Why Asphalt Mastic Roof Coatings Can Be Detrimental to Low Slope Roofs

Do Asphalt Mastic Roof Coatings Make Sense for Your Roof?

Roof mastics are a type of roofing material used in certain restorations and repairs to seal off areas of a roof that may be prone to leaks. Known by many names, including mastic sealant and mastic roof coatings, mastics are available in materials such as asphalt, acrylic, silicone, and much more. 

Asphalt mastics tend to be the most common of these roof coatings and sealants, as asphalt is typically viewed as both affordable and highly durable. However, asphalt mastics are not a one-size-fits-all solution for commercial roof repairs—and in some cases, asphalt mastics can even be detrimental when used as coatings in certain roofing situations.

At Moser Roofing Solutions, we strongly believe in providing only the right solutions for your roof, rather than trying to make the same solution work for every roofing system. It’s part of our commitment to high-quality products and expert craftsmanship for your commercial roof. Let’s take a look at when asphalt mastic roof coatings make sense—and where asphalt may be detrimental to your roof.

What Are Roof Mastics?

Roof mastics are a type of waterproofing material used to provide further protection for roofs against moisture penetration. While mastics certainly aren’t necessary for all types of roofs, they form an excellent sealant and an additional layer of protection where applied.

Mastics can also be used as a method of repairing or restoring a roof. In some situations, a roof’s vulnerabilities are too significant to repair simply using a patch, but a roof replacement may not be called for. Mastics are one of several possible solutions in this type of situation.

Why Are Asphalt Mastics Popular as Roof Coatings and Sealants?

For most commercial roofing systems, durability and affordability are the most important factors in determining an ideal solution for a given roof. A highly durable material will protect your roof for years to come. Since commercial roofs tend to cover a large area, using an affordable material to build and repair a commercial roof is ideal for minimizing the impact to your bottom line.

Asphalt has long been a popular roofing material for both commercial and residential applications due to its high marks in both of these areas. This means that, among all mastic sealants and roof coatings, asphalt tends to stand out as the most affordable and durable option on the surface.

The Right and Wrong Way to Use Asphalt Mastics

Unfortunately, asphalt’s durability and affordability has led to its overuse as a roof repair and restoration solution. While asphalt mastics excel in certain situations, they fall short in others, and it’s important to understand why.

The most important factor that will determine whether asphalt mastic roof coatings are right for your roof is the material your roof is made from. Asphalt mastics are an ideal solution for repairing, sealing, and restoring roofs made from other asphalt-based roofing materials, such as built-up roofs and modified bitumen systems. In roofing, it’s typically best to pair like with like—and when it comes to asphalt, adherence and waterproofing is best achieved when using other asphalt products.

On the other hand, asphalt may not adhere well to other types of roofing materials, such as single-ply membranes (EPDM, TPO, and PVC) or metal roofing. If asphalt mastics are used as roof coatings on these types of roofing systems, problems are much more likely to occur. Rather than sealing vulnerable areas, these portions of the roof will likely still be vulnerable to water penetration. What’s more, these vulnerable areas will also be even more difficult to repair with the asphalt sealant preventing easy access to the repair site.

Consult with Your Roofer Before Installing Asphalt Roof Coatings!

Asphalt mastics can work well as a commercial roofing solution, whether as a sealant, a repair solution, or as roof coatings. However, asphalt mastics should typically only be used on existing asphalt-based roofing systems. 

If you aren’t sure of the best way to repair or restore your roof, it’s important to consult with your roofing partner. Moser Roofing Solutions has been the most trusted commercial roofer serving Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic region for more than two decades. We specialize in providing commercial roofing solutions tailored to the unique construction and needs of your roofing system to ensure maximum performance and longevity. Contact us today to schedule an inspection!

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