Do Asphalt Shingle Coatings Work?
Recently there has been a lot of advertising about asphalt shingle sealants, which are supposed to protect a roof, extend its life, protect against leaks and stop the growth of mold and mildew. While products that have these capabilities have been around for years, sealants designed especially for roofs are relatively new.
Sealants are meant to be sprayed onto roofs that are as clean as possible, and pressure washing is often recommended. The potential problem with this is that pressure washing can damage the shingles. A sealant could also damage the natural permeability of a roof, inhibiting its ability to completely dry out therefore leading to condensation inside the attic and the development of mold and rot.
A roof that is already leaking is not going to stop leaking with the application of a sealant. Many claim to extend the life of a roof by up to 10 years, but the experience of most roofers is that they can extend the life of a roof by a few years at best. Consult a professional roofer like Ocean County roofing who can provide the benefit of their experience with roofers and suggest possible alternatives to achieve a goal if a sealant is not the answer.
The other new product is a little more promising.
Coatings designed to reflect the heat off of the roof, newly creating what is known as a cool roof, are gaining in popularity in hotter climates where this is an issue. There are numerous roof sealants on the market for this purpose, and it is absolutely essential to use one specifically designed for asphalt shingles. Many of these sealants are designed for flat asphalt roofs, and these will not work on shingles.
Even using the correct product, there are potential pitfalls. First, the sealant may not adhere uniformly, even if the roof is clean and in good condition. Secondly, some of these products may cause the edges of the shingles to curl up, which will increase the risk of leaks. None of these sealants are perfect yet, and very few of them live up to the promises they make.
The bottom line is that it is important to consult with a professional roofer who is up to date on market trends as these sealant products are further developed and improved. He will be in the best position to give you impartial advice on what works and what doesn’t, and may even know of new products that have not yet been introduced. A roofing contractor from Fortified Roofing of Ocean County NJ can answer your questions about roof repairs or new roofs.
Term explained by roofing company Fortified Roofing, Ocean County NJ:
Cool roof
Roofs manufactured with materials designed to reflect the sun’s wavelengths, thereby reducing the absorption of heat from the sun and reducing the energy costs of cooling a building. Originally manufactured as a white coating for flat roofs, cool roofs are manufactured today in a wide range of materials and colors, including black.
Question and answer from Ocean County roofing experts Fortified Roofing:
Is it worth installing a cool roof on every house?
On average, having a cool roof on a structure will reduce its cooling costs by 15 percent each year. In hot, sunny climates, a cool roof is almost always an economical proposition, even though the material costs are higher than a traditional roof. In more temperate climates, a cool roof will undoubtedly save cooling costs but perhaps not enough to justify the additional cost.
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