How to Seal Asphalt Roof Shingles

An essential part of the job of installing an asphalt roof is sealing the shingles. Sealing the shingles will help to ensure that they will require less maintenance and be more durable to weather and general wear and tear. Sealants also help to waterproof the structure and preserve the structure and grit of the tiles. There are various different types of sealants that you can apply to an asphalt roof and the particular product that you go for should take into consideration the particular setting. The sealant also protects against extreme temperatures, an essential if you live in such a place where the weather is unpredictable and your buildings need to be protected appropriately.

Sealing asphalt roof shingles is a challenging job and something that you would be far better off hiring a roofing expert to do for you unless you are completely comfortable and experienced enough to attempt the job yourself. The application of the sealant product itself is easy but accessing the roof is by far the hardest part. You should have somebody to help you until the job is complete.

Step 1 – Find the Best Way to Access the Roof

Accessing the roof is by far the hardest part of the job though applying the sealant is straightforward enough. Do not, under any circumstances, attempt such a job alone. You will need somebody to help you secure the ladder and pass things up to you as well as take things down. Find the best area to access the roof and make sure that the ladder is resting on a hard, flat surface. You should try to secure the ladder to something stable if at all possible. Otherwise, have your helper holding the ladder in place when you are using it.

Step 2 – Inspect the Roof

Before you start applying the sealant, inspect the roof for any damage. If there are any damaged shingles, they will need to be replaced before you can continue with the job. If there are any loose shingles that are in otherwise good condition, reattach them firmly in place with a hammer and roofing nails. When you are satisfied that the entire roof is in good condition and ready to have the sealant applied, you can continue with the job.

Step 3 – Seal the Roof

Apply a coat of sealant to the roof using the roller. Be sure to cover the entire surface. This includes the joints, edges, and peaks of the roof. Make sure that the coat is as thorough as possible. Some liquid sealant products come with the possibility to spray them onto the surface, making it easier and faster but less likely to get a very thorough coat on the first attempt. Leave the sealant to dry for a couple of hours and then apply a second coat for extra durability.