6 Questions About Roof Sealant Application

Roof sealant can serve as a temporary patch for minor roof leaks, and it can also act as a preventative measure to maintain your roof’s waterproof qualities and reduce UV damage. Before you start reaching out to roofing repair pros near you, make sure you can answer these common roof sealant questions to get the best service possible.

1. Why Do You Need Roof Sealant Applied?

Are you sealing your roof to be proactive and avoid future leaks, or do you have an existing leak you’re looking to patch? Your professional will tailor the products and application methods they use based on your answer, and they may recommend other roof repairs if you’re dealing with an active leak.

2. What’s Your Roof Slope?

Your roof repair pro will use different sealant products based on the slope of your roof. Flat roofs require sealants that have greater waterproofing capabilities because they see pooling water and snow accumulation that require more expensive materials. On the other end of the spectrum, roofs with steep slopes may require special safety equipment while your professionals work, which can make the job take longer, driving up labor costs. Calculate your roof pitch beforehand to provide an accurate slope.

3. What Type of Roof Do You Have?

Some roofing sealants are only effective on certain roofing materials, and your roofing professional will use different products on asphalt shingles than they would on a flat roof, like a TPO roof or a modified bitumen roof. If you’re unsure, ask the person who installed your roof, or ask your new roofing pro to inspect it for you.

4. How Old Is Your Roof?

Before applying sealant to your roof, your roofing professional will ask how old your roof is to determine if a replacement would be a better option. On old roofs that are nearing the end of their life or exposing your home to leaks, it’s often more cost-effective to shell out for the cost of a roof replacement than to keep sealing and repairing your old roof.

5. Has Your Roof Ever Been Treated With Sealant Before?

Not all roofing sealants are compatible with others, so your professional will likely ask if you’ve had yours treated before and, if so, what type of sealant you used. They’ll then choose a product that will bind to the old sealant to create the best layer of protection possible.

6. Do You Need Any Other Services?

Coupling your roof sealant application with other work can save you money on trip fees, so consider add-on services that make sense. Most roofers who seal roofs can also do roof repairs, service flat roof drains, and inspect your roof for signs of damage or leaks. Some may also be able to clean or install gutters, put in gutter guards, and provide other related services.