Spray-on shingle treatments are sold as a way to make aging asphalt shingles more flexible and extend the life of a roof. You may have seen ads or door hangers for them in Union County. They're a real product category, and on the right roof they may help. They're not a repair, though, and on the wrong roof they spend money that should go toward a fix.
How They're Supposed to Work
Asphalt shingles dry out as the oils in them break down under sun and heat. Dry shingles get brittle, crack and lose their granules faster. Rejuvenation treatments are sprayed onto the shingles to soak into the asphalt and restore some flexibility. The idea is to slow the aging, not reverse it.
What They Can't Fix
- Missing or torn shingles. A spray won't put back what wind removed.
- Flashing. Leaks at chimneys, dormer walls, valleys and vent pipes come from metal and seals, not the shingle surface.
- Lost granules. Bald patches don't grow back.
- Rotten or soft boards. Problems underneath the shingles stay there.
- Curled or cupped shingles. Shingles that have already deformed won't flatten.
Which Roofs Might Benefit
A roof in the middle of its life, without leaks, still holding its granules, with shingles that are starting to feel stiff, is the kind most often suggested for these treatments. A roof near the end of its life, or one with active leaks, needs repair or replacement instead.
Questions to Ask Before Paying for a Treatment
- Has a roofer inspected the whole roof first, including flashing and the attic?
- Are there any repairs needed before the treatment?
- What does the treatment's warranty actually cover, and for how long?
- Does it affect the shingle manufacturer's warranty?
- How much extra life is being claimed, and based on what?
What Actually Extends a Shingle Roof's Life
Most of what keeps a shingle roof going is simple upkeep:
- Fix small leaks quickly, before water reaches the boards.
- Keep gutters clear, so water doesn't back up under the lowest row of shingles.
- Trim branches that rub the roof or drop leaves into valleys.
- Ventilate the attic, so summer heat doesn't bake the shingles from underneath.
- Replace failed flashing at chimneys and walls rather than adding sealant on top.
None of these is glamorous, and none needs a special product. Together they usually do more for a roof's life than any spray.
Get a Second Look
If a salesperson recommends a treatment, it's reasonable to ask an independent roofer to look at the roof too. Sometimes the honest answer is that the roof needs a few repairs and nothing more. Sometimes it needs replacing and a treatment would only delay the decision. If a door-to-door sale goes wrong, the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs takes complaints.
Questions
Do rejuvenation sprays stop leaks?
No. Leaks almost always come from a specific opening: a seam, flashing, a vent pipe or a damaged shingle. That has to be repaired.
Are these treatments harmful to the roof?
Products vary. Ask for the manufacturer's information and whether the shingle maker allows it under their warranty.
How do I know my roof's age?
Look for permit records with your town, closing documents from your purchase, or ask the roofer to judge it from the shingle type and condition.
Around Elizabeth
These come up most with the shingle roofs in Union, Clark and Roselle. Repairs are covered on shingle roofs.
Wind Off the Bay: Shingle Wind Ratings and Nailing
What the numbers on the bundle mean in a nor'easter.
Putting Solar on an Older Roof
Why the roof usually comes first.