Roofing Sealants and Best Sealants for Asphalt Shingles

There are a lot of things that can cause an asphalt shingle to leak. These causes could be nail holes, folded shingles, chimneys, vents, or flashing issues.

Have it at the back of your mind that a mechanical fix could be a perfect solution for leaks than using a sealant.

However, a sealant is more cost-effective. It may last for some years, but can’t get you a permanent fix. There are different types of roof sealants, but we will discuss the best sealants for asphalt shingles. 

Best sealants for asphalt shingles

Search for the Leak

The very first step to take before sealing an asphalt shingle leak is to find the leak. Sealants can be used to seal small leaks around flashings and nail holes. In the case of a large area where an asphalt shingle was blown away by the wind, a sealant is not the solution. Get another shingle and replace the removed one. 

How to Seal an Asphalt Roof

An acrylic formula is a kind of sealant that can be used to effectively seal a slight crackling over an entire asphalt shingle. As soon as the acrylic is sprayed over the entire roof, it seals up chips, minor cracks, and slight buckling. Acrylic seals and bonds shingle together, creating a transparent, ultra-violet, and radiation-proof coating.

Source: volatilefree.com

Uses of a Sealant Spray

When there is a leak around vents, gutters, and flashings, a sealant spray is the best solution. It works exactly like the acrylic sealant, but it comes in form of a spray. Also, it is meant for smaller areas. It is used to fill in the cracks between where shingles join with vents, skylights, flashings, or chimneys. There it forms a waterproof seal. A sealant spray is used to target and spray leaky shingles easily and get the job done quickly. 

Roofing Tar

This sealing solution works best where the shingles are leaking around the flashing. It is applied by using a brush or manually spreading it. Also, it works well on any surface that a spray-on sealant is used. Roofing tars easily fill crevices, cracks, and small separations around flashing.

READ MORE:  Top 20 Strangest Buildings in the World

Tars are messy but easy to handle. It should be noted that cloths or brushes that come in contact with roofing tars are not easily cleaned. The best solution is to throw them away. 

Silicone Roof Sealant for Shingles

Silicone roof sealant for asphalt shingles comes with a caulk gun and in form of a tube. It is used for different purposes; for filling cracks and holes, repairing bent or warped shingles. To apply it on warped or bent parts of the shingles, place a silicone bead below the affected part and weigh it down until the silicone dries off.

Bent flashings are also fixed using this same direction. It is used to fill cracks from beneath. Separations between flashings and shingles are be sealed perfectly using a bead of silicone. 

Conclusion

Depending on the roof leaking you are experiencing, several sealants fit best. Be it just a crack on a shingle, holes around nails, leaks around chimneys, flashings, vents, or gutter. There is a perfect solution for any of these conditions. If you are confused about how to go about using a sealant for roof leaks, consult an expert roofing contractor.

Share this blog

Leave a Reply