Turbo Poly Seal Alternatives: A Comprehensive Overview

Turbo Poly Seal is a popular liquid sealant used for waterproofing and leak repair applications. It is marketed as an easy-to-use, fast-drying and long-lasting solution for sealing roof flashings, skylights, gutters, downspouts, RV and camper roofs, air conditioners and more.

However, there are several alternative products available that serve similar functions. This article provides a detailed overview of the top Turbo Poly Seal substitutes, examining the pros and cons of each.

Alternatives To Turbo Poly Seal

While Turbo Poly Seal offers versatility and convenience, there are alternative sealants on the market that provide comparable or even superior performance for certain applications.

Roof Sealants

For roof repairs and sealing flashings, gutters, skylights and more, the top alternatives to Turbo Poly Seal include:

1. Henry Wet Patch Roof Cement

Henry Wet Patch is a fibered asphalt roof sealant that has been a popular roofing adhesive for over 60 years. It contains waterproofing agents that expand and contract with temperature changes.

Pros:

• Proven track record – time tested roof sealant
• Lower cost compared to polyurethanes and silicones
• Bonds well even when damp
• Can be used for patching wet areas and leaks during rainstorms
• More pliable than some rigid sealants

Cons:

• Not as flexible or UV/weather resistant as Turbo Poly Seal
• Requires a primer on some materials
• Shorter lifespan – 5-10 years vs 10-15 years for Turbo Poly Seal

2. GE Silicone II Sealant

GE Silicone II is a versatile silicone sealant suitable for roofing applications like sealing vents, flashings and gutters. It adheres well to metals, plastics, glass and masonry.

Pros:

• Superior flexibility and elongation
• Excellent adhesion without priming
• 25 year durability
• Mold and mildew resistant
• Great for metal roofs and RV roofs

Cons:

• More expensive than asphalt or polyurethane sealants
• Not ideal for broad seam overlaps – better for cracks and gaps
• Requires a compatible caulk gun

3. Polyurethane Sealants

Polyurethane sealants like NP1 and Vulkem 116 provide a durable, flexible waterproof seal. Popular brands include SikaFlex and BASF NP1.

Pros:

• Very durable – lasts 12-20 years
• Excellent adhesion to most roofing materials
• Highly flexible even in extreme temperatures
• Superior UV and weather resistance

Cons:

• More difficult to apply than liquid sealants – requires caulk gun
• Higher cost than asphalt or silicone
• Requires priming for optimal adhesion
• Longer curing time – up to 3-7 days

4. Eternabond Roof Seal Tape

Eternabond tape provides an easy to apply roof patch that bonds and seals in one step. The three layered tape utilizes a strong polymer adhesive on a polyethylene backing.

Pros:

• Extremely easy to apply – just peel and stick
• Immediate adhesion with strong bond
• No curing time required
• Long lifespan – up to 20 years
• Can seal cracks, joints, fasteners, flashings

Cons:

• Relatively expensive
• Not ideal for large seam gaps or cracks wider than 1/4″
• Provides a temporary fix, not a permanent weld like liquid sealants

RV Roof Sealants

For RV, camper and trailer roofs, the movement and vibration demands flexible, rubberized sealants that can expand and contract. Top options include:

1. Dicor Self-Leveling Lap Sealant

Dicor is the most popular RV roof sealant, approved and recommended by major RV manufacturers. It self-levels to create a smooth, continuous seal.

Pros:

• Superior flexibility – adapts to movement and vibration
• Self-leveling liquid spreads easily
• Custom formulated for RV roofs
• Ten year warranty available
• Compatible with EPDM, TPO, aluminum and fiberglass

Cons:

• Higher cost than general roof sealants
• Requires priming for optimal adhesion
• Longer curing time – 48-72 hours

2. Geocel Pro Flex RV Sealant

Geocel Pro Flex is a polyurethane sealant designed specifically for RV roof repair. It bonds well to rubber, metals, fiberglass and plastics.

Pros:

• Stays flexible in extreme temperatures
• Won’t shrink or crack over time
• Strong adhesion to RV roof materials
• Compatible with coatings like Kool Seal
• Rapid one hour rainproof time

Cons:

• Requires a caulking gun to apply
• Relatively expensive
• Strong fumes during application

3. EternaBond RVS Roof Seal Tape

EternaBond RVS is a butyl rubber based tape made for RV roofs. It provides instant adhesion and seals seams, cracks and tears.

