What is Roof Maxx? Rejuvenating Your Asphalt Shingles for Extended Life

Asphalt shingle roofs are a ubiquitous sight across residential landscapes, offering reliable protection for homes. However, over time, exposure to the elements causes these shingles to degrade, primarily due to the loss of their vital petroleum oils. This leads to brittleness, cracking, and ultimately, the need for costly replacement. This is where products like Roof Maxx enter the picture, offering a revolutionary and environmentally friendly solution to extend the lifespan of aging asphalt shingle roofs.

Roof Maxx is a pioneering asphalt shingle rejuvenation treatment designed to restore the flexibility and waterproofing capabilities of your existing roof. Instead of a full roof replacement, which can be a significant financial burden, Roof Maxx provides a more economical and sustainable alternative. By reintroducing essential oils into the asphalt, it aims to combat the natural aging process, making your roof more resilient to weather extremes and delaying the inevitable need for a new roof.

The Science Behind Shingle Degradation

To truly understand what Roof Maxx is and how it works, it’s crucial to grasp why asphalt shingles deteriorate. Asphalt, the primary binding agent in shingles, is essentially a byproduct of crude oil refining. It contains petrochemical oils that provide flexibility, allowing the shingles to expand and contract with temperature fluctuations and resist damage from wind, hail, and rain.

Over years of sun exposure (UV radiation), heat, rain, and cold, these essential oils evaporate and leach out of the asphalt. This depletion causes the shingles to become:

• Brittle and stiff: They lose their pliability, making them prone to cracking and breaking, especially during hail storms or high winds.
• Granule loss: The protective mineral granules embedded in the asphalt, which shield the shingle from UV rays, begin to detach more easily. This reduces the shingle’s protective capabilities and contributes to a worn appearance.
• Reduced waterproofing: As the asphalt dries out, it becomes less effective at repelling water, increasing the risk of leaks.
• Curling and cupping: Shingles can curl at the edges or cup in the middle, indicating a loss of structural integrity.

These signs are often indicators that your roof is aging and nearing the end of its functional life.

How Does Roof Maxx Work?

Roof Maxx addresses this degradation by reintroducing a plant-based oil formula into the asphalt shingles. Specifically, Roof Maxx is primarily derived from soybean oil (methyl ester), utilizing what they term “Soy-Fusion Technology.” This eco-friendly, food-grade oil is delivered in millions of micro-beads that penetrate deep into the asphalt core of the shingles.

The process typically involves:

1. Initial Roof Inspection and Cleaning: A certified Roof Maxx technician will assess the condition of your roof, looking for signs of aging such as granule loss, reduced flexibility, minor cracking, and black stains. They may also perform minor repairs if needed, such as sealing pipe gaskets or securing loose flashings, before application.
2. Application of the Formula: The technicians spray the liquid, plant-based compound evenly onto your roof. This application process is generally quick, often taking only 30 minutes to a few hours depending on the roof’s size.
3. Absorption and Rejuvenation: The soy-based oil quickly penetrates the shingles, replacing the lost petrochemical oils. This rehydrates the asphalt, restoring its flexibility and durability. The oil continues to soak into the shingles for up to 72 hours after application, ensuring thorough rejuvenation.

By restoring flexibility, Roof Maxx aims to improve the shingles’ ability to:

• Withstand impacts: More pliable shingles are less likely to crack or be damaged by hail.
• Resist wind uplift: Enhanced flexibility helps shingles remain adhered to the roof, reducing the risk of being torn off in strong winds.
• Improve granule adhesion: The revitalized asphalt holds onto the protective granules more effectively, extending the shingle’s life.
• Enhance waterproofing: The restored oils improve the shingle’s ability to repel water.

Key Benefits of Roof Maxx

Choosing Roof Maxx over a traditional roof replacement offers several compelling advantages, particularly for homeowners looking for a cost-effective and environmentally conscious solution:

• Cost-Effective Alternative: One of the most significant benefits of Roof Maxx is its affordability compared to a full roof replacement. A Roof Maxx treatment typically costs a fraction – around 15-20% – of what a new roof would cost. This translates to substantial savings for homeowners.
• Extended Roof Lifespan: A single application of Roof Maxx is claimed to extend the life of your asphalt roof by five years. With subsequent reapplications every five years, it’s possible to add 10 to 15 years to your roof’s overall lifespan, effectively delaying the need for a costly replacement by many years.
• Environmentally Friendly: Roof Maxx is made from a plant-based, biodegradable, and non-toxic formula, making it safe for humans, pets, plants, and the environment. By prolonging the life of existing roofs, it significantly reduces the amount of roofing waste sent to landfills, aligning with sustainable practices.
• Quick and Non-Invasive Application: The application process is generally fast and less disruptive than a full roof tear-off and replacement. There’s no noisy demolition or heavy machinery, and the treatment typically takes only a few hours.
• Improved Shingle Performance: Independent studies, including those by Ohio State University, have indicated that Roof Maxx treated shingles show improvements in flexibility, granule adhesion, and overall permeability, bringing them closer to the performance of new shingles.
• Transferable Warranty: Roof Maxx typically comes with a 5-year transferable warranty that guarantees the treated asphalt shingles will remain flexible and in serviceable condition. This warranty can be a valuable asset, especially if you plan to sell your home.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While Roof Maxx offers many benefits, it’s important to be aware of its limitations and consider certain factors:

