How Roof Sealants Can Increase The Value Of Your Home
Roof sealants are products that can be applied to roofs in order to improve their weather resistant properties. Usually sealants are applied to flat roofed homes but there are certain varieties that can be used on homes with sloped roofs or shingle roofed houses and there are even varieties of RV roof sealant available on the market. There are two ways that roof sealant may be employed. Firstly, a contractor can be retained to apply the sealant or the sealant can be applied by the homeowner as some can be applied by simply using a roller.
Some roof sealants are only available to contractors, hence the need in some cases to use a contractor. The application of sealants protects the roof from weather damage and reduces the incidence of leaks, as well as protecting the roof from the harmful effects of UV rays which will in turn minimize how many times you will have to do a leaking roof repair. Not only is the roof more weatherproof, but the home is cooler in the summer months. These sealants go a long way in preventing water damage in homes. Homeowners should be aware that roof sealants are not cure alls, the application of a roof sealant will not repair major damage such as cracks in flat roofs or missing shingles. These faults need to be repaired prior to the application of the sealant. Damage to the roof is not only as a result of rain. Damage requiring sealants can stem from a variety of natural causes. High wind can lift material held in place by adhesives. Air pollution and salt laden air can also degrade roof coverings.
Failure of flashings in providing a watertight seal is also a common cause of leaking. Prior to engaging in any repairs the homeowner should ensure that he or she is aware of the nature of the problem. The homeowner should visually inspect all flashing and seals on the roof. A useful hint is to methodically wet the roof, small areas at a time and check the interior for any signs of leakage. In this way any cracks or imperfections can be identified prior to the application of roof sealants. Rain gutters should also be inspected for gutter leaks, as they may over time cause serious damage to your home.
Vinyl spray is becoming an increasingly popular option when roof sealants are discussed. Newer vinyl roof sealant sprays are environmentally friendly and dramatically reduce temperatures in the home or commercial setting. Traditional black sealants can increase in temperature by 90 degrees F in full sunlight, reaching a noonday temperature of 150-190 degrees F. White vinyl roofs in comparison increase in temperature by between 10 degrees F and 25 degrees F. This makes vinyl an increasingly popular choice for large manufacturing concerns, commercial enterprises and large homes, especially in the so called ‘sunshine states’. The installation of a vinyl roof reduces electricity consumption related to cooling systems by as much as 10% making vinyl an environmentally friendly roofing option.
There are a variety of factors that come into play when choosing which of the roof sealants is right for you. Price, ease of application, durability and eco friendliness are all important considerations, however there can be no argument that sealants dramatically improve protection against the elements and increase the home’s value.
