Roof rejuvenation is a liquid treatment sprayed onto aging asphalt shingles. It is meant to soak into the shingle and help bring back some of the flexibility that sun and heat bake out of it. It is upkeep for a roof that is still sound, not a repair and not a new roof.
Why shingles dry out
Asphalt shingles stay bendable because of oils and other light compounds in the asphalt. Heat drives those out. Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory wrote that “As a result of oxidation, asphalt becomes harder and embrittled.” The Valley gives that process plenty of help. Phoenix Sky Harbor averages 111 days a year at 100°F or hotter, based on National Weather Service figures for 1991 to 2020.
A stiff, brittle shingle that still lies flat and keeps water out is the stage rejuvenation is aimed at. Our roof rejuvenation page walks through it in more depth.
The product we use
We use APEX-1132, made by SoyLei Innovations in Ames, Iowa. SoyLei says the product is “powered by SESO, short for semi-epoxidized soybean oil” and that it is “not paint, not a roof coating, and not a film-forming sealcoat.” It is mixed with water and sprayed on. Those are the maker’s words. More on the product, and on its limits, is on our soy-based roof treatment page.
What it won’t do
- It won’t stop a leak, replace a cracked or missing shingle, or fix bad flashing.
- It won’t put back granules that have already washed off.
- It isn’t for tile, foam or metal. We treat asphalt shingles only.
- It doesn’t come with a number of added years from us. No field study has shown how many years of service it adds to any one roof, and we make no such claim.
Not every shingle maker likes the idea, either. Some, Owens Corning among them, have published bulletins advising against field-applied rejuvenators, so check your shingle warranty first.
Curious whether your roof is still at the right stage? Book a free roof evaluation and we’ll give you a plain answer.