Article on How to Waterproof and Seal Tar Roofs Difficulty Level: EASY Just Pour and Spread! Ames'® industrial-strength coatings are easy to apply for the Do-It-Yourselfer. Most Ames products may be applied by brush, roller, push broom, or sprayer. Simply pour it out and spread it on! Ames' Coatings flow into cracks and plugs to seal and waterproof roof surfaces and help to withstand ponding water. 1. Prepare the Roof Surface Read all label instructions before beginning. Always run a test patch first in an inconspicuous area, to ensure that proper adhesion and drying occurs and the product works to your satisfaction. Be sure surfaces are clean and dry before the coating application. All major cracks, joints and seams should be caulked with Blue Max trowel-grade liquid rubber. Do not use a silicone caulk. Follow seam taping instructions. Mask all sensitive areas before starting. It is important to seam tape all joints and cracks to avoid future cracking and leaking. Apply Ames'® Peel & Stick Seam Tape (PS250, PS450, PS650) around flashings, windows, vents and over joints and cracks. Refer to Ames Seam Tape label for application instructions. Do not use fiberglass or asphalt impregnated seam tape. >Click here to learn more about Seam Tape 2. Prime the Roof Surface Prime with Super Elasto-Barrier until roof surface is smooth and sealed. IMPORTANT: If using roofing fabric, prime roof completely smooth and watertight before applying roofing fabric. See roofing fabric label for detailed instructions. In some situations you may want to apply roofing fabric to the surface. Roofing fabric adds substantial strength to the coating of roof surfaces. >Click here to learn more about Roof Fabric Application 3. Topcoat the Roof Apply 1-2 coats of Super Elasto-Barrier or as needed. For best results, topcoat with Ames'® Maximum-Stretch or a similar Ames® product. Good: 1-2 coats of Super Elasto-Barrier. Better: 2 coats of Super Elasto-Barrier, topcoat with Ames’ Maximum-Stretch or similar Ames’® product. Best: 3 coats of Super Elasto-Barrier; top with 2 coats of Ames’® Maximum-Stretch or similar Ames’ product. Architectural Specifications (Click image for larger view) Weather & Drying Guidelines Ames® Coatings are best applied between 40 to 90 degrees F. on warm dry surfaces. Apply when the streets are dry, the sun is in the sky, and no inclement weather is forecast. Dries in 1-2 hours, depending on thickness of application and weather, and cures in 24 hours. Low temperatures, high humidity, and evening and morning dew will require increased drying/curing time. Estimated Coverage Standard product coverage on a smooth surface is 100 sq. ft. per gallon per coat (est. 10ml). More than one coat recommended. More coats equal longer life. Tools ~ You may need one or more of the following? Ames' industrial-strength coatings are easy to apply for the Do-It-Yourselfer. Most Ames products may be applied by brush, roller, push broom, or sprayer. Depending upon the roughness of the surface, preparation, and the specific application, you may need one or more of the following:   3-4 inch wide paint brush Roofing Fabric Roller & Handle Scissors or Utility Knife Push Broom Commercial Airless Sprayer        (click for specifications) Ames' Seam Tape