What Is Roof Sealant and Roof Cement?
Sealant on a roof has narrow, legitimate jobs: sealing exposed nail heads on the last course of ridge cap and on flashing, bedding the top edge of counter flashing, sealing the collar of a pipe boot, and closing the laps on metal panels with a butyl or polyurethane product. Asphalt roof cement (plastic cement) is a thick trowel-grade patching compound for emergency and temporary repairs on asphalt roofs; it cracks and shrinks in Texas heat within a few seasons and should not be the permanent fix. Silicone stays flexible longer but nothing sticks to it afterward, including new silicone. Polyurethane bonds well and is paintable. On metal roofs, the fastener gaskets and lap sealants are the maintenance item. The rule that matters: when a leak is 'fixed' with a bead of caulk over a flashing problem, the leak returns, because sealant weathers and flashing is designed not to depend on it.
Important Distinction
Note: This describes the component in general. Which product, gauge or detail a specific roof needs is a job-by-job determination made after an inspection, and the building code and the manufacturer's installation instructions govern over any general description.
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Also Known As
These are the search terms and phrases that commonly refer to this topic, so you can find it however you describe it.
How Roof Sealant and Roof Cement Relates to Other Topics
A pipe boot's collar is one of sealant's legitimate jobs.
Sealant supplements flashing; it never replaces it.
Questions about Roof Sealant and Roof Cement?
Zilker Roofing inspects before recommending. Honest assessment, no pressure.