What the treatment actually does
Asphalt shingles stay flexible because of the oils in the asphalt. Heat and UV break those oils down over the years. The shingle dries out. Then it gets brittle, cracks, curls and starts dropping granules into your gutters.
The product we use is APEX-1132, made by SoyLei in Ames, Iowa. It's a soy-based emulsion. It's made to react with the asphalt, slow down that aging and even reverse some of it. We mix it with water and spray it on. It soaks into the shingle instead of sitting on top. Our soy roof treatment page explains the product in more detail.
What the lab data shows
SoyLei tested APEX-1132 next to untreated shingles and a leading competitor's rejuvenator. Look at the tear strength row too. Treatment costs a little there, just less than the competitor's product does.
| Item | Leading competitor | APEX-1132 |
|---|---|---|
| Granule adhesion improvement | 17% | 50% |
| Tear strength kept (untreated = 100%) | 70% | 86% |
| Bend test at 55°F (untreated failed) | Pass | Pass |
| Hail impact test (untreated passed) | Fail | Pass |
What it depends on
Rejuvenation pays off when the roof still has life in it. Four things decide that:
- Shingle type. Asphalt shingles only. Not metal, tile, slate or flat roofs.
- Condition, more than age. The shingles should still lie flat and be sealed down.
- Granules left. Some loss is normal. Bald spots mean the shingle is worn through.
- The deck under it. Soft or rotted decking needs a roofer, not a spray.
We look at all of this during the free roof assessment. If your roof is a fit, we'll tell you. If it isn't, you'll hear that too. The full test write-up is on our lab results page.
Lab numbers show how a product does under set test conditions, not on your exact roof. Treatment also won't stop an active leak or kill algae. Read does rejuvenation stop leaks before you count on it for either.
More questions
How can I tell if rejuvenation worked on my roof?
Watch your gutters over the next few seasons. Fewer granules washing down is a good sign. The shingles should also keep bending instead of cracking as they age. The darker, richer look right after treatment is the first thing most people notice.
Is roof rejuvenation a scam?
The treatment is real chemistry with published test data behind it. What you should check is the company selling it. Ask for the product name, the data sheet and the warranty in writing. Our list of questions to ask before you hire anyone covers seven of them, and you can ask us every one.
Does rejuvenation work on 3-tab shingles?
Yes, if they still lie flat and are sealed down. Older 3-tab shingles are thinner than architectural ones, so they have less to lose. Our page on 3-tab shingle rejuvenation explains when they still qualify.