1
Good / Healthy
Smooth continuous bead, bonded on both edges, still pliable. Light dirt only.
No action. Note it for later.
Sealant stages
Use this when judging photos or walking a roof. Recommend based on risk, not pressure. If one penetration is failing, others of similar age usually are too.
2
Early weathering
Surface chalking, hairline crazing that does not go through, still mostly bonded.
Flag preventative reseal this season.
3
Moderate failure — recommend reseal
Visible cracks, shrinkage gaps, peeling at edges, harder when pressed. Water can already enter even without an interior drip.
Quote a partial or full reseal now.
4
Severe / failed — removal & reseal
Deep cracks, voids, missing bead, easy lift-off, staining or soft spots nearby. Scrape failed product, then new bead.
Do not overlay failed material.
Shop examples
Removal & reseal
Cap / sidewall bead is crazing through, lifting in sheets, and leaving open voids. Overlay will not stick. Scrape, clean, then new self-leveling or non-sag as the surface requires.
Partial / still holding
Solar gland bead is dirty and weathered but still bonded with no deep cracks or lift. Candidate for a targeted touch-up or monitor — not an automatic full strip.
Vinyl insert cues
- Cracked, brittle, or missing runs
- Shrink-back at ends, corners, and curves
- Exposed screw heads in the channel
- Faded or fallen-out insert
Quote footage on the calculator (front/rear cap, camp & street sides, awning and slide topper rails). Black is stocked; white is special order.