A Sealant Made for Metal Roofs

By Colin Sheehan, RCS Reporter. 

Franklin International has expanded their product capabilities to meet the increasing demands for sealants that pair with the distinct qualities of metal.  

Franklin International manufactures high-quality caulks and sealants from the raw materials to the final product. They are well known for their Titebond and WeatherMaster brands, which have recently been expanded to meet the increasing demands for metal roofing products that work. 

Marketing expert Darci Kunard has a history of successful product launches in the building materials industry. For over 10 years, she has been working with Franklin International/Titebond as their product manager before moving into a full-time sales rep role. She joined RCS President, Heidi J. Ellsworth, on a recent Roofing Road Trips podcast to discuss Franklin International’s busy year of expanding their product line and why sealant performance and color matching have become crucial components to a metal roof. 

“Adhesion is extremely important [for metal roofs] because metal expands and contracts,” said Darci. “So, you need a great sealant that can really hold on." 

The new WeatherMaster sealant designed to work with metal can be applied in freezing temperatures, rain and even standing water. The product also comes in over 100 colors and can be matched to any type of metal.  

“Whatever you need it matched to, we're happy to match,” said Darci. “On our website, we have a way you can select your current metal manufacturer and see which color of our line will work for you.” 

Products that offer color matching have been on the rise in recent years with homeowners wanting enhanced curb appeal. Darci recommends that all contractors consider not only the performance of a roofing sealant, but also its ability to be color matched.  

Darci also suggests contractors show homeowners the quality of the products they use during the initial sale, which can increase the likelihood of being selected for a project. For metal roofing, explaining why a certain product is a better match for metal’s unique material will increase customer trust and make the entire job easier. This way, homeowners can rest easy knowing a professional is taking care of their roof, and contractors can have peace of mind knowing the products they use will perform. 

"We have color boards available at no charge [that] you can show to homeowners. We've got little bricks that show the flexibility of the product because it is a class 50. So it expands and contracts up to 50% of the joint size,” said Darci. “So, we really built a lot of power performance into that product.” 

Listen to the entire podcast to hear more from Darci and the technology behind Franklin International’s new sealant designed for metal roofs.