WILL ROOFING TAR STICK TO METAL

Due to the way they look, the longevity of the materials, and other personal preferences metal roofs are beginning to become a very popular option. Both residential and commercial buildings are seeing and up-tick in the amount of metal roofs that are dotting the landscape. So, people are starting to wonder, "Will roofing tar stick to metal" and "Can I use roofing tar on my metal roof." If you're in a hurry, YES TAR CAN BE USED ON A METAL ROOF. If you'd like to know more, keep reading.

In those really tight spots, you can actually use roofing tar for a metal roofing application. That being said, roofing tar is goopy and quite sloppy, so it may not be the most attractive option available. Certainly, if there are other options available that allow for greater precision and less mess, we would recommend you checking into those options before using roofing tar to fix your metal roof. However, if that is all you have and it is an emergency situation, roofing tar will work to fix a metal roof.

As mentioned above, roofing tar can make quite a mess. It's generally used for temporary fixes and applied into the valleys, roof-to-wall joints and other places, like plumbing vents, in order to stop leaks. It is, however, going to leave quit an eyesore as it will be very easy to spot where it was applied. It will also be very hard to control the precise amount needed, so it will likely pool and goop into large spots on your roof. So, we wouldn't recommend it for most applications.

There are many different options that are available for your metal roof that will work to seal leaks and other issues better than roofing tar. For example, there are a number of acrylic primers that are available on the market, as well as a few paint on materials that will be easier to control and leave less of a mess when you are finished. Generally speaking, metal roofs need to be painted every few years anyways, so using a paint on material won't be noticeable and won't be nearly as ugly as using a roofing tar for your application. Some acrylic primers and paints can actually last up to 10 years on your metal roof.

Roofing tar can attract a lot of the weather elements that your metal roof would otherwise whisk away quickly. For example, tar on a metal roof can hold only moisture, causing spots that can ice over a lot quicker. It can also cause friction preventing leaves and other debris from being able to exit the roof quickly. The black tar also attracts the suns UV rays, causing hot spots in your roof that would otherwise be avoidable with a different surface material. People choose metal roofs because of their longevity and ability to withstand the environment, so you wouldn't want to put something onto your roof that will detract or take away from this longevity. A high-quality metal roof will last up to 50 years if you treat it properly.

In addition to all of the previous reasons you shouldn't use roofing tar on your metal roof, another reason for avoiding using roof tar on metal roofing is because it actually breaks down much quicker than the alternative options. Remember the friction and attraction of the elements we were talking about? Well, that leads to the roofing tar taking abuse at a much higher rate than the acrylics or paints that are available for your metal roof. This means that it will cause premature weathering and aging and you will have to climb back onto your metal roof to fix it again, much sooner than you otherwise would have to.

We spent a lot of time on what to use on the top side of your metal roof, but what about the underlayment? Should you use roofing tar under your metal roof? The answer to this question is undoubtably "no." In order to have a proper seal, prevent moisture, rot, and many other problems that could come about, we recommend you use the proper underlayment for your situation. There are three choices for underlayment on a metal roof, which are:

1. Felt Paper products

2. Synthetic underlayments that are mechanically attached

3. Synthetic underlayments that are attached with peel & stick technology

Any one of these 3 different options will help to increase the longevity of your roof and the underside of your metal roof. If you follow these steps you will be happily avoid many different types of issues and you will have a relatively maintenance free roof for many years to come.