 hours before you can apply another layer of coating.
This sealant is white in color and will reflect heat keeping your house cooler during hot weather. But be sure not to apply if the temperatures outside are below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
7.Heng's Rubber Roof Coating – Best for RV
Are you searching for the best coating for an RV? Heng's Rubber roof coating is a great choice.
This coating is waterproof and will not degrade easily when exposed to the elements. It is also flexible and will not crack with temperature fluctuations. It is also UV resistant.
Apart from protecting your roof from the harmful UV rays, this roof coating will reflect heat keeping your space cooler. Heng's is non-toxic, meaning that it will not endanger your health or harm the environment. It is also quite hardy and is not damaged by impact.
Some users have complained about flaking off, especially after two years.
Advantages of Using a Roof Sealant
Applying a roof sealant accords the roof several advantages as opposed to having none. Here are a few of them.
Extends the Life of the Roof
This is arguably one of the most important benefits of applying a roof sealant. A roof coating can extend the life of your roof for up to 10 years and save you from making frequent roof repairs. Of course, this will depend on the quality of the roofing material and the prevailing climatic conditions.
Prevents Molding
Mold and mildew can be a nuisance, and you will find them everywhere, from the bathroom to the roof. The chemical substances present in coatings inhibit mold and mold growth. Therefore, applying a roof sealant can help keep such organisms at bay.
Saves Energy
Roof coatings reflect UV, thus preventing the roof from overheating. Some roof sealants are better than others at reflecting light and heat. Generally, however, roof coatings can help reduce the amount of energy and money spent on cooling.
Enhances a roof's Water Resistance
Small holes and gaps can appear on a roof over time. Water can seep through such avenues and get into the home. Applying a roof coating can help seal the gaps, making the entire roof water-resistant or entirely waterproof.
Will a Roof Sealant Stop Leaks?
Yes. A roof sealant has waterproofing qualities. Applying it to the roof's surface will seal any gaps or holes that could be causing the leaks.
How Long Does a Roof Sealant Take to Dry?
The time it takes for a roof sealant to dry will vary depending on the product and the prevailing weather conditions. Generally, it should take between 6 to 8 hours. If you want to know the exact time, check the product label of the specific sealant.
What is the Difference between Solvent-Based and Water-Based Sealants?
Solvent-based sealants are highly resistant to elements. However, they are difficult to apply due to their thickness and are more expensive. On the other hand, water-based sealants are less resistant to the elements. But they are easier to apply and don't cost as much.
Conclusion
A roof sealant will add a protective layer on your roof, helping to keep away UV and water that may be damaging. It can help extend the life of your roof and cut down your cooling bills. However, all roof sealants are not equal. They will differ in quality, price, application, and other features.
When choosing the right option for your roof, you need to consider factors such as flexibility, material, ease of application, and price. However, picking the best roof sealant spray can be tricky. If you aren't sure where to start, feel free to pick any of the above products. But ultimately, you should be guided by the unique conditions of your roof.