Pros:

• Extremely easy peel and stick application
• No curing time required
• Instantly waterproof and weatherproof
• Can seal over fasteners, flashings and joints
• Can apply at lower temperatures

Cons:

• Expensive compared to liquid sealants
• Not ideal for gaps wider than 1/4 inch
• Provides a temporary fix, not a permanent weld

Air Conditioner and Roof Jack Sealants

Sealing around roof jacks, vents and air conditioners requires a pliable sealant that adheres well to dissimilar materials like metal and rubber:

1. GE Silicone II

GE Silicone II is an excellent general purpose sealant ideal for roof jacks and AC units.

It adheres well to metal and plastic with superior flexibility.

Pros:

• Sticks well to metals and plastics
• 25 year flexibility and durability
• Won’t crack, shrink or become brittle
• Resists UV, rain, snow and temperature extremes

Cons:

• Regular silicone, not specifically designed for roofing
• Requires caulking gun to apply
• Not ideal for large seam overlaps

2. Henco 747 Sealant Mastic

Henco 747 is a white solar reflective sealant made specifically for sealing air conditioners. It prevents leaks and reduces energy costs.

Pros:

• Bright white color reflects heat away
• Superior adhesion to roofing metals and rubbers
• Tenacious seal resists leaks
• Can be used on wet surfaces
• Low odor and non-stringing formula

Cons:

• Limited flexibility and elasticity
• Not designed for ponded water areas
• Shorter lifespan than polyurethane or silicone

3. Dicor Self-Leveling Sealant

Dicor self-leveling sealant flows easily into cracks and gaps around AC units and vents. It cures flexible and watertight.

Pros:

• Self-levels into cracks and gaps
• Tenacious bond to dissimilar materials
• Remains flexible after curing
• Will not crack or become brittle
• Custom formulated for roof sealant applications

Cons:

• Requires careful application to avoid overflow
• Needs primer for optimal adhesion
• Slower drying than silicone or mastic

Gutter and Flashing Sealants

Sealing leaky gutters, downspouts and flashings demands weatherproof sealants that can withstand ponding water:

1. Geocel 2300 Gutter and Narrow Seam Sealant

Geocel 2300 is a durable, rubberized sealant designed specifically for gutters, valleys and flashing repairs.

Pros:

• Adheres well to wet surfaces
• Forms a watertight, weatherproof seal
• Resists sagging and remains flexible
• Compatible with most roofing materials
• Can be applied in any temperature

Cons:

• Strong solvent fumes
• Not ideal for large seam gaps over 1/2″

2. Geocel 2800 Vented Rain Cap Sealant

Geocel 2800 is ideal for sealing rain caps, chimneys, flues and other protrusions. It resists leaks while allowing vapors to vent.

Pros:

• Stays resilient and flexible long term
• Provides superior watertight seal
• Won’t crack, shrink or wash away
• Allows moisture vapor to vent
• Quick 30 minute drying time

Cons:

• Not designed for immersion or ponding water
• Requires tooling for best aesthetics
• Higher cost than basic gutter sealants

3. Henco 747 Sealant Mastic

Henco 747 roof sealant sticks well to metals and provides a waterproof seal for flashing and gutter repairs.

Pros:

• Excellent adhesion to galvanized metal
• Won’t sag or slump in vertical applications
• Resists leaks, even under ponded water
• Can seal wet surfaces during rainstorms
• Low odor and non-stringing

Cons:

• Limited flexibility and elasticity
• Requires adequate thickness for waterproofing
• Shorter lifespan than polyurethane or silicone

Skylight and Plastic Roof Panel Sealants

Sealing skylights and plastic/polycarbonate roofing requires advanced sealants that maintain long term adhesion on difficult to bond plastics:

1. Geocel 2320 3D Panel Bonding Sealant

Geocel 2320 is engineered for use on plastic roof panels like PVC, acrylic and polycarbonate. It forms a durable, watertight seal.

Pros:

• Tenacious adhesion to plastics
• Remains permanently flexible
• Won’t crack, shrink or peel
• Waterproofs in any weather
• Resists UV rays, ozone and chemicals

Cons:

• Longer drying time – 24-48 hours
• Requires cleaning and priming for best bond
• Higher cost than standard sealants

2. Novagard 800-830 RTV Clear Silicone

Novagard RTV 800 Series provides superior adhesion to plastics like acrylic, polycarbonate, PVC and fiberglass. It remains crystal clear.

