Are you preparing for a roofing project but can’t decide between flex seal and roof tar?
Flex seal is liquid that forms a rubber layer on the cracks or holes on the roof to prevent leakage, while roofing tar is in cream form and often comes on top when used to fix roof leaks because it stays in place and doesn’t melt when exposed to heat.
While roofing tar is the best product between the two, there are several other factors that you need to consider before making the final choice.
In this comparison of flex seal vs. roof tar, you’ll learn how they differ in appearance, durability, application, and more.
Flex Seal
Flex Seal is a liquid rubber purchased in buckets or aerosol sprays to fix holes and cracks to seal water leaks. The liquid nature of the product makes it easy to handle and administer. It is applied by spraying, brushing, pouring, or rolling the flex seal on the roller.
The flex seal doesn’t sag or drip during hot weather, and it’s not toxic to both the user and the environment. The liquid rubber will stay on the applied surface for many years, making it durable. You can use it in kitchens, sinks, showers, tiles, tubs, windows, roofs, skylights, and gutters.
Flex seal doesn’t crack, sag or peel during harsh weather conditions. It is safe for the environment and the applicant as it doesn’t cause dizziness when applied, although it has a strong smell and should be used in ventilated rooms.
Advantages of Flex Seal
- Protects the surface from rust, UV rays, and corrosion and can be used on dry and wet surfaces.
- It doesn’t shrink or crack after application, and it will not crack, sag, or peel during cold or hot weather conditions.
- Seals cracks, gutters, and other small leaks quickly. The liquid rubber forms a hardened layer faster within the holes or cracks, stopping the leak effortlessly.
- Resist chemicals and mildew growth
- It is highly versatile and easy to use; it immediately begins as a thick liquid that the applicant can roll, dip, brush, or pour on surfaces, then turns into a sturdy, flexible rubber.
- Nontoxic to the user and the environment.
- It is highly durable after application on the roof; it is made to last for years.
- Some flex seals are waterproof.
Disadvantages
- Some have a strong smell hence should be used in ventilated rooms
- Flex seal in cans can be messy and can only be enough for one job
- You cannot use flex seal in high temperatures above 350 degrees Celsius.
How to Use Flex Seal on Covering Small Holes on the Roof
Step 1. Finding flex seal
Reach for the roof to find the area of a water leak. Check for the flashing areas around the chimney or satellite dishes. It can be done by pouring water on the questionable holes on the roof surface and checking if there is leakage under it. Review one hole at a time until you find the one that causes the leakage.
Step 2. Cleaning the surface
Thoroughly clean the roof area where there is leakage with clean water and dry it with a piece of cloth before applying the flex seal.
Carefully recheck whether the damaged area has stains, dry leaves, oil, mildew, or other substances accumulating on your roof. The flex seal is used to prevent leakage, but these substances can prevent the seal from effectively covering the hole.
Step 3. Shake the flex seal
Shake the flex seal for about one minute for all the substances on the flex seal can mix appropriately. The shaking ensures the seal work at the optimum.
Step 4. Spraying
Aim the spray to the area, causing leakage. The spraying form must completely cover the problematic area and the adjacent surrounding. After you are satisfied with the complete coverage of the liquid spray on the hole, allow it to dry on the sun heat.
Allow the sprayed area to dry for about 48 hours for complete coverage. After the initial coat is dry, spray another coat on top of the existing coat of the sprayed flex seal to make your roof is completely free of leakage.
Flex seal for roof repair
Water leakage can occur anywhere, but it can overcome these problems since the flex seal is flexible in its application. The flex seal can appropriately be applied on any damaged surface, including; roof, pool, basement, and many more.
Steps for Using Flex Seal on Repairs
Step 1. Prepare the damaged roof
Prepare the area with leakage because this is the target for sealant. It can be any surface or angle of the roof.
Step 2. Clean the surface of the roof
Before using the flex seal to repair the damaged roof, ensure the area where the flex seal is applied is cleaned thoroughly to remove all the stains, oils, and mildew and dried properly.
Step 3. Brushing and rolling
Using the same movement, brush, and roll flex seal on the roofing surface. Ensure you brush and roll the sealant to the bigger area to repair the damage.
Allow every rolled layer to dry for 24 hours before adding another layer completely. Then, apply a coating layer to seal all cracks and fill all small holes.
