No matter how high-quality and modern the roofing is, it is necessary to think in advance about protecting the most vulnerable places, and especially the joints of the material, from moisture and other destructive influences. The sealant for the roof copes well with the insulation: with its help it is possible to cope with the task quite quickly and without unnecessary hassle. Roofing sealants are polymeric materials based on compounds of various rubbers and bitumen. Due to their plasticity, flexibility, moisture and air tightness, as well as excellent adhesion, it is possible to use them to isolate the joints of all known materials. Moreover, the sealant for the roof can be used in the temperature range of -55 ... +80 .
Varieties
Depending on the base, it is customary to distinguish several main varieties of sealant:
- acrylic;
- silicone (rubber);
- bituminous;
- polyurethane.
Each has its own specifics, scope, which is why, before going to the nearest hardware store, you should understand each variety well - this will help you make the right choice.
Silicone sealant
Perhaps the most popular roofing sealant is silicone. High moisture and airtight properties, ductility and excellent adhesion to most surfaces are largely provided by the basis - iloxane rubber. Moreover, it is the silicone (rubber) sealant for the roof that can withstand the effects of high temperatures (even prolonged heating), as well as direct sunlight, which makes it suitable for sealing the roof even from natural tiles.
Acrylic Sealant
Acrylic-based roofing sealant is most often used for processing joints, cracks and joints between sheets. It demonstrates the greatest efficiency in cases where there is a probability of displacement of adjacent canvases in relation to each other as a result of sharp temperature fluctuations, as well as significant physical exertion. Modern manufacturers use silicone additives that approximate acrylic roofing sealant in properties and characteristics to silicone. At the same time, its value remains still more democratic. Most often, acrylic-based products are used to work with a porous base, such as brick, concrete - here it demonstrates maximum efficiency.
Acrylic sealant can be not only white, but also transparent. Due to antifungal additives, it is possible to protect it from the effects of bacteria of mold and fungus and significantly extend the service life.
Bitumen sealant
If you are looking for a sealant for metal roofing, pay attention to the product based on bitumen. In this case, you will get excellent performance and high adhesion to the metal base. Bitumen sealant is represented by bitumen with the addition of aluminum pigment - this is necessary to mask the material on the roof surface. Due to the pigment, the composition acquires a saturated metallic shade. This is a really great plastic material, ideal for roofing. Bitumen sealant has incorporated a number of important properties and characteristics. First of all, it is durability and resistance to various kinds of influences, including moisture and temperature extremes. Moreover, it is really pleasant and convenient to work with it, and all thanks to the excellent adhesion not only with a dry, but also with a wet base. Bitumen based sealant is ideal for filling cracks, joints and voids between metal sheets, as well as the joints of the roof with the ridge and chimney - it not only insulates well, but also fixes individual components.
When working with bitumen sealant, high toxicity should be taken into account, which is why it is suitable exclusively for outdoor use. Never use residual composition inside the living room. To summarize, I want to note the most pronounced characteristics and properties of this material:
- strength;
- elasticity;
- moisture resistance;
- the possibility of coloring;
- chemical inertness;
- adhesion to most substrates;
- affordable price.
Polyurethane sealant
The basis of the polyurethane sealant is polymerized resin. By creating special conditions of production, observing the temperature regime, it is possible to achieve the necessary viscosity of the material. This is what allows it to be used for sealing flat roofs. Polyurethane sealant showed excellent performance when exposed to low temperatures. There are several varieties of this composition:
- sealing - for working with a dry base;
- waterproofing - for work with a damp base and coming into contact with moisture.
Polyurethane sealant is quite popular among modern builders, and all thanks to a number of characteristics. The latter include:
- chemical inertness;
- resistance to damage and temperature effects;
- the possibility of staining;
- profitability;
- durability.
Perhaps the only drawback of polyurethane-based sealant is its rather high price. But due to the durability and economy of consumption, it is quite justified. Moreover, it is the sealant for the roof based on polyurethane that is considered universal. And all thanks to its adhesion to most known surfaces: wood, metal, brick, concrete.
Tape sealant
If you are looking for a material that is pleasant to use and yet quite effective, you will surely like tape-sealant for roofing. The basis here is butyl rubber, which gives the material unique properties and characteristics. Tape sealants can withstand various temperature fluctuations, as well as exposure to direct sunlight, which is why they are great for roofing. Tapes have a high adhesive ability, simplifying installation work: just attach the product to the junction of the material, press it firmly, and you will get a reliable and durable, and most importantly, tight connection.
Metal roof insulation
If you decide to arrange roofs made of metal, then the sealant for its insulation must have excellent adhesion to metal surfaces, withstand vibrations, the effects of precipitation. Sealants based on bitumen and polyurethane have these properties. To work with them, you should first degrease the base with an ordinary solvent.
Important! Silicone is categorically not suitable for a metal roof - it is able to oxidize the metal and cause premature corrosion, which is unacceptable in this case.
Roof insulation
The device of such a roof involves horizontal and vertical fixation of the roofing material. In this case, acrylic, silicone and polyurethane sealant are not bad . Before work, it is necessary to degrease the base and make sure that it is dry - only in this case you can count on high efficiency.
Soft Roof Insulation
Need a sealant for a soft roof? Then you should focus on varieties based on bitumen. To insulate the joints of a flat roof, it is better to use bitumen mastic, and for the formed joints - bitumen sealant. It gives a strong, durable and high-quality compound, resistant to the effects of temperature fluctuations and all the negative manifestations of the weather.
Tytan is the answer of modern manufacturers
Tytan Roof Sealant is an invention of modern building materials manufacturers. This is a one-component, plastic and viscous composition, which is based on a combination of bitumen and rubber. It is an excellent sealant, characterized by increased adhesion to a metal and bitumen base. It does not matter whether it is dry or wet - Tytan does not slip from the surface, provides high-quality and durable insulation. It is used to connect joints of roofing material and repair work.
Two-component sealants
The maximum efficiency when working with wood, brick, concrete is demonstrated by a two-component rubber-based sealant. It is distinguished by ductility, chemical inertness and durability. This is a great option for those cases when you need to get an even and beautiful seam. Two-component sealant withstands significant temperature fluctuations, easy to use.
Features of use
Most often, sealants go on sale in 310 ml tubes. To work with them, you need a special "gun", which can be purchased at any hardware store. With its help, it is possible to economically expend material, as well as to obtain a perfectly even and durable seam.
It is much more effective to work with a dry and fat-free base. Even if the sealant involves working with a damp base, it is best to avoid this if possible. To work with the composition, you will need special nozzles with which you can get the seam of the required thickness - they, again, can be purchased at a specialized construction store.
It is necessary to work carefully, carefully so as not to overdo it with soft and plastic material. After completion of work, it is necessary to make sure that the structure fits snugly to the base and the edges of the roof - this is a guarantee of a reliable and tight connection.
High-quality insulation of the roof is the key to its durability and reliability. That is why it is so important to carry out a regular inspection of the roof, to repair the diverged seams, the resulting cracks. And for this, only high-quality materials should be used. And it is not at all necessary to resort to the help of professionals - most of the work can be handled independently.