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If you plan on doing any work on your roof, you first need to make sure that you have the correct equipment and materials – and this includes roofing tar.
Roofing tar is a particularly common material used on flat roofs. It helps fix any leaks that your roof might have, fill in holes and cracks, and as the first layer in tar and gravel roofing.
There are several reasons why people opt for using tar on their roofs. This material is very effective in protecting your home and roof against the sun’s ultraviolet rays, as well as against water and snow. This is particularly important as water and snow tend to accumulate easier on flat roofs as compared to angled roofs, increasing the risk of a leak into your home.
However, there are disadvantages to roofing tar as well. Tar is a toxic product and can give off noxious (and pungent!) fumes during the curing process. In fact, the smell can be so bad that it is recommended that residents stay elsewhere for a few days while tar is being applied to the roof.
How to Tar Your Roof
While it is always preferable to leave more involved parts of roof maintenance – such as applying roofing tar – to the professionals, some homeowners prefer to do it themselves. If you are among this number, you should know how to apply the tar.
It is important to plan out the tarring process. You should start at a corner – this will prevent you from painting yourself into a corner and having to tar over areas you have already worked on. Use a fiberglass mop to apply the tar, making sure to apply in small, smooth strokes. Remember to keep your bucket of tar close to you so that you do not lose your balance when reaching out.
Keep in mind that the tar should not be allowed to clump up or build up on your roof. If this happens, it can be a challenge to get an even coating across the whole of the roof.
Once you have finished applying the tar, carefully apply tar paper on top of the hot tar. Make sure to use your mop while doing so, as this will help you sink the paper into the asphalt. By overlapping tar paper layers, you can create a watertight seal. For best results, make sure to apply at least three layers of the paper.
One tip to keep in mind is that you should always have a ladder positioned on the opposite end of your work area. This will make getting down from your roof while the tar is drying far easier. Also, for your own safety, make sure to use roofing shoes and heat-resistant gloves so that the hot tar does not hurt you.
Final Thoughts
Roofing tar should only be applied to your roof if necessary. Before application, it is important that you get your roof checked for structural damage – after all, you don’t want to find yourself falling through a weak section in the roof while applying the tar.
Furthermore, the time of year in which the tar is applied must be chosen carefully – tar cannot be applied if you expect rain or snow in the next couple of days. Aside from that, the weather should be warm enough to allow the tar to properly dry and seal, but not so hot that it causes the tar to drip.
Due to all of these constraints, it is always best to hire professionals to assess your roof and apply roofing tar if necessary. If you are looking for a professional to help you with your roofing needs, contact DKG Roofing as soon as possible. You can reach us at (940) 497-2833. We’d love to help you in any way possible!
