Can Roof Coating Seal a Leak?

Primers

• Primers applied to roofs prepare the surface for painting or used are solely to fix leaks. They bind with the finish of the roof and create a protective, waterproof seal that stops leaks. Primers work on all types of roofs including wood and concrete as they seal any porous surface. Primer coatings are effective painted over dirty roofs, seep down into cracks and crevices and adhere well to metal, gypsum, glass and plastic.

Elastomeric Roof Coatings

• These thick plastic coatings effectively seal leaks and won’t crack during extreme temperature changes as they are flexible enough expand and contract without deteriorating. They create a heavy rubbery seal on the tops of buildings, fill in old ridges in the roof surface and can be painted or primed for shingle, tile or shake roof coverings.

EPDM Coatings

• These coatings are elastomeric sealants enhanced with ethylene, propylene and diene monomer. They are similar to elastomeric sealants in their leak repair capabilities but better resist ultraviolet rays, ozone gases, extreme temperatures fluctuations and other abrasive elements. EPDM sealants come in various thicknesses and are available with polyester scrim reinforcements for added durability.

Seam Sealers

• Most leaks in roofs occur in the seams and can be quickly and easily repaired with seam sealants. These sealers are easy to apply, appropriate for flat and pitched roofs and hold up well to material erosion, contraction and expansion, which are the main causes of seam separation and subsequent leaks.

Caulks

• The easiest and most cost-effective way to repair leaky roofs is with caulk. It is a multipurpose sealant, so you can use it to fix the leaks in the roof, as well as repair flashing, reinforce window casings, repair cracks in driveways and patios and stop water seepage around toilets and tubs. Caulk is easy to work with and is easily removable and replaceable. It is usually made of silicone or polyurethane, although new chemical mixtures are available in some markets.

Choosing Roof Sealants

• Caulking and seam sealers work well for easily detectable leaks that need quick repair. If you roof is leaking in random places that are hard to spot, it is more practical to apply a paint-like sealant to the entire roof rather than locate and repair specific leaks.