A roof breakdown is inevitable. Thunderstorm, hail, and even rotting leaves can cause one to fail. When that time comes, it is important to provide a rapid remedy while waiting for a professional College Station roofer to arrive. Two of the most common materials used for fixing such problems are sealant and tape – but are those two items a reliable choice?

What is Sealant?

Sealant is a caulking agent used to seal small gaps between roofing components. It has a thick gooey texture that can be directly applied even on vertical structures and still retain shape. Once exposed to heat and air, the material will eventually dry forming a hard rubber-like material. The bond achieved will depend on the contact area and the texture of the surface to which it is applied.

Longevity-wise, sealants don’t last very long when directly exposed to sunlight, turning brittle over time from constant UV exposure. Once the material starts to stiffen and turn into a plastic texture, it may no longer be effective in providing a seal between two separate components. Thermal expansion and movement between shingles during strong winds can rip off the cohesion between the caulking agent and the roofing material, opening gaps that may serve as a passage way for water entry.

It is important to note that general purpose sealants don’t always work as they should due to the wide number of shingles currently available. Some sealants may work on a coat of paint but not on porous material like clay or asphalt. It may work for some time; however; don’t expect it to be a permanent fix.

What is a Roof Tape?

Another common material used by a College Station roofer is tape. It’s much more convenient to use than sealant because it isn’t messy to apply; it can simply be unrolled and stuck to the problem area and the problem is fixed – or is it really? The short answer is – yes, it does work, but only for a short time. The adhesive side of the tape will stick to most types of roofing material; however; it isn’t actually designed to be applied externally and be directly exposed to the elements.

The tape is only used by professional roofers for sealing small gaps between decking to provide extra water seal during extreme weather condition when rain water is blown between shingles and holes on the underlayment. When applied directly to the surface, it is exposed to the elements such as UV rays and water. This would eventually cause the tape to lose its adhesive property. It is a handy tool to handle a DIY project; however, just like the sealant, it shouldn’t be considered as a permanent problem resolution.

The Conclusion

In difficult circumstances when severe weather is rapidly approaching and a College Station roofer is still not available, it would be a good idea to use sealant and tape to fix a leaking roof. It would certainly be better than putting pails in the living room to catch the leaking water. It is important to use it only as a temporary fix, since such material will never withstand regular exposure to the elements. Once a contractor is available, have the roof examined and repaired immediately to avoid damaging the rest of the underlying material. So don’t fix that roof with sealant and tape – unless it is the only choice to get by until professional help is available!

Let a College Station Roofer Prevent You From Using Roofing Sealant and Tape!

If your roof is leaking and more rain is on the way, what should you do? Go ahead and use roofing sealant and tape – and then get your College Station roofer out tomorrow to permanently fix your roof – use the Contact Form to the right of this article!