How long before Flex Seal can get wet

When you’re working on a home improvement project, chances are you'll run across sealants and coatings that claim to last “forever”. But do they actually last forever? If you’ve ever heard of FlexSeal, you’ve probably wondered how long it takes for it to dry. To find out, we did some research, and here are some of the results.

It takes approximately 2 to 3 hours for the seal to be completely dry after initial application, while it takes 24 to 48 hours for the seal to be completely cured. Let it dry completely before applying another coat. 

Flex Seal is a popular sealant that is used on many different types of surfaces. It can be used on a variety of surfaces such as wood, steel, concrete, glass, porcelain, and vinyl. Flex Seal is very flexible and durable and application is as easy as pointing the nozzle to the surface and pushing it down. It is made to last for years, but there are a few things you can do to speed dry it. We will also discuss the difference between dry time and cure time so read on to learn more!

What is Flex Seal?

Flex Seal is a rubberized spray sealant used for sealing roofs and walls. It is made from a unique blend of styrene-butadiene elastomers, which allows it to dry to a flexible, rubbery finish. Its tacky, elastomeric consistency can be frustrating once it gets on your hands.

Flex Seal provides a water-resistant barrier that seals out moisture and can be used as a temporary roof membrane, as a rain screen, or as a water barrier for decks or patios. Its watertight integrity can be maintained for up to 30 years.

However, Flex Seal does not guarantee a long-term solution for permanent roof waterproofing, as its lifespan can be affected by temperature changes and humidity.

In addition, Flex Seal is UV resistant and resists mildew and algae growth. It is non-toxic when cured. Flex Seal is suitable for use on all types of roofing materials, including asphalt shingles, tile, and, slate.

Flex Seal is highly effective in areas subject to heavy rain and pooling water. This is because it is made of liquid rubber, which is less susceptible to cracking and peeling than acrylic sealants. Liquid rubber is also flexible enough to conform to irregularities in the surface.

In addition to being a water-resistant sealant, Flex Seal can also be used to seal masonry, tile, brick, concrete, and metal surfaces. 

Flex Seal can be applied in most interior and exterior locations and is perfect for new construction projects and DIY repairs. 

How Long Does it Take for Flex Seal to Dry?

When it comes to using Flex Seal, it's important to know how long it takes for it to dry so you will know when to apply the next layer.

Normally, it will take 2 to 3 hours for the sealant to dry to the touch. It may dry a bit earlier if exposed to sunlight and to other external heat sources to 78º to 120º Fahrenheit.

On the other hand, Flex Seal takes one full day to two full days to fully cure if left on its own. This is a non-negotiable process that should be taken into consideration before using any kind of sealant.

Humid weather conditions can actually accelerate the curing process. 

What's the Difference Between Drying and Curing?

Drying is the process of removing the moisture from the sealant so a bond between the sealant and the surface is formed. It is a simpler process that usually requires less time. Drying is usually the first step in the curing process.

Curing, on the other hand, is the process of converting a compound into a solid state. The chemical reaction that occurs during the curing process is what causes the material to become a solid.

Curing is a more complex process. It involves a chemical reaction between the components of the sealant. The reaction causes crystallization of the molecules, which form a solid polymer that can no longer be peeled off. 

Watch this video to learn how to apply Flex Seal for maximum hold:

What Happens if Flex Seal Gets Wet Before it Dries?

Flex Seal is made up of the compounds styrene and butadiene, which act as the bonding agents for the sealant. When the Flex Seal gets dry, it will create a bond between the seal and the surface that it is placed upon.

So, if Flex Seal gets wet before it dries completely, you might experience issues if the weather turns rainy or snowy. When this happens, water will get into the pores of the Flex Seal and will cause the bond to become weaker.

This weak bond will allow the Flex Seal to start peeling away from the surface it is attached to. When the seal gets warm, it will start cracking. Flex Seal will not be able to withstand the warmth of the sun and will start coming apart in chunks.

As the seal starts breaking, you will notice that it will start flaking off the surface it was applied to.

The seal could peel in different directions depending on what type of surface it is applied to. If it was applied to a flat surface, then it will peel in straight lines. But if it was applied to a sloped surface, then it will peel in curved lines.

How to Speed Dry Flex Seal

You should know that Flex Seal will not come apart if it has been applied properly and correctly. But if you do not follow the application guidelines, then it will eventually come apart and start to peel.

You can prevent Flex Seal from peeling away from the surface that it is placed on. First, you can prevent the seal from getting wet at all. But this will be difficult to achieve because the weather will always be changing.

However, you can speed up the drying process by applying heat to the area with a heat gun or hair dryer. Just make sure that the temperature does not exceed 120º Fahrenheit.

What is Better: Flex Seal Spray or Liquid?

Flex Seal is available in two variants: liquid and spray. Both are equally useful and efficient in sealing cracks and other issues that may lead to water infiltration.

The sprayable version of Flex Seal is more popular for sealing larger areas because it's more convenient. However, the liquid variant is a better option if you're looking for a cost-efficient way of sealing the problem area. 

Click here to see Flex Seal liquid rubber sealant on Amazon

Is Flex Seal Safe for Drinking Water?

Flex Seal is effective in protecting against leaks. However, it is not recommended to be used to seal your tank. The problem with using Flex Seal on water tanks is that it comes in direct contact with the water.

If you use Flex Seal to reseal a tank where drinking water is being stored, the potability can be compromised because of the compounds in the sealant. Additionally, these compounds might contaminate the water and make it toxic to drink. 

Top 3 Flex Seal Alternatives

When it comes to fixing leaks and waterproofing your roof, there are a variety of options available. While Flex Seal is used often because of its popularity, other brands are slowly giving Flex Seal a run for its money due to their ease of use and effectiveness.

Here are our top 3 choices to seal up your home.

1. Gorilla Silicone Sealant

Gorilla silicone sealant is the all-weather solution for sealing leaks on virtually all types of surfaces. Its fast-drying formula cures and bonds into a tough seal that will hold up to years of heavy use.

Apply Gorilla silicone sealant to the area, then wait 30 minutes for the glue to be water-ready. 

Click here to see this Gorilla silicone sealant on Amazon

2. Gorilla Liquid Rubber Sealant

Gorilla liquid rubber sealant is a high-performance liquid rubber sealant. Its unique formula delivers excellent adhesion to a variety of substrates.

Gorilla liquid rubber sealant is ideal for a wide variety of indoor and outdoor applications where it is needed for moisture resistance, temperature resistance, and long-term performance.

Click here to see this Gorilla liquid rubber sealant on Amazon

3. Rust-Oleum Flexible Rubber Coating Spray

Rust-Oleum flexible rubber coating spray is a multi-purpose spray designed to create a flexible rubber coating on a variety of surfaces. This oil-based spray dries to touch in about 30 minutes and provides a flexible finish with good adhesion to almost any surface.

Click here to see this Rust-Oleum flexible rubber coating spray on Amazon

In Closing

When it comes to sealants, time is of the essence. Whatever your sealant choice is, pay close attention to how long it takes for your product to dry.

The time it takes Flex Seal to dry will vary based on the thickness of the application. It takes longer for thicker applications, and it is recommended that you let the sealant dry overnight if possible.

You might also like:

Can You Seal Foundation From Inside?

How To Seal A Crawl Space?

How long does flex seal need to dry before getting wet?

How long does flex seal last once applied?