Tar is a petroleum byproduct historically used to preserve wooden ships and prevent cracks. Today, it remains useful for repairing leaks — but on roofs! There are synthetic alternatives available, and “roofing tar” is any one of these oily substances that can defend against cracks and weathering. It also deflects UV radiation, which may help keep your building cooler.
You may be wondering when and how to apply roofing tar as part of regular roof maintenance. Not all roof types need tar. If yours does, you would use it to seal your roof during specific weather conditions. Read on to learn the basics of roofing tar, when to use it, and how it works.
The Basics of Roofing Tar: When to Apply
When is the best time of year to apply tar?
Tar should be applied when outdoor temperatures are between 40 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. In Florida, that means winter and spring. These are typically the drier seasons as well, which is ideal. You don’t want to apply tar when it’s rainy or about to rain.
What happens if you apply tar in hot weather?
Tar acts as a sealant when it dries or “cures.” This takes longer in hot weather because the tar remains in semi-liquid form. Your roofing tar may not seal properly because too much has melted away from the surface.
How long does it take to apply roofing tar?
Tar can typically be applied within a day. However, it takes several more days to cure. Start the process when there is no risk of rain in the upcoming forecast.
When do you need roofing tar?
Roofing tar is typically used on flat roofs, where it acts as a sealant for layers of roofing material, such as gravel. When done properly, tar-and-gravel roofs last a long time — 20 to 25 years on average.
However, Florida’s rainy, hot climate does put more wear and tear on roofs. And if your building doesn’t have adequate drainage, your flat roof may be susceptible to damage over time.
Get an inspection from Sentinel Roofing to see what your tar-and-gravel roof needs. We specialize in flat and low-slope roofing and can recommend when you may need new sealant and other repairs.
How to Apply Roofing Tar
Some property owners choose to apply their own roofing tar. This is possible, but as with any sort of roofing, there are notable risks to your health and safety. Also, you must take care to measure and apply the tar correctly so it will seal completely. When in doubt, leave it to professional roofers!
What are the possible health risks when applying tar?
Tar releases heavy fumes that may cause respiratory distress. Always wear a protective mask and goggles to limit your exposure. We recommend the building be unoccupied while tar is being applied.
As tar is applied hot, it can also cause serious burns. As it cools, it thickens and adheres to the skin. If someone gets burned by tar, immediately call for emergency medical help. Never attempt to remove the tar from the skin yourself.
Hot tar can ignite flammable items, such as rags, dead leaves, and wooden tools. Always maintain a safe distance between the tar kettle and any fire hazard. Wear heat-resistant gloves while carrying the kettle and applying the tar.
Finally, any roofing work carries a risk of falling, especially if the roof is sloped in any way. Always wear no-slip, sturdy shoes. Use proper ladder technique, secure your tools, and avoid any trip hazards.
The safest bet is always to contact professionals who are well equipped to manage these risks. The team at Sentinel Roofing is thoroughly trained and insured to apply roof tar with safety in mind! Get an instant estimate.
How do you apply roofing tar?
The tar is effectively a layer of sealant over a base layer. This might be made from asphalt or a synthetic substance. Some options come with embedded gravel to boost the material’s durability.
Start in the corner of the roof. Make sure you have a ladder at the opposite end so you can get down!
Use a fiberglass mop to spread the tar across your base coating in thin, even layers. Work in straight diagonal lines until you reach the opposite corner. Make sure there are no clumps left.
Next, apply tar paper on top, then smooth down with the mop.
Repeat two more times. Each layer of tar paper should partly overlap the previous one to ensure a tight seal.
As you see, this can be a tedious process. Always plan ahead before you get started to avoid any pitfalls. That’s why many property owners choose to hire a professional roofing team.
Need your tar-and-gravel roof repaired or replaced? Sentinel is here to help. We guarantee excellence in every project and use top-quality materials, paired with expert techniques that help avoid costly issues and messes. Get a free instant quote for your tar roof repair or application.