• Not a Permanent Solution: Roof Maxx is a rejuvenation treatment, not a permanent fix. It extends the life of your existing roof but does not eliminate the eventual need for a full roof replacement. It essentially “buys you time” and helps you plan for future roofing expenses.
• Not Suitable for All Roofs: It is most effective on asphalt shingle roofs that are aging but still structurally sound. If your roof has severe structural damage, widespread leaks, or extensive shingle damage (e.g., missing shingles, deep cracks), Roof Maxx may not be an effective solution. It primarily addresses the brittleness and oil depletion of the shingles themselves, not underlying structural issues.
• Does Not Address Aesthetic Issues: While Roof Maxx improves the functional performance of your shingles, it may not significantly improve the aesthetic appearance of heavily stained, discolored, or worn shingles. Cosmetic issues like black streaks (algae) are generally not addressed by the treatment.
• Requires Periodic Reapplication: To maintain the benefits and continue extending your roof’s life, Roof Maxx needs to be reapplied approximately every five years. This adds to the long-term cost, though it remains significantly less than multiple roof replacements.
• Varying Contractor Expertise: As Roof Maxx is applied by independent contractors, the quality of application and pre-treatment preparation can vary. It’s crucial to choose a certified and reputable Roof Maxx dealer.
• Insurance Company Acceptance: While It can improve your roof’s condition, some insurance carriers may still be skeptical of treated older roofs or may not fully factor the treatment into their assessments. It’s advisable to check with your insurance provider.
• Does Not Reseal Bond Lines: Roof Maxx primarily rejuvenates the asphalt within the shingle, but it does not claim to re-seal the bond lines between shingles. These bond lines are crucial for preventing wind damage, and their failure around the 15-year mark often signals the need for a full roof replacement regardless of shingle flexibility.

Who is Roof Maxx For?

Roof Maxx is an ideal solution for homeowners with asphalt shingle roofs that are:

• Between 6 and 15 years old: This is generally considered the optimal age range for application, as the shingles are showing signs of aging but are not yet severely damaged. Early intervention often yields the best results.
• Structurally sound: The roof deck and underlying structure should be in good condition, without significant sagging, rot, or major leaks.
• Showing signs of aging: This includes loss of granule coating, reduced shingle flexibility, minor cracking or curling, and visible granules in gutters.
• Looking for a cost-effective alternative to replacement: If a full roof replacement is not immediately feasible or desired, Roof Maxx provides a viable option to extend your roof’s life.
• Environmentally conscious: For those who wish to reduce waste and utilize sustainable products, Roof Maxx is an attractive choice.

Comparing to Other Options

When considering Roof Maxx, it’s helpful to compare it to other common roofing solutions:

• Full Roof Replacement: This is the most comprehensive solution, involving the complete removal of old roofing materials and the installation of new ones. It offers the longest lifespan (20-30+ years) and addresses all structural and cosmetic issues. However, it’s the most expensive and disruptive option.
• Traditional Roof Repairs: For localized damage like a few missing shingles or a small leak, targeted repairs can extend the roof’s life. This is a short-term solution for specific problems.
• Roof Coatings (e.g., silicone or acrylic): These coatings create a protective barrier on top of the shingles, offering waterproofing and UV protection. While they can extend roof life, they differ from Roof Maxx in that they don’t penetrate and rejuvenate the asphalt from within. Some may also alter the roof’s appearance.

Roof Maxx positions itself as a preventative maintenance measure and a bridge between minor repairs and a full replacement, offering a unique approach to asphalt shingle preservation.

Cost of Roof Maxx

The cost of a Roof Maxx treatment varies depending on several factors, including:

• Roof size and complexity: Larger and more intricate roofs will naturally cost more.
• Original roof condition: If extensive minor repairs are needed before application, this will add to the overall cost.
• Geographic location: Pricing can vary by region and local dealer rates.
• Additional services: Some dealers may offer gutter cleaning or other preparatory services as part of the package.

Generally, homeowners can expect to pay between $1,500 and $6,000 for a Roof Maxx treatment, with many falling in the $2,500 – $4,000 range for a typical 2,000-2,500 square foot home. This is significantly less than the average cost of a full asphalt shingle roof replacement, which can range from $12,000 to $30,000 or more.

Conclusion: A Viable Solution for Aging Roofs

In summary, Roof Maxx is an innovative, plant-based oil treatment designed to rejuvenate aging asphalt shingles, restoring their flexibility and extending their functional lifespan. By addressing the fundamental issue of petrochemical oil loss in asphalt, it offers a compelling and environmentally friendly alternative to premature roof replacement.

While it is not a permanent solution and works best on roofs that are still structurally sound, It can effectively delay the need for a costly new roof by 5 to 15 years through periodic reapplications. For homeowners seeking a cost-effective, non-invasive, and sustainable way to maintain their asphalt shingle roofs, It presents a viable and increasingly popular option. As with any home improvement decision, it’s recommended to consult with a certified Roof Maxx contractor to assess your specific roof’s condition and determine if it’s a good candidate for this innovative rejuvenation treatment. This proactive approach to roof maintenance can provide significant savings and peace of mind for years to come