If your roof is looking tired but not “done,” you’ve probably seen ads for shingle rejuvenation—spray-on treatments that promise to restore aging asphalt shingles. Sounds too good to be true, right? Here’s the truth: on the right roofs, rejuvenation is a proven way to extend shingle life in Ontario without the cost and waste of premature replacement, supported by independent testing on real, aged shingles.
What it is (and what it isn’t)
Rejuvenation uses a bio-based oil (often soy-methyl-ester) that penetrates aging shingles and replaces oils they naturally lose over time—think of it as a re-conditioning treatment for asphalt. It’s not a paint or surface coating; industry guidance specifically warns against field-applied coatings on asphalt shingles because they can create moisture problems.
The science behind it
Independent and university-affiliated labs have tested rejuvenated shingles taken from real roofs:
- Flexibility & granule retention: Treated 17-year-old shingles showed ~46% less granule loss and passed ASTM pliability, bringing performance closer to new shingles.
- Moisture permeability: Testing documented a ~60% reduction in water-vapour permeance (ASTM E96), indicating restored asphalt continuity without forming a non-breathable film.
- Hail impact & fire: Simulated impact showed ~24% smaller depressions on treated shingles, and Intertek’s roof-fire testing reported no increase in flame spread versus untreated shingles.
- Longer-term durability signals: A PRI Asphalt Technologies accelerated-weathering study on aged shingles found 9–11× lower mass loss, 3–6× less granule wash-off, and improved low-temperature flexibility to –35 °C on the treated set—great news for Ontario freeze–thaw.
Is it recognized or allowed in Ontario?
Rejuvenation is maintenance, not a structural change. In Ontario, building permits are required when you construct, renovate, demolish or change the use of a building—routine maintenance generally isn’t in that bucket. Check your municipality’s guidance (e.g., Windsor’s Building Permits page) if you’re unsure.
What about warranties?
Because major shingle makers don’t list third-party rejuvenators in their specs, a manufacturer material warranty could be affected on still-covered roofs. Most rejuvenation projects are on roofs already beyond manufacturer coverage; reputable applicators offer their own coverage, such as a 5-year transferable treatment warranty.
Does it make financial sense?
Full replacement is a big spend; rejuvenation is typically a fraction of that. Greener Shingles, for example, cites costs around 15% of replacement (≈85% savings), and Ontario shingle replacements commonly price in the ~$3–$5 per sq. ft. range before tear-off or complexity.
Environmental upside
Extending shingle life defers tear-offs and cuts landfill waste. Soy-based rejuvenators can be highly biobased; one leading product lists 86% biobased content under the USDA BioPreferred program.
When rejuvenation is a great fit in Ontario
- Shingles are 10–20 years old, showing granule loss, light curling, or brittleness—but the roof is still watertight and the deck is sound.
- You want to stretch roof life 5+ years per treatment with a transferable 5-year treatment warranty and the option to retreat about every five years.
- You value lower upfront cost and less waste vs. early replacement.
When replacement (or repairs) is smarter
- Active leaks, soft decking, major shingle cracking, missing tabs, or severe curling.
- Roofs near the end of service life and you want a fresh manufacturer warranty.
- You’re changing roof design, insulation/ventilation, or upgrading to a different roofing system.
Why choose Cleroux for rejuvenation in Windsor–Essex
We’re a local, A+-rated roofing company that installs, repairs, and rejuvenates roofs across Windsor–Essex. Our trained crews use lab-tested products and provide clear, written warranties. We’ll inspect your roof, show you what we see, and only recommend rejuvenation when it makes sense for your home and budget.
