Is Roofing Cement the Same as Roofing Tar? (Understanding the Differences)

When you think about roofing, you probably picture a big ol’ barrel of tar.

But is it actually the same thing as roofing cement?

We’re here to help you figure out the difference between these two products, and help you choose which one is best for your needs!

Table of contents

Is roofing cement the same as roofing tar?

No, roofing cement and roofing tar are not the same. Roofing cement is a type of sealant that is used to seal around roofing fixtures and flashing, while roofing tar is a type of adhesive that is used to adhere roofing materials to the surface of a roof.

So, how is roofing cement different from roofing tar?

Roofing cement is typically made from a mixture of asphalt and other materials, such as fibers and fillers, which give it its adhesive properties. It is typically applied as a paste or a liquid and can be used to seal around vents, skylights, and other fixtures on a roof.

Roofing tar, on the other hand, is made from a mixture of asphalt and other materials, such as coal tar or pitch. It is typically applied as a liquid and is used to adhere roofing materials, such as shingles or tiles, to the surface of a roof.

Roofing cement and roofing tar have different properties and are used for different purposes. Roofing cement is typically used to seal around roofing fixtures and flashing, while roofing tar is typically used to adhere roofing materials to the surface of a roof.

While both are made from asphalt, the other ingredients and the way they are formulated, make them different.

How to choose between roofing tar and roofing cement?

Check the requirements for roofing cement

When choosing between roofing tar and roofing cement, first check the requirements for roofing cement in your area.

Some local building codes may have specific regulations on the type of roofing sealant or adhesive that can be used. So, you will have to make sure that the roofing cement you choose meets those requirements.

Consider the applicability of your situation

Next, consider the applicability of your situation. Roofing tar is typically used for adhering roofing materials to the surface of a roof, while roofing cement is used for sealing around roofing fixtures and flashing.

So, you need to think about what type of repair or installation you will be doing to determine which one is more suitable for your needs.

Select a roofing cement that is right for your needs

Finally, select a roofing cement that is right for your needs. There are different types of roofing cement available, each with different properties.

Some roofing cement is more flexible, others are more water-resistant, and others are designed for specific types of roofing materials.

You need to make sure you choose a roofing cement that will work well with the type of roofing material you have and that will suit your specific needs.

Roofing tar vs. roofing cement table

	Roofing Tar	Roofing Cement
Adhesiveness	Strong adhesive, holds the roofing materials in place effectively	Not as strong as an adhesive, mainly used as a sealant
Seal around nails and fasteners	Can seal around nails and other fasteners to prevent leaks	Not as effective as sealing around nails and fasteners as it is mainly used to seal around roofing fixtures
Versatility	Can be used on a variety of roofing materials such as asphalt shingles, metal roofing, and tile roofing	Can be used on a variety of roofing materials such as asphalt shingles, metal roofing, and tile roofing
Ease of application	Easy to apply, good for DIY projects, typically applied as a liquid	Can be difficult to apply, requires skill and experience, typically applied as a paste
Environmentally friendly	Not environmentally friendly, mostly made of asphalt, a non-renewable resource, and can be harmful to the environment	Some options are more environmentally friendly as they are made of more natural products such as latex or silicone.
Lifespan	Longer lifespan compared to cement	Shorter lifespan compared to tar
Cost	Less expensive compared to cement	More expensive compared to tar

Pros and cons of using roofing tar over roofing cement

Here are some benefits of using roofing tar:

Roofing tar is a strong adhesive: This means that it can hold roofing materials, such as shingles or tiles, in place on the surface of a roof very well. This is good because it can keep the roofing materials from moving around or falling off in strong winds or storms.
Roofing tar is easy to apply: Unlike roofing cement, roofing tar is typically applied as a liquid, which is easy for people to use, even if they don’t have a lot of experience with roofing. This is good if you want to do a roofing project yourself or if you can’t find a professional roofer.

Roofing tar is less expensive: Roofing tar is usually cheaper to buy than roofing cement. This is good if you want to save some money on your roofing project.

Here are some downsides to using roofing tar:

Roofing tar can be messy: Roofing tar can be hard to clean up if it gets on clothing or other surfaces. This is bad because it can make a big mess and be difficult to clean.

