Knowing the best sealant for metal roof leak can be handy knowledge because who likes leaky roofs? Although many people say that metal is super solid and strong, you can’t expect it to be 100% perfect. Even though it’s superior to other types of roofs, you can never be too cautious or careful. That’s why knowing the best sealant can help you in emergencies.
About Metal Roof and Its Strength
When you install a type of metal roof, you can expect it to last a lifetime. The standard lifespan would be from 40 years to 60 years. However, when the wrong products are used or the installation steps are skipped, your metal roof is prone to leak.
Having sealing metal roofs can add an extra defense mechanism against water infiltration. Using the sealant may seem simple, but it can seriously protect your roof against damage and costly repair.
Read also: How to Install Metal Roofing over Plywood
Best Sealant for Metal Roof Leak
Metal roof sealant refers to a material forming a barrier against air, moisture, and even airborne particles. The sealant would also help in leak repair and prevention. Basically, the sealant would be the secondary form of defense against leaks. There are different kinds of sealants in various compositions and qualities, such as:
- Silicone sealants
- Butyl or rubber
- Polyurethane
- Acrylic
The best sealant for metal roof leaks would be Silicone. It can ‘stick’ quite well to metal and other (common) construction materials. Silicon can offer perfect UV and moisture protection while delivering exceptional capabilities in joint movement, especially in expanding and contracting conditions.
What Is the Best Sealant for Metal Roof?
For the metal roof, there are two most common sealant forms: butyl tape and gun caulking sealant. Both can protect the roof from the elements but differ in nature, application, and use. Gun caulking sealant is great for non-fastening metal-to-metal connections and in-between panel seams. The butyl tape, however, is more useful for the Z closure bottom, offset cleat bottom, and underneath pipe cap/boot.
In terms of shape and form, the gun caulking sealant generally comes in a cartridge mode or a squeeze tube, which is used together with the caulking gun; thus, the name. This tube should be loaded into the device, ensuring the sealant is evenly distributed with a smooth result. This process is relatively easy to apply.
The butyl tape, on the other hand, comes in the form of a tape. This sealing material is flexible and made from rubber sealants. The rolls are usually double-sided and big with various widths and thicknesses.
Many roofing experts recommend Novaflex Metal Roof Sealant for its durability and effectiveness in various weather conditions.
The Cost of Metal Roof Sealant
Using the sealant is low in cost, especially compared to roof repair. Here are some of the standard price ranges:
- Metal roof sealant tubes may cost between $6 and $8
- Tape roll in 3/32 x 3/8 x 45-inch costs from $3 to $4 a roll
- Tape roll in 7/8 x 3/16 x 25-inch cost from $6 to $8 a roll
The Importance of the Sealant
Even if your roof looks perfectly fine and leak-free, it’s advisable that you use the sealant. It’s better prepared than sorry. Whenever the watertight seal is needed and to prevent any water intrusion, use the roof sealant to ensure your roof’s well-being.
Don’t forget that the sealant should be applied where the roof is sensitive to water penetration. The areas are:
- Gutters
- Fasteners
- Seams
- Gaps
- Overlaps
- Metal end laps
- Downspout
- Joints
- Trim
Don’t forget to check the sealant regularly and change it. Most sealants can last between 10 and 20 years, but be sure to check and change them once in several years to ensure that leakage doesn’t happen. Now that you already know about the best sealant for a metal roof leak, you can perform your research to find a suitable product.
Hiring a skilled roofing contractor is crucial for ensuring the proper application of roof sealants and overall roof maintenance.
