Articles
July 7, 2026
The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association and shingle manufacturers like GAF strongly recommend against using DIY coatings on an asphalt shingle roof. Professional roof treatments like Roof Maxx are penetrants that infuse your shingles with safe, all-natural oils instead, which can restore flexibility and extend the life of your roof by up to 15 years. DIY spray-on coatings typically only offer short-term waterproofing, and may actually damage your shingles or even shorten the life of your roof.
Spraying certain treatments on your rooftop can be a great way to help the asphalt shingles last longer, but having a professional apply a penetrant like Roof Maxx is very different from using a DIY spray-on coating.
Making an informed decision about the roof treatments you use means carefully evaluating these different options, including their ingredients, application methods, and likely results. We’ve created this guide to help you get started so that you can take the right steps to protect the roof over your head.
Most approaches to treating a roof made of asphalt shingles fall into one of two categories:
Although both of these approaches involve spraying a solution onto the shingles, the results can be very different. Let’s explore both options in detail to give you a clearer idea of their pros and cons.
Learn More: The 2026 Buyer’s Guide to Roof Rejuvenation Products
Roof Maxx is a professional spray-on penetrant for asphalt shingle roofs. We apply an eco-friendly plant-based oil to your rooftop, which seeps in and replaces the oils that your shingles have naturally lost over time as they’ve been exposed to the elements.
Spraying a roof with Roof Maxx usually costs up to 80% less than a full roof replacement, but it can extend the lifespan of the shingles you already have by up to 15 years in some cases. This makes it a relatively cost-effective way to preserve the condition of your roof while improving its appearance.
Learn More: How Much Does Roof Maxx Cost?
Professionally applied roofing sprays also tend to come with warranties that can guarantee the quality of the treatment. For example, Roof Maxx comes with a 5-year warranty that begins on the date of your treatment.
Search online and you’ll quickly find that there’s a wide variety of shingle coatings available. You’ll also notice that there’s a huge range in terms of what they cost, how much you get, and how they’re actually meant to be used.
Most spray-on options that you can apply yourself won’t actually restore the condition of asphalt shingles. They simply add a layer of silicone on top that can help make them more waterproof. But these can also alter the appearance of your shingles if you aren’t careful with how much you apply, and knowing exactly how much to apply can be difficult.
Here’s a comparison chart to help you see the differences between professional coatings and DIY spray-on products at a glance:
| Feature | Professional Roof Rejuvenation (e.g., Roof Maxx) | DIY Spray-On Coatings |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Cost | ~15–30% of the cost of roof replacement | Typically inexpensive, starting as low as $20 |
| Lifespan Extension | Up to 15 years | Does not significantly extend lifespan |
| Ingredients | Eco-friendly, plant-based oils | Often silicone-based, primarily for waterproofing |
| Application Method | Professionally applied by trained technicians | Applied by homeowner |
| Warranties | Often includes a warranty (e.g., 5-year warranty) | Rarely includes a warranty |
| Skill Required | Professional installation ensures correct application | Requires DIY knowledge; prone to errors |
| Impact on Appearance | Restores shingles’ flexibility and appearance | Can alter appearance if not applied correctly |
| Environmental Impact | Low, uses eco-friendly materials | Varies depending on the product |
| Adverse Impact on the Roof | None | Seals the roofing system, preventing it from properly breathing, expanding, and contracting |
| Overall Cost-Effectiveness | Cost-effective long-term solution | Short-term fix, may not provide significant savings overall |
Ultimately, the best kind of spray you purchase for your roof will depend on your needs as a homeowner. If you’re simply looking for a temporary sealant or minor weatherproofing, it might be okay to purchase an inexpensive DIY product online or from a store in your area.
But if you want to protect the asphalt shingles on your roof and help them last for years to come, professional solutions like Roof Maxx are the only real choice. Learn more about how much you could save and get a free estimate here.
Roof Maxx is a professional penetrant that soaks down deep into your shingles to replenish the petrochemical oils they lose over time. It actually softens the asphalt core of the shingle, bringing back critical flexibility and improving performance for years at a time.
DIY sprays and coatings are often marketed as a “quick fix” for everything from moss to minor leaks, but are not generally recommended for asphalt shingle roofs. The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) and major manufacturers like GAF strongly advise against using them on shingles.
Absolutely. Applying too much product or using an uneven technique can alter the appearance of your shingles, and some silicone-based coatings can trap moisture if not applied correctly.
DIY sprays can start as low as $20, while Roof Maxx typically costs up to 80% less than a total roof replacement. While the upfront savings might seem tempting, keep in mind that if something goes wrong with your roof as a result of them, you might be on the hook for much more than the cost of the product.
Yes. Every Roof Maxx treatment includes a 5-year Flexibility Warranty starting on the date of application that guarantees your shingles will remain flexible for at least 60 months. Most DIY products offer no warranty at all or have so many stipulations, they’re more or less impossible to redeem.
Roof Maxx can effectively extend the life of your asphalt shingles by up to five years, and some roofs will qualify for up to two more treatments at five-year intervals. If you’re eligible for all three, the treatment can help you get a total of 15 more years out of your asphalt shingles.
What Roof Maxx won’t do is make your roof last forever. We’ve successfully treated roofs 20 to 30 years or older in the past, but the older the roof, the less likely you are to be eligible for additional treatments.
With our five-year, transferable warranty, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that your roof and entire home are protected.