When Does my Roof Need to be Sealed?

Orlando Roof Sealing

Roof sealing is becoming more popular than ever, and for good reason! There are numerous benefits to having your roof sealed by a professional. Nearly any type of roof can be sealed with a sealer that is specifically designed for the roofing material on your home. Of course, using the wrong sealer or having sealer applied incorrectly will not be a benefit to your roof, so it is best to seek out a local professional who is familiar with the products available. Many homeowners are unsure about when to have their roof sealed. The optimal moment to have roof sealing completed is when the roof is brand new and in perfect condition. However, sealing a weathered roof is perfectly acceptable and is significantly cheaper than planning to replace an entire roof. Of course, there are different quality levels of sealer, so it is important to discuss which sealer will last the longest for your particular type of roof.

Roofing Styles

Homeowners with flat roofing systems are very familiar with the importance of sealing the roof surface to keep water out. A flat roof relies upon a perfectly sealed surface to allow water to pool before it is drained away from the roof. Even the smallest crack in the waterproof layer can allow water to seep in and damage the interior of the home. In most cases, small cracks in the roof coating are noticed during annual cleanings and should be repaired before any damage can occur. Although flat roofs are the most popular type of sealed roof, there are modern products that allow for sealing sloped roofs as well. Adding a sealer to any roofing system on a sloped roof has many advantages and can prolong the life of a roof that would otherwise be in need of repairs over the new few years. By consulting with a professional, it is possible to determine if a sealer is appropriate and the benefits that a sealer can offer. A roof that is significantly damaged, for example, would benefit from repair instead of a sealer.

Roofing Materials

Aside from flat roofing systems, there are many different types of roofing materials. For example, aluminum, steel, tile and asphalt roofing systems are all excellent options for a sloped roof. Of course, the sun, wind and rain are all factors that can wear down any kind of roofing system, which is why annual maintenance and timely repairs are so important. Thankfully, there are roof sealants available for every type of roofing material mentioned above. For metal roofing systems, applying a sealer is very important if the home is near saltwater, due to the fact that salt in the rain and humidity can corrode the roofing material faster than dryer climates that are far away from the ocean. Both tile and asphalt roofing systems can benefit from additional water resistance that all appropriate roofing sealants can offer. In some cases, the lifespan of these types of roofing systems can be extended by 5 years or more. There are rubber and silicone options available, each with their own advantages. Some sealers include primer, which can save costs.

Benefits of Sealing Your Roof

Since roofing sealers are designed to be exceptionally waterproof, for both flat and sloped roofing systems, the wear on roofing materials is significantly reduced when water does not directly contact the roof. First of all, moss and algae are not able to grow and spread on a waterproof roofing material since the roof will dry faster and prevents the moss or algae from using the roofing material as food. Not only does this keep your roof looking clean for longer, it also prevents wind damage. For example, an asphalt roofing system can be harmed by high winds as the particles that make up the shingles can be blown away over time, which will also reduce how waterproof the shingles are. Roofing sealers also add UV protection to any kind of roofing material. Over time, the harmful rays of the sun can break down the structure of roofing materials and make them more susceptible to water damage. By adding a protective barrier, the sealer will break down instead of the roofing material, which can add years to the lifespan of your roof.

In general, roof sealing is an option at any point in the lifespan of your roof as long as there isn’t any serious structural damage that requires repairs. For new roofs, the lifespan of the roof is extended to the maximum, as the roof was in perfect condition before the sealer and will remain in excellent condition longer than a bare roof. For more weathered roofing systems, a sealer can still add years to the life of your roof. Preventing further damage from the elements is always a solid choice. By asking a local professional, it is possible to determine which sealant is best for your home so you can increase its lifespan as soon as possible!

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