Pros:

• Unmatched adhesion to plastics
• Crystal clear for skylights and windows
• Stays flexible without yellowing
• Resists leaks, condensation and fogging
• Withstands extreme temps, UV and weather

Cons:

• Premium silicone commands higher prices
• Requires compatible caulk gun
• Not ideal for large seam gaps

3. Geocel Pro Flex Crystal Clear Sealant

For skylight repairs, Geocel Pro Flex Crystal Clear offers adhesion to glass and plastic with a transparent seal.

Pros:

• Crystal clear finish
• Strong bond to glass and plastic
• Remains flexible without cracking
• Wide temperature resistance
• Waterproofs instantly

Cons:

• Requires caulk gun for application
• Not designed for immersion or pooling water
• Shorter lifespan than some silicone sealants

Exterior Wall and Flashing Sealants

For exterior wall cracks, flashing, trim and siding jobs, top sealant choices include:

1. GE Silicone II Clear Sealant

GE Silicone II Clear provides all-purpose adhesion for walls, windows, siding, trim and flashing repairs. Its versatile silicone formula sticks to most common materials.

Pros:

• Superior flexibility – won’t crack or shrink
• Clear finish for minimal visibility
• Strong adhesion without priming
• Resists water, heat, cold and UV rays
• Mold and mildew resistant

Cons:

• Regular silicone, not designed for roofing
• Shorter lifespan than some polyurethanes
• Requires caulk gun to apply

2. OSI Quad Max Sealant

OSI Quad Max is a polyurethane sealant formulated for flashing, gutters, expansion joints and general exterior sealing. It lasts up to 20 years when properly applied.

Pros:

• Long term durability – up to 20 years
• Excellent adhesion to most building materials
• Stays permanently flexible
• Can be painted or coated over
• Resists UV rays, water, heat and cold

Cons:

• Requires caulking gun to apply
• Needs primer for optimal bond strength
• More expensive than basic silicone

3. Loctite PL S10 Polyurethane Sealant

Loctite PL S10 provides a tenacious, flexible bond to porous and non-porous surfaces alike. It cures waterproof and weatherproof.

Pros:

• Versatile adhesion to concrete, wood, metal, etc
• No priming required on most surfaces
• 20 minute skin over time
• Won’t crack, shrink or lose adhesion
• Resistant to UV, water, heat and cold

Cons:

• Caulk gun required for application
• Not ideal for continuous water immersion
• Shorter lifespan than some premium polyurethanes

Chimney, Flue and Furnace Sealants

High heat applications like chimney seals, flues, furnaces and fireplace require heat resistant sealants rated up to 300°F – 600°F:

1. Rutland Fireplace Mortar

Rutland fireplace mortar is heat resistant to 2000°F intermittent. It seals chimneys, flues, masonry and metal.

Pros:

• Withstands temperatures up to 2000°F
• Pre-mixed formula for easy application
• Adheres to masonry, metal and fiberboard
• Seals out smoke, gases and moisture
• Waterproofs instantly on application

Cons:

• For high heat applications only
• Shorter lifespan than silicone or polyurethane
• Not very elastic or flexible when cured

2. Mid-Temp Silicone Sealants

Silicones like Red Devil 808, Dow Corning 736 and Blueskin PE200 can withstand 350°F – 600°F for sealing vents, flues and appliances.

Pros:

• Maintain flexibility at high temps
• Excellent adhesion to metals and masonry
• Long term aging and UV resistance
• Won’t crack, peel or break down
• Available in squeeze tubes or caulk tubes

Cons:

• Not suitable for direct flame exposure
• Higher cost than basic silicones
• Requires cleaning and priming for best results

3. automotive exhaust repair tape

Heat resistant epoxy putty sticks provide an easy seal for cracked mufflers, pipes and exhaust leaks. Popular brands are J-B Weld and Loctite.

Pros:

• Withstands up to 500°F exhaust temps
• Quickly repairs cracks and holes
• Bonds strongly to metals
• No mixing or curing required
• More DIY friendly than liquid sealants

Cons:

• Not ideal for large gaps or seams
• Provides a patch, not a flexible seal
• Comparatively short lifespan – 2-3 years max

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Closing Remarks

While Turbo Poly Seal remains a popular do-it-yourself sealant, there are a range of comparable alternative products for specific applications like RV roofs, skylights, high heat areas and roof repairs.

When selecting the optimal sealant, consider the surfaces to be bonded, exposure conditions, required flexibility and expected longevity.

With proper surface prep and application, many of these Turbo Poly Seal substitutes can provide equal or better performance at a comparable price point. Consult manufacturer guidelines and assess your unique sealing needs to choose the ideal adhesive sealant for the job.