Homeowners can find themselves with a leaking roof that requires repair or replacement. When the roof leak is small and only requires sealing, the question then remains which roof sealant is the best option for your roof amongst others.
It is essential to have a suitable adhesive material to properly remedy the damage that can last for a long time. There are different materials of roofing sealant such as; asphalt, silicone, clay tiles, aluminum, slate, etc. These materials have distinct advantages over the others, but finding the one suitable for your roofing can be difficult, and it’s highly advisable to conduct research.
Silicone and roofing tar often perform the same function; nevertheless, they differ in the installation process, longevity, the amount of solar energy they can absorb, environmentally friendly, and aesthetic appeal.
Roofing tar is used as the initial layer of tar and gravel roofs or seal damaged roofs. It is durable, waterproof, and resistant to harmful Ultraviolet rays from the heat. Choosing the ideal roofing material is an uphill task, but do not worry, as this article compares roofing tar vs. silicone to help you establish your perfect roofing material.
Roofing tar offers longevity, which is the ideal factor that most homeowners look for in any roofing system. It protects your roofing system from Ultraviolet rays and rain damage. It prevents algae and mold growth and makes the roof resistant to fire. Roofing tar protects your roof from adverse weather conditions, extreme wind, and rainstorms, which can collect on flat roofs. It makes the rooftop durable and by adding waterproofing protection for the top.
The Difference Between Silicone and Roofing Tar
Installation Process
The process of installing roofing materials is primarily simple. A roller can apply roofing tar, but the temperature must be in the correct range to properly adhere to the roof.
When the tar doesn’t stick effectively to the roof surface, it can peel and cause water leaks later. The only disadvantage of using roofing tar is to seal the damages or holes in the fumes.
In addition, when the sunlight hits the mixture, it can emit toxic fumes that cause dizziness and respiratory illnesses when inhaled. Always put on protective gear when applying tar, especially the mask, to protect against the harmful effects of the fumes.
For silicone, the installation process is easy but requires a significant amount of time to complete. It is a safer option compared to roofing tar and doesn’t have adverse side effects when applying. Homeowners should have a professional roofer to carry out repairs or installations on their roofs. The process can be dangerous to individuals who lack experience.
The roofing tar has the overall installation advantage as it is relatively easy to roll on the roof. Of course, there are toxic fumes, but you’re safe when you wear a mask.
Solar Energy
Silicone shingles reflect the harmful UV rays away from the roof surface and aids in keeping the building cooler without increasing the number of utility bills.
Tar has the same properties. It can protect the home from UV rays and keep the structure cooler even when it is pretty high. Cooling the building during hot summer months is essential as the energy bills can rise due to air conditioning or other means to cool the house.
The ability of a roof to properly handle UV rays is amongst the most significant features of a roof. Without this aspect, your home can turn into an oven during hot summer weather, forcing homeowners to use air conditioners and other cooling devices, leading to a rise in energy bills. Both silicone and roofing tar deal with UV rays similarly.
Environmental Friendliness
Roofing tar effectively keeps your home cooler during hot summer weather up to about twice as the other traditional energy star-certified roofing materials. As a result, homeowners can save substantially on their utility bills during hot summer weather. The disadvantage of using roofing tar is the fumes it emits that can be harmful to the roofer’s health when inhaled, but the impact on the environment is terrible.
Silicone reduces energy expenditure during hot summer months. In addition, it protects the roof against stains, dirt, and mold, and mildew growth. As a result, silicone roofs appear newer over a long time.
The benefits on this aspect are pretty slim, but silicone has more advantages. They both save you from high energy bills, but silicone asphalt keeps the roof appearance in a good state over a while by preventing stains and the growth of mildew.
Aesthetic Appeal
Roofing tar is limited in appearance as they are primarily found in black and white. Although some companies have started offering various colors, most companies have stuck with the original black and white color. Tar provides a smooth, seamless aesthetic without grooves or breaks.
Silicone roofing material comes in various colors and designs, allowing the homeowners to specifically get the right strategy and color of the roof they desire.
Due to versatility, various choices in color, and the ability to protect the roof from substances that can stain the rooftop, the advantage goes to the silicone. Getting different colors of roofing tar is not entirely impossible, but it is not as rare as the choice of silicone roofing.
Durability and Longevity
The most crucial aspect of any roof to a homeowner is the durability and longevity of the roof. The cost involved in the repair and installation of a roof is often high. Therefore, it is crucial to use a roofing material that will last for a long time.
Tar roofs are durable. They have a smooth surface that is created by removing the seams and cracks on the top. The smooth surface is vital in dealing with high winds and keeping the snow and ice dams’ formation on the roof.
The ability to prevent the construction of ice dams on the roof during winter weather is essential. Some roofs experience damage during this time, leading to water leaks that can cause various structural damage and mold growth in the attic area. Roofing tar drastically lowers the possibility of these occurrences. Water leaks can destroy your home or business premises.
Silicone roofing material is also durable. Besides resisting damages caused by UV rays, it also protects against rain, snow, and drastic changes in temperatures. The ability of a silicone roofing material to protect the roof from extreme temperature changes is essential as most people live in areas where the temperature changes drastically depending on the time of the year. Rooftops that cannot withstand harsh environmental conditions can place the homeowner in danger.
These two roofing materials are both durable. They are built to withstand extreme temperatures, high wind, rain, and snow. In addition, they protect the roof from leaks by not allowing the accumulation of water that can lead to ice dam formation on the top.
The significant difference is that many silicone roofs come with a 50 years warranty, which nearly lasts for life. Having that security gives an individual peace of mind and may influence one in choosing the roofing material to install.
When to apply roofing tar
Apply roofing tar when there is sunshine without rain or snow for some days. Unfortunately, the cold weather won’t allow the roofing tar to cure. The appropriate temperature should be 70 degrees Fahrenheit as hot temperatures can cause your roof to start dripping, causing a mess.
Procedure of applying roofing tar
Before applying roofing tar, first look for structural damages on the roof surface. Wear protective clothing and a mask to protect yourself from fumes. Leave the tar container in direct sunlight for about sixty minutes to lower the viscosity of the tar, making it easier to spread on the roof surface.
Use a long handle brush to clear the roof surface to remove dirt and debris. Next, use a long handle roller and start applying the tar far from the place your ladder is. Apply small amounts of roofing tar at a time, use a long handle roller and apply in small and even strokes.
When applying the roofing tar to seal cracks or holes causing leaks from the roof surface, place a minimal amount of roofing tar directly onto the roof and use a putty knife to spread it around.
Conclusion
The choice of any roofing material to install majorly depends on your personal needs. Silicone might have the best overall aesthetic value due to its ability to withstand staining and mildew growth; the use of roofing tar will not have much of a difference.
These roofing materials are both durable. When you are spoiled for choosing which roofing materials to install in your home, consult a roofing professional and discuss the overall goals you want to achieve with the project. He will better understand the local climate of the area and advise accordingly.