Most roofs won’t last forever. They wear down over time, need repairs, and eventually need to be replaced. That’s why the roofing industry exists, right?
As contractors, you know how busy your schedule can get. Sometimes, there’s a long wait for a roof replacement or extensive repair for a damaged roof.
That’s where roofing cement comes in. While it’s not a perfect material designed for long-term fixes, it can help temporarily seal gaps and fix small leaks and cracks.
Roofing cement isn’t meant to delay a much-needed roof replacement long-term. However, it can act as a stop-gap to briefly hold the roof over until a more extensive repair can be scheduled. In this guide, we’ll discuss roofing cement, its uses, and how to apply it.
What Is Roofing Cement?
Roofing cement is a material used to patch roof issues like small holes, leaks, or lifted shingles. It can act as a short-term solution for roofs waiting on a permanent repair.
Roofing Cement Uses
Homeowners may misuse roofing cement and cause more damage to their roofs. Professional roofers should only use the material to seal gaps, fix minor cracks/holes, quickly repair damaged shingles, or as a short-term fix before the long-term repair.
Roofing cement is a cost-effective way to fix a minor roof issue quickly. If multiple shingles are loose on a very old roof, you shouldn’t slather the roof in roofing cement. That could lead to more damage.
If a roof has extensive damage, roofing cement shouldn’t be the tool you reach for.
How to Apply Roofing Cement
To apply roofing cement, start by clearing the application area on the roof. Use a roofing brush to remove any debris or dirt. The roofing cement may not stick properly if the area isn’t cleared and cleaned.
While you generally won’t use roofing cement for larger areas, it may be necessary while waiting on a permanent fix. If it’s a bigger area, you can cover it with rolled roofing or another fabric before applying the material.
Once the area is clean and ready for the roofing cement, apply a little bit of product to start and continue adding more roofing cement as needed. Remember, you can always add more, but it’s difficult to remove once applied.
What Tools to Use for Roofing Cement Application
The tool you choose to apply roofing cement depends on how large the area you’re repairing is.
For small to medium fixes, consider using one of the following tools:
- Putty knife
- Taping knife
- Pointing trowel
- Notched trowel
- Margin trowel
If the area is close to the size of a roof square, you can apply the roofing cement with a tool like a concrete placer.
How Long Does Roofing Cement Take to Dry?
The dry time for roofing cement can depend on the specific product used. For example, the Henry plastic roof cement takes about 30 days for the roofing cement to dry fully.
The Right Tools for the Job
Roofing cement isn’t the right material for every roofing job, but it can be handy for temporary solutions or minor fixes. Roofers can use it to complete quick patch jobs or keep a roof leak-proof until more maintenance can be scheduled.
From roofing cement to roofing boots, the right tools equip you to confidently handle roofing challenges that come your way. Roofing estimate software like SumoQuote is another tool to help you run your business efficiently.
Don’t go for the quick fix. Instead, choose the long-term solution and invest in roofing estimate software today. Book a SumoQuote demo to learn more about our offerings.
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