Roofing tar is not good for the environment: Roofing tar is mostly made of asphalt, a non-renewable resource, and can be harmful to the environment. This is bad because it can be bad for the planet.
Roofing tar has a longer lifespan than roofing cement: It can last between 20 to 25 years on average.

Pros and cons of using roofing cement over roofing tar

Here are some benefits of using roofing cement:

Roofing cement is a good sealant: This means that it can seal around roofing fixtures such as vents, skylights, and flashing to prevent leaks and other types of damage. This is good because it can help keep your roof from leaking and getting damaged.
Roofing cement can resist extreme temperatures: Roofing cement can hold up well in both hot and cold weather. This is good because it can keep your roof from getting damaged in extreme temperatures.

Roofing cement is water-resistant: Roofing cement can prevent water from seeping into the gaps around roofing fixtures and flashing. This is good because it can keep your roof from leaking.

Roofing cement can last for a long time: Roofing cement can last for a long time. It’s found to be able to last anywhere between 3 and 5 years. It’s much less than roofing tar, but this is good because it means you’ll have to spend less time and money on your roofing project.

Here are some downsides to using roofing cement:

Roofing cement can be difficult to apply: Roofing cement is typically applied as a paste and requires some skill and experience to apply it properly. This is bad because it can be hard for people to use if they don’t have a lot of experience with roofing.

Roofing cement is more expensive: Roofing cement is usually more expensive to buy than roofing tar. This is bad because it can cost more money.

What are some common applications for roofing cement?

Roofing cement is a flexible material that is used for a wide range of roofing tasks. Here are some common applications for roofing cement:

Repairing holes and water leaks

Roofing cement can be used to fill in holes and cracks in the roof. This can prevent water from leaking through and causing damage to the inside of your home.

Securing joint connections

Roofing cement can be used to seal and secure the connections between different parts of your roof, such as between the gutter and the roof. This can prevent leaks and water damage in these areas.

Holding loose asphalt shingles down

Roofing cement can be used to hold down loose asphalt shingles. This can prevent them from being lifted up by the wind and causing damage to the roof or being blown away completely.

What are some common applications of roofing tar?

Roofing tar is a versatile substance that is used for many different roofing tasks. Here are some common applications of roofing tar:

Typically used as the first layer

Roofing tar is often used as the first layer of material when building a new roof. This is because it is a strong adhesive that can hold roofing materials, such as shingles or tiles, in place on the surface of the roof very well.

For cracks and holes

Roofing tar can be used to fill in and seal cracks and holes in an existing roof. This can prevent water from leaking through and causing damage to the inside of your home.

For flat roof applications

Roofing tar is often used to seal and protect flat roofs. This is because it can be applied as a liquid and can form a waterproof barrier on the roof to prevent leaks.

What are the limitations of roofing cement?

Not used as a permanent fix

Roofing cement is not a permanent fix for roofing problems. It is typically used as a temporary solution to seal cracks, holes, and leaks in a roof. This means that over time, it may wear out and need to be reapplied.

Not an alternative to replacing nails

Roofing cement is not a substitute for nails when attaching roofing materials. It is typically used to seal around nails and other fasteners. Use nails to hold the shingles or tiles in place, and then use the cement to seal around the nails.

Cannot replace a roof’s underlayment

The underlayment of a roof cannot be replaced by roofing cement. The underlayment is a layer of material that goes under the shingles or tiles to keep water out. Roofing cement is used to seal around the edges of the underlayment to stop leaks, but it is not meant to do the job of an underlayment.

What are the limitations of roofing tar?

You need 70 degrees Fahrenheit weather for it to dry

For roofing tar to dry properly, it needs to be put on when it is warm, usually when it is above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If the weather is too cold, the tar may not be set up properly and may not be effective.

Not a long-term fix for repairing holes

Roofing tar is not recommended to patch holes as the holes will eventually reappear. Instead, it’s best to replace the affected shingles or tiles.

When it dries, it could crack, making it not very good for waterproofing

Roofing tar may crack when it dries, which can lead to leaks and water damage. This is bad because it means that it may not be as effective in preventing leaks as you might think.

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Author: Logan

I help people connect with businesses