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When the roof surface is clean, inspect for cracks, blisters, and other problem areas. Patch according to roof repair label directions. Allow to cure required time. On a warm, sunny day, apply a fibered roof coating to a dry roof surface with a roof brush. Working coating back and forth ensure all hairline cracks are filled. Gaco Roof Silicone Roof Coating The last roof coating you'll ever need! GacoRoof 100% Silicone Roof Coating is designed as a protective coating to seal and repair existing roofs and permanently protect against leaks, permanent ponding water, and the damaging effects of severe weather.
- 1 Seal a Tin Roof
- 2 Spray Repair a Roof
- 3 Fix Nail Holes in a Roof
- 4 Sealing a Leaking Galvanized Gutter
Roof Coatings For Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingle leaks can be caused by a variety of things, including folded shingles, nail holes and flashing issues around corners, chimneys or vents. In all cases, a mechanical fix is a better solution than using a sealant to stop the leak. A sealant is more cost effective in the short run and may last for years, but it is not considered a permanent repair.
Find the Leak
The first step to sealing an asphalt shingle leak is to find it. Small leaks around nail holes or flashing can be effectively fixed with a sealant. For large leaks, such as where shingles have been blown away in large patches, an asphalt sealer is not the answer. In this case, you must replace the missing shingles.
Sealing an Asphalt Roof
Slight buckling or cracking over the entire asphalt roof surface can be sealed effectively with an acrylic formula. The acrylic is sprayed over the entire roof and will seal minor cracks, chips and slight buckling. The formula will actually seal and bond the shingles together and create a clear, ultraviolet radiation-proof film coating.
Sealant Spray
Use a sealant spray for areas where the shingles leak around flashing, gutters or vents. These work in a similar manner to acrylic sealants, but they come in a spray can and are intended for smaller areas. The spray fills in the cracks or separations where the shingles meet flashing around chimneys, vents or skylights and forms a waterproof seal. The spray can lets you target and spray seal these areas quickly and easily.
Roofing Tar
Spreading roofing tar works best where the shingles are leaking around flashing. You brush or spread it on manually and can be used anywhere that a spray-on sealant is used. The tar fills cracks, crevices and separations around flashing. It is easy to work with, but it is also messy. Brushes or clothing that come into contact with the tar are not easily cleaned and may just have to be thrown away.
Silicone Roof Sealant
Silicone roof sealant comes in a tube and is used with a caulk gun. It works best to fill cracks and holes, but it is also used to repair warped or bent shingles. Place a silicone bead below the warped or bent part of the shingle, and then bend it back into place and then weigh it down until the silicone dries. Any piece of bent flashing is sealed this way too. Fill cracks from beneath. Press the shingle on top of the crack, and seal it with a bead of silicone. Separations between shingles and flashing or mortar can be sealed with a bead of silicone caulk pushed into and covering the separation.
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About the Author
Dale Yalanovsky has been writing professionally since 1978. He has been published in 'Woman's Day,' 'New Home Journal' and on many do-it-yourself websites. He specializes in do-it-yourself projects, household and auto maintenance and property management. Yalanovsky also writes a bimonthly column that provides home improvement advice.
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Clear Roof Sealer For Shingles
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