Tripolymer Sealants for a Leaking Roof

Roof Leaks

• When left unattended, a leaky roof can develop into a series of problems that grow worse with time. Water and moisture access within a house structure leaves affected areas open to mold growth and eventual damage to the structure of the home. Roofing sealants provide a way to reinforce worn areas and prevent further damage from developing. Areas where roof leaks tend to form include junctions and seams where roofing materials come to together or fitted areas, such as chimneys, eaves and vent openings.

Tripolymer Sealants

• Tripolymer sealants consist of elastomeric materials that form a thick coating on roof surfaces. Elastomeric materials behave in much the same way as rubber-like materials. When subjected to heat, these materials can stretch or bend and return to normal without losing their structural integrity. Tripolymer sealants also contain polymeric materials, which reflect heat and light. In terms of roof surface compatibility, tripolymer sealants adhere to most any roof or structural surface, some of which include asphalt, wood, brick, stone, metal and concrete.

Benefits

• As a sealant material, tripolymer sealants maintain their structural integrity over time in the face of extreme or fluctuating weather conditions. The combined elastomeric and polymeric effects make for a water-resistant, insulating material that helps to extend the life of leaky roofs as well as newly constructed installations. Tripolymer sealants come in a range of colors that coordinate with different home styles and structural exteriors. The sealant’s chemical make-up also resists mold and mildew growths, which provides further protection against structural deterioration.

Considerations

• When applying a tripolymer sealant, treated surfaces should be clean and dry to allow for the best adhesion effect. Sealant applications will still take hold on damp or dewy surfaces in cases where moisture residue exists. Tripolymer sealant does not hold up well in areas where people walk or objects move, which makes it ideal for repairing leaking roofs. Also, while the sealant adheres to most material types, acrylic glazing materials like those found on skylight surfaces do not work well as an adhesive surface for tripolymer sealants.