Metal roofs are taking the country by storm. Home and business owners love the sleek aesthetics, fire resistance, and impressive longevity of metal roofing. With the proper care and maintenance, metal roofs can last 40-70 years!
One way to maintain your metal roof and help it last as long as possible is to use sealant to prevent leaks. There are a few options on the market, so we’re going to help you narrow down the best types of metal roof sealant.
What Is Metal Roof Sealant?
Roof sealants have two main purposes— repairing and protecting your roof. All roof sealants can repair minor leaks, and some can create a seal against UV rays and excess moisture. Some can even be used for more extensive issues.
It’s important to get a sealant that’s specifically designed for metal roofs. Other roofing materials like asphalt shingles, rubber, and composite all have special considerations that require unique sealants.
Sealant Categories
There are five main types of metal roof sealant that fall under two categories: water-based and solvent-based. Water-based sealants are cheaper and easier to apply but aren’t as resilient. Solvent-based sealants are more expensive and harder to apply but are more durable.
The five main types of sealants that fall under these two categories are:
- Acrylic
- Polyurethane
- Silicone
- Rubber
- Sealant tape
Acrylic— Acrylic sealants are a very popular product for roofs. They’re designed to deflect UV rays, which makes them ideal in southern and western states where sun damage is more common. However, they aren’t recommended for flat roofs because they don’t provide a completely waterproof barrier.
Polyurethane— This type of sealant is not recommended for metal roofs. It’s very tough but stiffens in cold weather and pulls away from metal rather than adhering to it. In order to use this type on metal roofs, it would require a primer which adds time and money.
Silicone— Silicone sealants are frequently recommended for metal roofs. They offer good protection against moisture and UV rays, so they work well in any weather condition. But with being the best product comes a higher price tag.
Rubber— This liquid rubber comes in a thin, water-based formula that’s easy to apply. It’s ideal for small leaks and cracks.
Sealant Tape— You can apply sealant tape directly to the roofing material, limiting the potential mess that comes with other kinds of sealant. It’s also more affordable and well-equipped for repairing small leaks or damages. It’s not to be used for large issues.
Which Areas Require Sealant?
Sealant is meant to be applied to areas on your roof that can be vulnerable to leaks. Sealant helps protect against water penetration, keeping your home or business safe from water damage.
Metal roof sealant should be used in areas such as:
- Downspouts
- Fasteners
- Gaps
- Gutters
- Joints
- Nails
- Trim
- Seams
How Long Does It Last?
Each brand of sealant will have a different lifespan, but most sealants usually last between 10-20 years. Since a metal roof can last between 40-70 years, you will need to get the sealant replaced throughout the lifespan of the roof. Avoiding the re-sealing process can quickly result in a leak.
Schedule annual inspections with your preferred local roofing contractor. They will always check the status of your sealant when performing an inspection.
4 Best Types of Metal Roof Sealant
Now you know what metal roof sealant is, you have two options. You can either have your roofing contractor apply sealant by spray-coating your entire roof, or you can purchase a good brand to make minor repairs yourself.
We’ll be sharing the top four brands of metal roof sealant you can buy and apply yourself, but we recommend leaving larger projects to your roofing contractor.
1) NovaFlex
NovaFlex is a popular brand of metal roof sealant. It’s a great option for small leaks and the best brand for sealing gutters. The material is easy to apply and appropriate for residential and commercial roofs, as it blocks UV rays.
The solution is thinner than some other sealants, so it spreads easily and forms a consistent, watertight seal. NovaFlex will work well on aluminum, copper, and Kynar painted metal. You can apply this product using a caulk gun.
2) Titebond
Another popular sealant among the roofing community is Titebond. You can also apply this product with a caulking gun. This solution is UV-resistant and works well in extreme weather conditions. It’s approved for use in Miami-Dade county and across the country.
You can use Titebond on many materials, including:
- Aluminum
- Kynar coated metals
- Steel
- PVC
- Siding
- Flashing
- And more
Copper roofs need to be coated before applying this sealant.
3) Gibraltar Butyl Tape
Three of the four brands we’re featuring today all use caulk gun applications, but one sealant tape made the list: Gibraltar butyl tape.
Butyl tape is a tried and true method for sealing metal roofs, and you can find many brands— Gibraltar is simply an easily-accessible brand you can find at many home improvement stores. Butyl tape creates a gasket between pieces of metal trims. The stickiness of the tape helps hold the trim in place while they get screwed down.
4) Geocel 4350
Lastly, we have another sealant that can be applied with a caulk gun: Geocel 4350. This strong and flexible sealant offers a watertight seal that doesn’t shrink. You can purchase Geocel in different colors to conveniently match your roof.
This product is great for just about any type of metal roof, plus vinyl siding and asphalt shingles.
Your Metal Roof Partner for Life
If you want to take advantage of a metal roof in Ohio, you need to work with a roofing company with the skills and experience to produce a long-lasting result. At Gouge Quality Roofing, we’ll not only install a stunning new metal roof, but we can also help you stay on top of annual maintenance and resealing whenever it’s needed.
Learn more about metal roofing with a free, no-obligation consultation!
