Best Roof Sealant For Leaks: Materials, Features, And Application Tips

Leaks are a menace when left unchecked. When you see signs of leaking like water bubbles in your ceiling, it’s time for repairs. The first order of business? Choosing the best roof sealant.

There are tons of sealants to choose from at similar price points. Each material has its own set of pros and cons. Sealants also come in many forms. So, how do you choose the right one?

How To Find The Best Roof Sealant For Leaks

Roof sealants aren’t just a bandage option for repairs. They provide extra layers of protection against water and sunlight penetration, improving the longevity of your roof.

The best roof sealant provides durability against the elements, flexibility, resistance to heat and sunlight, and ease of application. Sealants must also be compatible with your roofing material.

Look for highly waterproof roof sealants. They should be able to create a seamless barrier that prevents water penetration. More importantly, they must have these key features:

• Adhesion: Choose a sealant material that adheres well to popular roofing materials like bitumen, PVC, or TPO.
• Longevity: Properly applied sealants can last decades. Ensure you choose a sealant with a long lifespan to reduce the need for reapplication.
• Elasticity: Roof materials expand and contract over time as it’s exposed to the elements. Sealants should be elastic enough to accommodate this change.

5 Best Roof Sealant Materials For Common Roof Types

Roof sealants are great solutions for urgent roof repairs. With the right materials and proper installation, sealants can last decades. Here are five roof sealant materials that we recommend:

Silicone Roof Sealants

Silicone is one of the most common roof sealant materials on the market. They have excellent waterproofing, can reflect 90% of UV rays, and are long-lasting.

You can expect silicone sealants to last 10-15 years. It checks all the boxes for features you’d want in a roof sealant. The only downside is the cost.

Popular products like GACO and Henry go for roughly $300-$350 a bucket. If you want a more affordable alternative, go for acrylic roof sealants.

Acrylic Roof Sealant

If you’re living in an area with blazing heat from the sun, acrylic sealants are a no-brainer. It can reflect 92% to 99% of UV rays depending on the product. Acrylic sealants are great for sloped roofs and offer moderate moisture resistance.

These aren’t recommended on flat roofs because they tend to pool water. Acrylic isn’t as water-resistant as silicone. But, from a cost-to-performance angle, it’s one of the best sealant options, especially if you want to protect your roof from sun damage.

Polyurethane Roof Sealant

Polyurethane doesn’t have the best UV reflection, but it does have incredible water resistance. If you live in an area with high levels of rain and snow, polyurethane might be your best option.

But, you can also opt for an aliphatic top coat which gives great UV protection. Polyurethane also has best-in-class tensile strength, making it durable versus extreme weather and moisture.

Tripolymer Sealant

Tripolymer sealants have exceptional elasticity, flexibility, and UV resistance. Products like the Geocel 2300 tripolymer sealants are also resealable and can be applied over itself.

Tripolymer sealants are also easily applied. It even adheres to damp surfaces. However, it’s better to apply it on a dry surface for maximum longevity.

Tape Sealants

Most types of sealants are liquid. Tapes and seals come in the form of adhesive strips. You stick tape sealants on your roof to stop leaks or seal seams, making them the easiest to use.

But if you’re looking into tarping a leaking roof, tape sealants won’t be a good option due to their small size. Think of them as literal bandage solutions for roof leaks.

Roof Sealant Lifespan

Different types of roof sealant have different lifespans. The shortest are tape sealants which can last for 3-5 years. This gets drastically shortened if it’s exposed to direct sunlight.

Silicone and tripolymer sealants last the longest. With proper application, these sealants can last 10 to 15 years. Acrylic and polyurethane offer a great middle ground in terms of longevity.

How To Apply Roof Sealants

Sealants come in all sorts of containers. They can come in a paint bucket, spray can, or caulk tube. For example, silicone sealants come in a paint bucket and can be applied in a large area.

Spray cans and caulk tubes are perfect for smaller leaks. Tape sealants are pretty self-explanatory. Always consider what type of leak you’re dealing with.

Before applying sealants, the area you’re trying to repair must be dry. Some products can be applied in wet environments. But for maximum longevity, the roof must be dry. Ensure to remove all debris, dust, and dirt to help the sealant adhere.

Roof sealants dry up depending on the formula of the product, the weather, and the time applied. In most cases, liquid sealants can dry up within 24 hours.

But remember, if you can’t ensure proper installation, it’s best to call in the professionals. Warranties for your roof can include roof leak repairs.

Don’t Ignore Roof Leaks

If you find signs of leaks, it’s best to take immediate action. One of the quickest solutions is to apply roof sealant. The best roof sealant for leaks has high resistance to UV rays, flexibility, water resistance, and longevity. To recap, here are the five roof sealants we recommend:

• Silicone: Has a great balance of UV reflection, longevity, and water resistance. Cost more than materials like acrylic or polyurethane.
• Acrylic: Best for homes in areas with blazing heat. Most acrylic sealants can reflect 92% to 99% of UV rays.
• Polyurethane: Basic polyurethane sealants don’t have as much UV protection but they make up for it with water resistance. It’s best for homes with a sloping roof.
• Tripolymer: A popular choice among contractors. Ensure the surface is dry before application. Even a single dab will do.
  Tape sealants: Best used for quick patch repairs. These aren’t meant to be long-term solutions to leaks and only last a few years.

Roof sealants are only as effective as their application. That’s where the professionals come in. Contact Trenton Roofing and Siding today to get a free estimate on your roof repair needs.