What is Roofing Tar?
Made from refined coal tar and petroleum byproducts, roofing tar is a sticky, waterproofing substance applied to flat roofs. If you are working with roofing tar, it may come into contact with your skin via splashing or spilling. Roofing tar is also a bit slick as it cools, so slipping on the hot tar is a potential risk.
Removing roofing tar from your skin is imperative to prevent further skin damage. If you sustain a tar burn, it should be cooled with water and covered with something clean and dry. Avoid using a chemical cleaner to remove tar in burn cases, as it may exacerbate the injury.
How to Protect Your Skin
- If your skin comes into contact with roofing tar, run cold water over the tar for at least 20 minutes. Ice the tar for around 10 minutes and attempt to peel it. If it will peel from your skin, remove all tar and clean the affected area. If peeling is painful, seek medical attention immediately.
- Utilize proper protective apparel to prevent tar from getting on your skin. Make sure all limbs and extremities are covered. When handling tar, be well aware of your surroundings to avoid spilling or slipping.
Methods for Removing Roofing Tar
- Using solvents
There are several potent tar-dissolving solvents that are highly effective and safe for skin. Petroleum jelly, household oils, and Neosprin are among the best and safest roofing tar removal remedies.
To remove tar using solvents, simply apply the solution and massage it into the tar. Allow it to set until the tar begins to break down and can be peeled off.
- Using mechanical methods
Roofing tar can also be removed by exfoliating tools — scrub brushes, wash cloths, and pumice stones — that can remove any remaining stains or remnant tar bits.
Using the exfoliating tool of your choice, apply light pressure and scrub the tar-stained area in a circular motion, periodically rinsing your skiing with warm water and repeating as necessary.
- Using a combination of methods
For the most effective roofing tar removal results, a combination of solvents and exfoliating methods may be your best bet, as solvating and subsequently exfoliating allow for the smallest tar particles to be lifted from your skin.
After dissolving the tar with a solvent and cleaning the area thoroughly, exfoliate the remaining tar stains with an exfoliating tool and wash in warm water until the stains are completely gone.
Tips for Preventing Future Roofing Tar Stains
To prevent future skin contact with roofing tar, be cautious while handling tar and make sure that all vulnerable areas are covered by clothing or protective gear. If you are transporting or working with hot tar, take extra care to avoid accidents that lead to spills, splashes, or falls.
- If you get tar on your clothes, follow these steps for easy and effective removal:
- Scrape off as much tar as you can — preferably with a dull knife — being careful not to damage the fabric. Ice can be used to ease the process.
- Apply a liquid stain remover. Let it set for about 15 minutes, then scrub the stained area without damaging the fabric.
- If tar stains remain, apply a stronger detergent and wash in the warmest water allowed for the fabric.
If steps 1 through 3 are ineffective, you may need to use bleach or a dry cleaning solution, blotting, and laundering as needed.
Conclusion
Tar removal from the skin can be a challenging chore, but the tips above and methods aid in the event of a sticky situation. If you happen to come into contact with roofing tar, it is important to remove it as soon as possible to avoid any extensive damage to your epidermis. If you experience a tar burn, seek immediate medical attention.
Having skin-safe solvents and useful exfoliating tools on hand is helpful, but letting the experts at Elite Services & Roofing handle the roofing tar might be the best way to avoid any messy mishaps.