Step 4. Rinse with clean water
Rinse the object directly in the flex seal in a circular motion. After covering the surface, release it and let the flex seal dropping to the can.
Step 5. Flex seal roof coating
Using flex seal roof coating is simple. You can use the coating method to make coating layers on the damaged surface. When you’ve sprayed the roof with flex seal, please wait for it to dry.
After the layers have been thoroughly dried on sun heat, you can coat the dry surface covered by a flex seal to seal all the cracks and let them dry. You can repeat the coating process three to four times or until it’s completely covered. Let the repaired surface dry for 24-48 hours.
Roofing Tar
Roofing tar is a creamy used to repair roof leaks in both wet and dry surfaces.
Advantages of Roofing Tar
- It is versatile, and the roofing tar can be used to seal leaks in both wet and dry surfaces. Their versatility makes them convenient to be used in rain or stormy weather.
- It can manage leaks on pots, ships, or any substance made of rubber, metal, wood, or plastic material. The low viscous liquid will harden the holes or cracks to form a layer that seals the leaks.
- It is easy to use because it can easily carry the damaged surface and spray the area you want to be covered.
- It is effective and durable. Once the spraying is done effectively, the sealed hole can last long before any repair is needed again.
Drawbacks of Roofing Tar
- If it is not applied correctly, it can cause leaks.
- It can be difficult to remove once it has been applied.
- It can be messy and smelly to apply.
- If it is exposed to sunlight, it can become brittle and crack.
Flex Seal vs Roof Tar – In-Depth Comparison
Appearance
Flex Seal is a spray liquid rubber that forms a rubberized surface that blocks water, air, and moisture when applied to a roof surface. Its primary purpose is to fill in all the cracks and holes, protecting your roofs from leaks.
Roofing tar is a dark, oily mixture that hardens into a flexible layer when applied to a roof in temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Its stickiness protects your roof from wind, snow, and water, which can collect on a flat roof.
Drying and Curing Time
Flex Seal dries to the touch within 2 to 3 hours and fully cures in 24 hours when applied correctly. Dry time usually depends on the temperature, humidity, and thickness of the coating. The recommended temperature for applying Flex Seal to surfaces and substrates is between 32 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Roofing tar dries in 8 hours and cures fully in 24 hours. Of course, the timespan difference also depends on weather conditions. The coating takes longer to dry in dew and high humidity and dries faster in hot temperatures with dry weather.
Durability and Maintenance
Flex Seal is a very durable product that can last for years. It is resistant to tearing and can withstand extreme temperatures. It is also UV resistant and will not fade or discolor over time. Flex seal can be applied to any roofing material and will not damage it.
Maintaining Flex Seal on the roof is easy. Just clean the surface regularly and reapply the sealant every few years. Flex seal is an excellent investment for your home and will keep your roof looking new for years to come.
Roofing tar is another durable product lasting anywhere from 20 to 25 years. It creates a smooth surface by removing any seams and cracks on the roof. So, if you live in areas with high winds or want to prevent the buildup of snow or water on the roof, roofing tar is an ideal product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Flex Seal Work on Concrete?
The flex seal adheres to everything. So, first, clean the area and remove all the stains, dirt, dust, and debris before applying a thin layer of flex seal and dry. Then, add another two layers by allowing the applied layer to dry before adding another layer. After the layers are dehydrated, you can coat.
What Duration does it Take for the Flex Seal to Dry?
The period taken by flex seal to completely dry on the applied surface depends on the sprayed layer’s temperature, humidity, and thickness. The sprayed rubber will dry in 2-3 hours and will take about 24 hours to cure and get stronger over time completely.
What Amount of Pressure will the Flex Seal Withstand?
The flex seal can endure regular rainwater and water pressure but cannot handle those with high intensity. For example, it will not handle the pressure of bikes tires when used to seal them because the pressure is too high.
Conclusion
Flex Seal is a wonderful product for repairing cracks, leaks, and filling holes in bathrooms, kitchens, fish ponds, pool liners, etc. It is a durable product that gives value.
The only disadvantage is that you can’t use it in bicycle repair because of the high pressure. It also cannot be used to seal substances in high temperatures of above 350 degrees Celsius. Finally, it has a terrible smell and should be used in well-ventilated rooms.