Roofing tar vs. Silicone. Which is superior? While most roofers and property owners are looking for a simple answer to this question, it requires a broader understanding of the specific roofing project that requires such materials.
In most cases, Silicone is a superior roof sealant to tar, though the difference is not as apparent as some might imagine.
Key Takeaway
Silicone is the superior roof sealant, but tar is nearly as effective. While you can’t go wrong with either solution, Silicone presents better aesthetic appeal and greater stain resistance.
Perhaps you are in the process of having your roof repaired or replaced. If so, you might have a few questions. One of these is, “What is the best roof sealant for leaks?”
It is important to have the right type of material since there are several different materials to choose from, such as slate, asphalt, Silicone, aluminum, clay tiles, and more.
Generally speaking, it comes down to tar asphalt or Silicone. These materials have distinct advantages, but knowing which is best for you takes a little research and a much more thorough look.
Below, Roofer’s Guild compares the two roofing materials closely.
Installation Process
Installing either roofing material can be relatively straightforward. You can install tar using a roller, but you have to ensure that the temperature is in the right range for it to stick to the roof effectively.
The last thing you want is for the tar to not adhere correctly, which could cause issues with peeling and potential water damage later on.
Ensure the temperature is correct, and the tar will stick to the roof easily.
The only downside to installing a tar roof is the fumes. When the sun hits the mixture, toxic fumes form that can leave you feeling dizzy and cause respiratory issues.
Always wear a mask when installing a tar roof to protect against the side effects. No one wants to get dizzy and fall off the roof while installing it.
The process is a little more time-consuming with silicone shingles but generally easy. There are no adverse side effects regarding fumes, making it a safer option for installation.
Ideally, you should have a roofing professional come out to repair or install your roof.
It can be dangerous to take on the job if you are not experienced, as those without experience often forego or forget the necessary safety procedures that should be taken during the process.
Tar roofing has the overall installation advantage simply because it can be rolled out relatively easily. Yes, toxic fumes are involved, but as long as you wear a mask, you should be okay during the process.
Solar Energy
Silicone shingles reflect UV rays away from your home or business, helping keep the structure cooler without increasing the energy you use through air conditioning or other cooling devices.
Until you see a sky-high utility bill, you won’t understand just how much money that can save you.
Tar, meanwhile, has similar properties. It protects the structure from harmful UV rays and helps keep the building cooler even when the temperature is hot.
This is crucial during the hotter summer months when energy bills can soar.
One of the most important aspects of a roof is appropriately handling UV rays. If it isn’t doing its job, your home could turn into an oven during the hotter months, resulting in excessive air conditioning usage and higher home energy costs.
Both deal with the same problem in very similar ways—keeping those UV rays at bay and reflecting solar energy to keep the building cooler—so either works fine for this specific concern.
Eco-Friendliness
When it comes to roofing tar, they are very effective at keeping your home or business cooler during those warmer months, up to twice as much as most traditional energy-star certified roofing materials.
The cooling means you can save substantially on your energy bills and see benefits from green organizations like NAHB, LEED, or others.
The one drawback here is that the fumes can be pretty dangerous, but the environmental effects aren’t as harmful.
If you do the installation yourself, be sure to wear a breathing mask to avoid those toxic fumes that could be dangerous to your health.
Silicone is also great for saving money on energy costs while offering protection against staining, dirt, and mildew. This gives it a distinct advantage: it will look newer over time than a tar roof.
The benefits are slight, but the advantage here goes to the silicone option. Both save you from expensive energy bills and are relatively easy to install, but Silicone protects against ugly staining, while tar roofing material has toxic qualities during installation.
Any time you can save yourself by working on your roof, cleaning, or making repairs, that is a victory for you and one you should take.
Aesthetic Appeal
With roofing tar, you are oftentimes limited to black or white. Some companies specialize in offering a variety of different colors, but don’t be surprised if the majority of roofing companies in your area stick with tradition.
Still, if you can find the color that best suits your design scheme, it can match perfectly. Tar provides a smooth, seamless aesthetic without grooves or breaks.
Silicone roofing materials routinely come in various colors and designs, allowing you to be as specific as you want about the color of your roof.
Also, as previously mentioned, Silicone is resistant to staining and dirt, which can cause unsightly spots to appear over time, making your roof look dirty and worn down.
Silicone has the advantage here because of its versatility, choice of color, and ability to protect from things that may stain your roof.
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While getting different colors of roofing tar is not impossible, it is not as common as selecting silicone roofing.
Durability & Longevity
Durability and longevity are critical factors because of the cost of replacing or installing a roof. Considering this, long-lasting roofing materials are imperative to avoid excessive spending.
Tar roofs are very durable because they remove the seams and cracks that we generally see in roofs and create a smooth surface.
A smooth surface is incredibly important when it comes to dealing with high winds or keeping snow/water buildup from forming on the roof.
The latter is essential. Most roofs experience some level of damage that can lead to leaks or water damage in other home areas. With a tar roof, you drastically limit the possibility of that happening.
As we all know, water damage is a real wild card that can wreak havoc on your home or business.
Silicone roofing material is also very durable. In addition to being resistant to the damage that sunlight and UV rays can cause, it also protects against rain, snow, and extreme temperature changes.
Weather resistance is a crucial factor, especially considering that most of us live in areas where the weather swings drastically depending on the time of the year.
If you don’t have a roof that can withstand a snowstorm, you could find yourself in a pile of trouble before long.
These two are about even when it comes to durability. Both are meant to stand up to extreme temperatures, high winds, rain, and snow. They protect against water accumulation and help prevent problematic leaks from occurring.
The only real difference here is that many silicone roofs come with a 50-year warranty, which should last you for life.
Having that kind of security and peace of mind can go a long way toward picking the right roofing material for your repair or replacement.
Final Call: Roofing Tar or Silicone?
Despite the slight advantage of silicone, you can’t go wrong with either material because of your individualized needs.
While silicone might have a better overall aesthetic value and be more resistant to staining and mildew, tar roofs are more than suitable for most scenarios.
The same goes for being energy efficient – both are great at cutting down on your overall utility bills – and their overall durability.
If you are having your roof repaired or replaced and don’t know which material might be best, consult a roofing professional.
You will be able to discuss your overall goals for the roofing projects, better understand your local climate, and be informed of any weather conditions that could affect your roof.
