Sealant for Shingles

There is a plethora of tips and tricks to help you extend the life of your downriver home roof, but it is important to make sure you are making a smart investment. You do not want to end up spending more on preventative measures than it would cost you for a brand-new roof. We are here to help you make the best, educated decision when it comes to caring for your roof.

There is a lot of buzz and excitement about new roof sealers and roof treatment products that are purported to extend the life of your roof. Roofing sealant is a liquid solution which when applied to sloped roofs can help in the prevention of leaks and may 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. These roof sealers are designed to rejuvenate your roof by hydrating it and preventing brittleness; therefore, extending the lifespan of your shingles.

What Roof Sealants May Provide:

Roof sealants serve as a waterproof coating over your roof surface

Some roof sealants like silicone and elastomeric offer a protective layer on your roof, which can minimize 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 providing their waterproofing and protection purposes.

Protect your roof from UV light

Sitting under the sun all day can be hard on your roof, especially when it is an asphalt shingles roof. Ultraviolet rays can cause curling and degradation in the shingles because of molecular changes in their structure.

Most roofing materials contain a reflective material that reduces the effect of ultraviolet rays. Still, the best way to avoid and control problems caused by UV is to use roof sealants making the roof UV resistant.

Increase fire resistance to your roofing materials

Apart from metal roofs, most other roofing materials are susceptible to catching on fire. One of the best ways to make sure your roof does not find or spread fire easily is using roof sealants. Roof sealants are not flammable and in fact, many of them do not catch fire. With a fire-resistant coating, it can very difficult and less likely for your roof to catch fire.

They prevent mold growth

Mold growth on roof is highest in damp areas. Roof sealants are not moist and do not allow microorganisms to flourish, therefore they can help prevent mold growth.

Reduce heat on the roof and cooling costs

Brightly colored roof coatings lessen the heat absorption rate of your roof, while reflecting some of the heat energy from the sun. A cooler roof means a cooler house since a heated roof plays a considerable role in increasing indoor temperature. A cooler home means that you can spend less on electricity used in air conditioning.

Can I Just Use Roof Sealant Rather than Repair or Replace my Roof?

Roof sealants are typically used as preventive measures for leaking. They may also be used for repairs wherever a leak is detected. If you have a leaking roof, it might seem like the best option is to simply use a roof sealant. Unfortunately, this is not usually the base. So, why do most roofs leak?

Failing Flashing– Many leaks have nothing to do with aging shingles, in fact, most leaks are caused by flashing that was either installed incorrectly or flashing that is aged and starting to fail. Roofing sealant cannot be used to repair failing flashing.

Punctures – Punctures caused by hail, wind, or fasteners backing out and pushing through the shingles, must be properly repaired and once they start it is often a sign that there are more to come. This typically means replacement is a better less costly solution than simply using a roofing sealant

Staining– Older roofs tend to lose curb appeal because of curling shingles, granule loss, algae or mold, rust, and staining, but adding a rood sealant will not do anything to fix these issues. In fact, a roof treatment will just cover and coat the stain and lock it in.

You can only put off roof replacement for so long before it is time to commit to getting a new roof on your home. Financially it typically makes more sense to forego the roof sealant and invest in a roof replacement. If your roof is failing or showing signs of age, then it may be time to stop putting off the inevitable. Investing in a temporary fix usually ends up costing you more in the long run and with AllPoint, you can get a free evaluation and easy financing options that will make your roof replacement affordable no matter what your budget is.

A roof is more than just shingles, it’s an entire system of components working together with proper insulation and ventilation to protect both the interior and exterior of a home. At Allpoint, we’re committed to providing you with a beautiful, long-lasting roof that protects your home for many years to come.