Henry 208 Wet Patch vs Gorilla Patch & Seal Tape?
By Nate Sawyer, Editor · Updated July 2026
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Henry 208 Wet Patch Roof Cement (10.1 oz cartridge)
An asphalt-based roof cement whose wet-surface formula bonds even when the leak area is still damp, so you can patch mid-storm at flashings and seams. A wide -10 to 120F window suits cold repairs, and the thick body fills cracks caulk runs out of. Downsides: it is black and not paintable, messy to tool, and a stopgap, not a permanent fix.
| Type | Asphalt-based trowel/gun roof cement |
|---|---|
| Expansion | N/A (troweled paste) |
| Cure | Skins in hours, fully sets over days depending on thickness |
| Paintable | No (black asphalt) |
| Use | Roof leaks, flashings, seams; apply -10 to 120 F |
| Standard | Meets ASTM D-4586, Type I |
Gorilla Waterproof Patch & Seal Tape (4 in x 10 ft)
A thick rubberized butyl tape that forms an instant waterproof bond with no cure time, conforming over gutter seams, flashings, pipes, and metal roofs. Its extreme -70 to 200F range even lets it apply wet or underwater. But it cannot be repositioned once placed, is not made for asphalt shingles, and needs a smooth, clean surface to conform.
| Type | Thick rubberized butyl waterproof tape |
|---|---|
| Expansion | N/A (conformable tape) |
| Cure | None, bonds instantly on contact |
| Paintable | No |
| Use | Patch leaks on metal, rubber, plastic, wood |
| Temp Range | Service -70 to 200 F |
Our verdict
Both stop leaks, but on different surfaces. Henry 208 is a troweled asphalt cement that grips wet, textured, and irregular surfaces, which makes it the better choice for shingle roofs, cracked seams, and flashing joints, especially mid-storm; the tradeoff is a messy, black, stringy application. Gorilla Patch & Seal Tape is a thick butyl tape that bonds instantly and cleanly to smooth surfaces like metal, rubber, PVC, and gutters, and it handles extreme temperatures, but it will not conform to granular shingles and cannot be repositioned. Choose Henry for shingles and rough, wet repairs; choose Gorilla tape for fast, clean patches on smooth gutters, flashings, and metal or RV roofs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which roof leak patch works on asphalt shingles?
- Henry 208 Wet Patch. It is a troweled asphalt cement made for shingle roofs, cracked seams and flashing joints. Gorilla Patch & Seal Tape is explicitly not made for asphalt shingles, so on a typical composition roof it is the wrong tool.
- Can you patch a roof while it is still raining?
- With Henry 208, yes — its wet-surface formula bonds even when the leak area is damp, and it applies from -10 to 120F, which covers cold-weather emergencies. That is the main reason to keep a cartridge on hand before storm season.
- When is the Gorilla tape the better choice?
- On smooth, clean, non-shingle surfaces: gutter seams, flashings, pipes, and metal or RV roofs. It bonds instantly with no cure time and holds from -70 to 200F. The catch is that it cannot be repositioned — once it touches down the bond is permanent.
- Is either one a permanent repair?
- No. Henry 208 is explicitly a stopgap on active leaks rather than a substitute for proper roofing work, and it dries black and unpaintable so it stays visible on light shingles. Treat both as buying time until the roof is properly repaired.