Hey Folks, I had one today that I hadn’t really seen before, an asphalt roof that appeared to be covered (unevenly) with roofer’s tar (at least that’s what it looked like to me). I’ve inspected roofs with “Roof Max” (a brand name for roof coating), but never run across one I thought had been tarred over. I have my narrative in place, but wanted to see if anyone else has seen this and what your comments are.
Oops, accidentally included an unrelated photo.
Normally any type of covering like that isnt done until the roof is at it’s end of life anyways, so I typically disregard any coatings, and recommend it prob needs replacement.
I would start by getting the age from permits if you can
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Do not paint/coat shingles.
I had a few where the owner was so proud of the white paint seal he applied so perfectly. I immediately called for replacement.
technical bulletin
Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association
National Press Building
52914thStreet,NW,Suite 750
Washington,DC20045
Tel: (202) 591-2450 Fax:(202) 591-2445
www.asphaltroofing.orgARMA strongly advises against the application of any type of field-applied coating over installed asphalt shingles. There are many types and formulations of roof coatings so it is important to always consult the shingle manufacturer before proceeding with any type of coating. Be aware that some asphalt shingle manufacturers specifically disallow field coating of their shingles.
Additionally, state or local building codes may not approve this practice as the field applied coatings may change the performance characteristics, including the fire classification, of the roof assembly.Problems reported after asphalt shingle roofs have been field coated include shrinking of the coating, which may result in
unsightly curling and/or cupping of the shingles, or loosening of the granule surfacing of the asphalt shingles.
In addition, nonpermeable roof coatings may create a vapor retarding layer by sealing the voids around and between the shingles. If this occurs,
it increases the possibility of rotting of the roof deck caused by moisture accumulation in the attic space.It has been suggested by some that the use of field applied coatings over existing asphalt shingles will produce overriding benefits to the home owner such as longer roof life, energy-use reduction, or remediation of small roof leaks.
There is little or no available documentation showing the extent to which the field coating of asphalt shingles provides any of these benefits, but
the risks and concerns mentioned above remain very real.
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It’s hard to tell from your photos, but it looks like the neighboring homes have the same thing going on. Is there a coal burning powerplant nearby?
No coal burning plants. This was a tar-like substance—enough that it left a sticky residue stuck to the bottom of my shoes.
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Something to do with the evergreen?
No Jeff, definitely not tree sap. This was black tar, you can see it on the plumbing vent in my photos. It was the only home like this—the other homes had natural discoloration that we see whenever the roof is 15 or 20 years old. Truly, I believe someone had access to a tar spraying machine and decided they could extend the life of the roof—I’ll bet my shoes would have been a terrible mess if I was walking on that roof in July. Nasty stuff—and a bad idea.
Is that whitish blush frost?
did you not read the comments?
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Never seen white tar.
Hi Robert, I think you are just seeing the sheen from the camera angle and sunlight. To see the color of the material applied, check the side of the white PVC plumbing vent. Thanks!
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Thank you Patrick.
Amen! As many thousands of roofs I’ve walked, this was the first one where someone completely covered it with tar. I’ve seen old tar-covered metal roofs, but never an Asphalt shingled roof covered with tar.
The plastic roof boots don’t usually last the life of the shingles.
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Rubber is better than plastic, and silicon is superior to rubber.
There’s not a huge price difference, just need to specify the grade quality when the job bids are requested!
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Rubber, plastic, they seem to curl up in the sun, I prefer aluminum with a rubber seal collar.
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