A new roof is one of the biggest checks most homeowners ever write. So when the shingles start looking tired, a lot of folks around Lebanon, Lancaster, Lititz and Palmyra assume replacement is the only answer. Sometimes it is. But a lot of the roofs we look at aren’t failing yet. They’re just dried out. For those roofs, there’s another option worth knowing about: soy roof rejuvenation.
We’ve been taking care of homes in Lebanon, Lancaster, Dauphin and Berks counties since 2002. Here’s an honest look at what rejuvenation does, which roofs it’s right for, and when we’ll tell you to call a roofer instead.
Why Asphalt Shingles Wear Out
Asphalt shingles are held together by oils. Every summer the sun bakes some of those oils out, and every winter the freeze and thaw works on what’s left. Over the years the shingles get stiff and brittle, the color fades, and they start letting go of their granules, the little stones on the surface that protect the asphalt from UV rays.
You’ll usually notice it a few ways:
- Faded, chalky or washed-out shingles
- Granules collecting in your gutters or piling up at the bottom of the downspouts
- Shingle edges that look dry and stiff
That’s a roof that’s aging. It isn’t necessarily a roof that’s failing, and the difference matters a lot to your wallet.
What Soy Roof Rejuvenation Actually Does
Roof rejuvenation puts oil back into the shingles. We use SoyFuze, a soy-based treatment made for asphalt shingles. It’s sprayed on and soaks into the asphalt instead of sitting on top like a paint or coating.
Once it absorbs, the treatment helps in a few ways:
- Restores flexibility. Flexible shingles handle our hot Pennsylvania summers and freezing winters better than brittle ones.
- Improves water resistance. Restored shingles shed water better instead of soaking it in.
- Helps granules stay put. Better granule adhesion means the asphalt underneath stays protected from the sun longer.
- Brings back color. As the oils return, the roof usually gets a deeper, more even look.
The goal is simple: add years to the roof you already have, at a fraction of what a new roof costs. We’ll never tell you it makes an old roof new, and we don’t offer a warranty on rejuvenation. It’s a way to get more out of a roof that’s still sound.
Is Your Roof a Good Candidate?
Rejuvenation works best on roofs that are getting old but are still in good structural shape. Your roof may be a good fit if:
- It’s asphalt shingle, either 3-tab or architectural
- It’s roughly 8 to 20 years old and you’d rather keep it a while longer
- The shingles are faded or dry but still lying flat and doing their job
- You’re seeing some granule loss, but not bare, worn-through spots
We don’t treat metal, slate or tile roofs. Rejuvenation is for asphalt shingles only.
When Replacement Is the Right Call
We’d rather lose a job than sell you something that won’t help. Rejuvenation is not the answer if your roof has:
- Active leaks or water stains on the ceiling
- Missing, torn or badly curled shingles over large areas
- Soft spots or sagging in the roof deck
- Large bald areas where the granules are long gone
- Shingles that are cracking or crumbling when touched
Rejuvenation also doesn’t fix flashing, pipe boots, sealants or other repairs. Those need to be handled by a roofer first. If your roof is past the point where treatment makes sense, we’ll tell you straight and you can put your money toward a replacement instead.
How the Process Works
Here’s what a typical rejuvenation looks like with us, whether you’re in Myerstown, Ephrata, Hershey or out toward Reading:
- Free estimate. We look at the age and condition of your roof and give you an honest opinion on whether it’s a good candidate.
- Clean first if needed. A lot of roofs have two different problems: black streaks, algae or moss on the surface, and dried-out shingles underneath. Those aren’t fixed the same way. If the roof needs it, we soft wash it first with our roof cleaning service so the treatment can soak into the shingles instead of sitting on top of growth.
- Protect the property. We take care around landscaping, walkways and anything below the roofline.
- Apply the treatment. SoyFuze is sprayed evenly across the shingles.
- Let it soak in. The treatment absorbs into the asphalt over the following days. The deeper color is usually the first thing homeowners notice.
If you want more background on the treatment itself, see our Lebanon roof rejuvenation page or our Lancaster County roof rejuvenation page.
Rejuvenation vs. Replacement: The Short Version
- Replacement is the right move for a roof that’s leaking, damaged or worn out. It’s the bigger investment, but nothing else will fix a failing roof.
- Rejuvenation is for a roof that’s aging but sound. It costs far less than tearing off and replacing, and it can push that big replacement bill further down the road.
The trick is knowing which one you’ve got. That’s what the free estimate is for.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does roof rejuvenation last?
How long it lasts depends on the roof’s age, condition and sun exposure, which is why we look at every roof in person before recommending it.
Is there a warranty on roof rejuvenation?
No. We don’t offer a warranty on roof rejuvenation. It’s a maintenance treatment meant to help a sound roof last longer, not a repair or a replacement.
Will rejuvenation stop my roof from leaking?
No. Leaks, missing shingles and flashing problems need a roofer. Rejuvenation helps healthy-but-aging shingles hold up longer.
Do I need my roof cleaned first?
Often, yes. If there are black streaks, algae or moss, we soft wash the roof first so the treatment can absorb properly. We’ll let you know during the estimate.
Get an Honest Answer About Your Roof
If your roof is looking tired and you’re wondering whether you really need a new one, give us a call. We’ve served homeowners across Lebanon, Lancaster, Dauphin and Berks counties since 2002. We’re fully insured, registered as PA Home Improvement Contractor #PA062176, and grateful for more than 350 five-star Google reviews.
Call 717-314-2360 or request your free estimate. You can also see everything we do on our services page.
