In South Florida, our weather comes into consideration quite often. From how to keep our homes cooler in the summer, to how to effectively drain excessive rainfall during our stormy season – roofing decisions are often driven by our unique climate.

Here in Sarasota, the sun, wind and rain can also wreak havoc on our roof, and so it is important that area homeowners understand the ways that they can protect their roof and keep it in top condition for its full expected lifespan.

Roof sealant is a product which is often overlooked, but can add years to your roof life.

Roof Sealant – Definitions and Benefits

• Roof sealant is a weather-proofing product applied to roofs to seal them against whatever the climate may bring. Sealant is commonly used on flat roofs which may experience standing water, but roof sealant for sloped roofs can also be beneficial for many roofing products and types.
• Roof sealant can be utilized to minimize damage caused by strong sunlight and UV rays. Consistent exposure to strong sun may result in the roofing materials being bleached, cracked, or otherwise damaged – and these problems are not often discovered until the roof starts leaking during the rainy season.
• Roof sealants can also improve the efficiency of your cooling systems. A white (or lighter) sealer coating on a roof can cut down on heating costs substantially, by helping to reflect sunlight and keep the temperature of interior spaces cooler.
• It is important to note that a roof sealant should never be applied to roofs which are in need or maintenance or repair. Sealant alone will not plug up major leaks or eradicate the need to replace broken or missing shingles. A roof sealant will protect your roof against these issues, not fix them.
• Before sealant is applied, the roof should be clean and dry. In the Sarasota area, our dry season (November through March) is a great time to inspect the roof, fix any issues, and apply roof sealant to be prepared for the next rainy season.
• In order to most effectively protect your roof, roof sealant will need to be reapplied occasionally. Your annual roof inspection will reveal if it is time to reapply this product.

Is Roof Sealant Application a DIY Process?

There are many roof sealant options, and it is important to choose a product which is appropriate for your home and roofing material.  Sealants are offered in silicone, water based, thermoplastic, STPe and acrylic formulations, and some are better suited to tile, shingle, or wood.  You may wish to consult with a roofing contractor or home supply professional as to the best product for your home; keeping in mind that some products are only available through contractors.

Many roof sealants can easily be applied with paint rollers, making the job attractive to those who like to work around the home. However, working on the roof can present many safety issues, and if you are unfamiliar with these types of projects it could be dangerous. If you do choose to work on the roof, make sure it is clean and dry, and work with friends to help handle materials, ladders, and tools.

The time to prepare and protect your roof for the harsh conditions that can exist in South Florida is before damage occurs.

Yearly inspections, roof sealant applications, and prompt repair for even the smallest of issues are among the simply ways that you can safeguard your home and family.

And remember – for all of your residential roofing needs, you can trust the local Sarasota team of professionals at Avery Roof Services.