Liquid roof sealant is a protective material used to waterproof and safeguard the surface of a roof. This versatile substance is designed to be applied directly onto various roofing materials. Essentially, liquid roof sealant is a solution that protects your roof and other surfaces for an extended period of time.
Also known as liquid roofing or a liquid membrane, roof sealants are widely used across the industry, overtaking older, more traditional roofing materials and proving to be incredibly popular here in the UK. Liquid roofing is one of the top choices for roofing contractors when it comes to choosing an effective material to use.
One of the key advantages of liquid roof sealant is its ease of application. It can be brushed, rolled, or sprayed onto a surface, providing a seamless, protective layer. Properly applied sealant creates a watertight seal, preventing leaks, mould growth, and structural damage. If you’re interested in finding out more about how to use liquid roof sealant, read on for our step-by-step guide.
How Do You Use Liquid Roof Sealant?
Liquid roof sealants should be applied by highly-trained professionals. An efficient application by a contractor working within the industry means your roof has a higher chance of remaining fully protective. The better the quality of your installation is, the longer your roof will last.
However, avid DIYers often take on these challenges independently, despite the risks involved. If you’re set on applying liquid roof sealant to your roof on your own, it’s important that you research thoroughly beforehand and make use of in-depth, online tutorials. Attending training days in the run-up to starting your project could help massively. Roofing training courses are ideal for all individuals and offer many benefits.
Before you start applying liquid roof sealant, it’s essential to gather all the necessary materials and tools. Using efficient tools is just as important as using high-quality sealant products.
Of course, you’ll need a liquid roof sealant that’s suitable for your flat roof type, as well as a brush or roller, a sturdy ladder, safety gear including gloves, goggles and appropriate clothing, and a bucket and hose to clean your roof before installation.
Using liquid roof sealant isn’t as complex as using other roofing materials. Safety-wise, many liquid roof solutions can be applied easily and don’t require any heat. If installed correctly, liquid roof systems can be completed fairly quickly with little to no issues. So, how do you use liquid roof sealant? Let’s take a look at our step-by-step guide.
Step One: Clean your Roof
Start by preparing your roof for the application of liquid roof sealant. Cleaning the roof floor is crucial to ensure proper adhesion and longevity of the sealant.
You should remove any debris, leaves or loose materials from the roof surface, whilst inspecting your roof for any damage. Using a cleaning solution isn’t always necessary; hot water and mild detergent help lift dirt buildup and algae.
Step Two: Repair Damages
Upon inspection, you should be checking for any obvious cracks, holes or general wear and tear. Large-scale damage should be dealt with by professionals to ensure your roof is suitable for the liquid sealant to be applied. Smaller damages can be handled independently with help from trusted online resources and roof repair products, such as repair kits. Flat roof repairs are often easy to handle if you have some knowledge of how to use repair products.
Step Three: Apply your Liquid Roof Sealant
To get started with the application of liquid roof sealant, you must begin at one corner or edge of the roof and gradually progress towards the opposite end. This approach ensures that you avoid walking on the freshly applied sealant, which could lead to uneven coverage.
Next, pour the liquid roof sealant into a suitable container, such as a bucket. Carefully dip your roofing brush or roller into the sealant, making sure to saturate it adequately.
Begin applying the sealant evenly across the roof surface, working in manageable sections to maintain consistency and avoid leaving any gaps in the coverage. For the initial coat, aim for a thin and uniform layer, following the manufacturer’s recommended drying time, which typically ranges from a few hours. Liquid roof coating comes with an array of benefits that many traditional materials don’t offer.
Step Four: Apply Additional Coats
After the first coat has dried, it’s time to apply additional coats for added protection. Most liquid roof sealants require at least two coats for optimum performance and protection.
Essentially, you’re repeating the same steps as the first coat, but this time, it’s vital that you look out for thinly covered areas, seams, joints and parts of your roof that are prone to leaks. It’s best to apply extra sealant to vulnerable spots. If necessary, repeat this process until your surface is fully coated and watertight.
Step Five: Check Coverage
Once you’ve applied the recommended number of coats, inspect your roof to ensure complete coverage. Look for any missed spots or areas where the sealant may be too thin. This is one of the most important steps to take; checking coverage thoroughly is crucial if you want your roof to last.
When all the coats have been applied, you must allow your roof adequate curing time. The curing process is essential for the liquid roof sealant to reach its maximum effectiveness. It’s crucial to allow enough time for the sealant to fully cure before exposing it to harsh weather conditions.
Step Six: Maintenance
Once you’ve successfully applied the liquid roof sealant, your work isn’t quite finished. To ensure your roof continues to provide reliable protection, perform regular inspections and maintenance. Although one of the main advantages of liquid roof sealant is its reliability, it’s beneficial to check on the well-being of your roof now and then.
Finding a Reliable Roof Sealant to Use
Using liquid roof sealant to protect your roof is a practical and cost-effective solution. Liquid sealants are used in both home and commercial roofing across the world. Predominantly used for flat roofing, liquid solutions can be applied to an array of other surfaces, depending on the product type.
If you’re reading this blog to gain a better understanding of roof sealants and how they work, there’s a chance that you’re on the lookout for a reliable product to use, too. Here at Restec, we sell high-quality liquid roofing products across merchant stores. Our popularity has allowed us to expand our range over the years, and offer insightful training days.
Our flagship product, Flexitec2020, has revolutionised the industry. This product combines the best elements of fibreglass with the versatility of overlay systems. We believe that there’s no other flat roof system that performs at this level across so many applications.
Our popular products, GRPROOF 1010 and Resgrip: a durable, anti-slip solution, are also part of our product range. To find out more about our products, don’t hesitate to contact a member of our team. We look forward to assisting you in the near future.
