Sealants act as a final barrier against water penetration. Finding the perfect sealant for your job is crucial in ensuring your roof lives up to its full life expectancy (40-60 years).
What is Metal Roof Sealant?
Metal roof sealant is a material that acts as a barrier against moisture and air. Sealant materials include:
- Silicone
- Polyurethane
- Acrylic
- Rubber (or butyl)
Sealants shouldn’t be the only barrier against the elements; this should be a secondary barrier.
Silicone Sealant
This is the preferred sealant for a metal roof. Silicone sealants provide flexibility or less shrinkage than other sealants. They are paintable or come tinted to match the color of your metal roof.
Polyurethane Sealant
This is not suggested for metal roofs. While great for certain applications, it is hard to work with and stiffens in cold weather. It does not adhere to metal.
Acrylic Sealant
Acrylic sealants are great for general construction purposes but aren’t suggested for metal roofs due to cracking. It doesn’t have long performance life, and can wash away if it rains within 48 hours of application.
Rubber or Butyl
Butyl tape is less sensitive to temperature variations. It’s durable and doesn’t harden, bleed, or stain. It’s made out of synthetic rubber and comes in double-sided rolls of varying thicknesses and widths.
Deciding on the right sealant for your job is a critical component. Make sure the sealant you choose is suitable for your type of roofing application!
If you have any questions, please ask your Sentrigard Account Manager or Roofing Technical Services.
