The Importance of Roof Sealants

One never knows when extreme weather conditions are going to strike, so choosing the proper roof sealant is essential in order to make sure that you are protected when that time comes. The proper roof sealant is necessary to protect both your roof and house from adverse weather events, depending on what region of the country you are in. A sealant is actually a viscous material that becomes a solid after it has been applied to any given surface. Upon solidifying, it effectively protects the roof from possible damage that can be caused by such elements as dust, smoke, air, gas, or water. Since your roof structure basically protects the entire home itself, it is easy to see how critically important your choice of sealant becomes. As sealants can come in various forms, such as tar, rubber, concrete, or paint, it is critical to use the variety that will provide the maximum opportunity to withstand pressure.

Stationary Homes

Homes that are stationary typically have a roof that is either sloping or flat. Both types can be sealed appropriately to guard against water leaks and any other outside elements that might tend to get into the home otherwise. The most common types of sealant available for stationary roofs are paints or liquids. They are easy to apply, can be used in abundance, and dry much faster than other types of sealants do. It is important to note that you cannot really apply too much of a liquid sealant, and it is often advisable to reapply it after a period of time has elapsed.

It is also possible to use a concrete sealant on a concrete home, as this provides a mixture of materials that are known to be highly durable and able to protect most surfaces from any type of physical harm that might come their way. Concrete can help keep away excess rainwater that might have a tendency to seep into the crevices of a roof, but it does require a waterproof coating to be applied to the sealant as well. This is to prevent materials present in the concrete from dissolving.

Mobile Homes

By their unique nature, mobile homes require a different type of sealant to be applied. Mobile homes are particularly susceptible to extreme weather conditions such as heat, rain, and wind. The heat alone can crack and peel apart a sealant that is applied incorrectly. Most manufacturers of mobile homes usually apply a sealant to the roof prior to passing it onto the owner, but it is still recommended that you put another coat on yourself. Such roofs are typically made of fiber and metal, so they are more sensitive to water and heat when compared to the roof on a stationary home. The most common types of sealants to apply on a mobile home, then, are paint, rubber, or any of a number of other adhesives that are water resistant. Remember, the proper sealant should be used and liberally applied in order to protect your mobile home.