When temperatures drop, many homeowners overlook one crucial aspect of winter home maintenance: roof sealing. Standard roof sealants may crack, fail to adhere, or take too long to cure in cold conditions. If you live in areas where the temperatures drop throughout the year, you need a product engineered to withstand freezing weather and moisture exposure.
As a premier roofing company serving Wisconsin, in this guide, we’ll help you choose the best cold-weather roof sealant, avoid common pitfalls, and ensure your roof remains watertight all season.
Why Many Roof Sealants Fail in Cold Weather Conditions
Not all roof sealants can handle extreme winter conditions. Here’s why some products fall short:
- Brittleness – Some sealants lose flexibility when temperatures drop, leading to cracking and failure.
- Poor Adhesion – Many standard sealants won’t properly bond to roofing materials in cold temperatures.
- Extended Curing Time – Some formulas take significantly longer to dry in cold weather, increasing the risk of moisture infiltration before they set.
- Incompatibility with Ice & Snow – Certain sealants struggle to form a strong barrier against ice damming and snow buildup.
Types of Sealants and How They Work in Cool Conditions
Like any other roofing product, there are multiple types of sealants and each is compatible with different roofing materials. Here are a few of your options:
Acrylic Sealants
Acrylic sealants are widely used for their affordability, UV resistance, and ease of application. However, they are not the best choice for cold-weather applications. These sealants tend to become brittle in freezing temperatures because they are water-based, leading to cracking and adhesion issues. They also have a longer curing time when applied in cooler conditions, making them less effective in winter. However, these sealants are improving a lot, and some sealants, especially elastomeric acrylic sealants perform well under low temperatures.
Silicone Sealants
Silicone-based sealants are among the best options for cold-weather application, as they remain highly flexible even in freezing temperatures. They create a durable, waterproof barrier that helps prevent leaks. Silicone sealants adhere well to various roofing materials, including metal, shingles, and rubber. Additionally, many formulations cure effectively in cold weather, making them ideal for winter repairs. However, some may require temperatures above a certain threshold for proper application, as colder conditions can cause thickening and make them harder to spread. While silicone sealants are more expensive than other types, their long-lasting durability makes them a worthwhile investment.
Polyurethane Sealants
Polyurethane sealants offer excellent adhesion and durability in cold conditions. Unlike acrylics, they remain flexible even in freezing weather, preventing cracks and leaks. These sealants bond exceptionally well to different surfaces, including metal, wood, and asphalt shingles. However, polyurethane sealants take longer to cure in colder temperatures, requiring additional drying time. Despite this, they are a reliable choice for winter applications due to their strong resistance to moisture and extreme weather conditions.
Best Roof Sealants For Cold Weather
Here are some top-performing roof sealants that are often recommended for the cold Wisconsin weather.
Liquid Rubber Waterproof Sealant
This sealant comes from the powerhouse Liquid Rubber, a company that has been in business for over 20 years. This sealant is ideal not only for flat roofs but also for metal and concrete roofs.
Why It Works: Stays flexible in freezing temperatures, forms a waterproof barrier, and resists UV damage. This membrane becomes flexible as it dries, with up to 900% elongation.
Best For: Flat roofs, metal roofs, and older surfaces needing a strong seal.
Henry 289 Elastomeric White Roofing Sealant
Henry has always been at the forefront of roof coating and sealant industries. Its 289 Elastomeric White Sealant is one of the best and the most trusted roofing sealants on the market.
Why It Works: This solvent-based elastomeric sealant maintains elasticity in freezing conditions, providing a durable and waterproof seal. This brush-grade material seals quickly, even in cold weather, and does not bleed through.
Best For: Metal roofs, flashing, and areas prone to extreme temperature fluctuations.
Sikaflex® Hybrid Self-Leveling Sealant
This Sikaflex sealant is a premium option that is great for filling cracks and gaps on flat and low-slope roofs.
Why It Works: Its advanced hybrid formula provides durable, flexible, and waterproof protection, ensuring long-lasting performance. Perfect for joints and small damaged areas, it self-levels for a smooth finish, making roof repairs effortless and reliable.
Best For: Metal, asphalt, and flat or low-slope roofs roofs.
For the best roofing sealants for different roofing materials, read our blog post: What Is The Best Roof Sealant For Your Roof?
*Note that while the sealants listed above can withstand winter temperatures, they can’t necessarily be applied in below-freezing conditions. Always check the manufacturer’s application instructions before starting your project.
Expert Tips for Applying Roof Sealant in Cold Weather
Even the best cold-weather sealant needs a proper application to work effectively. Here are our expert tips:
- Better Preparation – You should avoid installing a roof sealant until the temperature is at least 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Acrylic coatings require a temperature of at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit for effective application. Make sure the surface is completely dry before sealing. Even minor moisture can prevent proper adhesion.
- Store Sealant Indoors – Keep your sealant in a warm place before application to maintain optimal viscosity. Also when you start applying the coating, make sure the surface is clean and free from snow.
- Use a High-Quality Caulking Gun – A manual or powered caulking gun helps with even distribution, especially in cold weather.
- Seal During Midday – If possible, apply the sealant when temperatures are at their highest point during the day. This will usually be around noon.
- Allow Extra Cure Time – During cold weather, the drying and curing times can be longer than usual. It is important to avoid touching or brushing the sealant during this period.
Don’t Risk Roof Leaks This Winter – We Can Help!
Choosing the right cold-weather sealant is crucial to protecting your home from leaks, ice dams, and moisture damage. As a trusted roofing company serving Northeastern Wisconsin, we specialize in winter roofing maintenance and repairs and can help you apply the right sealant for long-lasting protection.
Need professional roof sealing this winter? Contact our expert team at Prestige Roofing LLC today at (920) 791-0414 and we will be happy to help.