The roof is a part of the house that people normally do not pay attention to unless some problems crop up that require immediate attention. The reason is that we usually do not see the roof, or at least its condition, in our daily routines.

Whatever is the material and design of your roof, you need to consider a good and quality sealant when the time comes that leaks occur, an event that practically all of us have experienced in our lives. Leak is, in fact, one of the most despised roof problems among homeowners.

A metal roof sealant helps prevent leaks and ultra violet (UV) damage to the roof. Rain could lead to leaks, especially on flat roofs because of water ponding on the surface. Below are practical tips and guides in roof sealant application.

1. Compatibility

First thing you have to consider about roof sealant is it should work with your roofing material. Some sealants are not safe to use on certain roofs so make sure to apply only those that will not damage your roof.

2. Roof Preparation

Thoroughly clean that part of the roof where you will apply the sealant, otherwise, you will experience adhesion issues. Better also to work on dry days instead of rainy days when the sealant may not properly stick to the surface. Extreme temperatures affect sealing, so work when it is not too hot nor too cold.

3. Systematic

Work from one side of the roof to the other, from top to bottom. It is important that you observe an orderly system in your sealing work. To avoid backtracking over your work and stepping over freshly-applied sealant, position two ladders at opposite sides of the roof then work from one end to the other.

4. Repairs

Repair your roof before applying a sealant. If your concrete roof has large cracks or you have missing shingles, use patching cement on the concrete surface or replace the missing shingles before applying any sealant. Sealants cannot close large gaps or holes on the roof. You have to repair the roofing material and then apply the sealant to prevent leaks.

5. Sealant Variety

Sealants come in different forms, styles and grades. Knowing which one to use on your roofing materials may be best left to roofing professionals if you want to make sure you get the right one.

6. Application

Actual sealing work is not complicated. You can use a paint brush or roller to apply the sealant. Applying a second coat is recommended to ensure complete adhesion and coverage of the roof.

The rising number of people using metal roofs indicates the increasing popularity of this type of roofing. People who prefer metal roof do so for a variety of reasons, among which are durability (they are strong and fire-resistant), aesthetics appeal (available in different colors, shapes and designs) and energy-efficiency (reduction in power bills).

Metal roofing materials and designs are available for DIY metal roof enthusiasts. Doing it yourself means the finished project will be exactly according to your specifications and style plus you save money that would have been spent for contractor’s fees. If you are comfortable working with metals and not squeamish about heights, we have practical tips for you in installing metal roofs.

Tools Required

You can use standard hand tools to install metal roofs. These are hammer, screws, nails, tape measure, drill, chalk line, screw gun and metal snips. An electric metal shear is best for cutting panels, but a circular saw with abrasive blade can also do the job. For fastening metal plates together, both nails and screws will work just fine. Screws are, however, preferred by roofers because they offer superior resistance against pullout.

Prepare a Sketch and Measurement

Measure the areas to be covered by the roof. You will need precise measurements of the various parts (such as eaves lengths, chimneys, ridge length and valleys). Take several pictures of the roof from different positions and angles. This will aid you in preparing an accurate diagram, which in turn will help your local hardware facilitate the preparation of roofing materials.

Remove the Old Roof

We recommend removing the old roof before installing the new metal roofing for better foundation. Remove them when the weather is sunny since rains could ruin the materials inside the building. Start from the highest point on the roof.

Use Quality Underlayment

Use a high-quality  underlayment before installing the metal material on the roof to guard against water infiltration and block out moisture between the metal and sheathing. A rubber underlayment at the eaves and beyond the exterior wall is advisable in cold climate to address water damage caused by ice damming.

Avoid Lead Pencils

Do not use standard lead or graphite pencils in marking panels because they speed up the rate of corrosion of the metal. Use a masking tape instead—it not only prevents corrosion but can be easily seen on the roof.

Professional Services

While you can probably complete the entire roof yourself, it is sometimes advisable to let professionals do certain parts to make sure they are done properly. These are the areas that require intricate workmanship that only experienced roofers could properly accomplish such as chimneys and skylights.