The petrochemical oils in asphalt shingles dry out over time, which makes them brittle and more vulnerable to leaks and granule loss. Soy-based penetrants contain plant-derived bio-oils that absorb into the core to restore flexibility and extend the life of the roof. Acrylic and polyurethane coatings contain a mix of plastics, resins, solvents, and VOCs and aren’t recommended for asphalt shingles. They can void your warranty, trap moisture against your shingles, and aren’t as safe for the environment.
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Asphalt shingles take a lot of abuse from the elements. Over time, they can dry out and start to become brittle, which greatly increases the risk for problems like leaks, holes, and rot. Acrylic and polyurethane coatings claim they can help prevent and fix issues like these, but are they really safe and effective?
Below, we’ll compare all three options, walk you through the science behind them, and show you how you can get better results by applying Roof Maxx at regular intervals.
Roof Maxx’s proprietary formula contains a special ingredient called soy methyl ester emulsion (SMEE), which is extracted from soybeans grown right here in the US. Most coatings contain a mix of harsh chemicals, plastics, and fossil fuel resins instead, but let’s zoom in on what you’ll find in each one.
Example: Roof Maxx
Example: Kool Seal White Elastomeric
Example: Rexoseal Clear
All of these products make many claims, but Roof Maxx is backed by scientific testing to produce proven results on asphalt shingles that are generally in good condition.
Roof Maxx is one of the safest, most environmentally-friendly restoration penetrants on the market. It’s made from a bio-oil extracted from soybeans and contains no plastics, polymers, or harsh chemicals. In testing at Ohio State University (OSU), researchers also found that it protects the Earth in other ways.
Each treatment helps:
Having your roof treated won’t pollute the soil, leach chemicals into the water table, or leave behind a sticky residue that traps pollinating insects or birds, either.
Fully synthetic coatings are inherently harder on the environment because they don’t biodegrade as easily, if at all. Most contain plastics and harmful chemicals called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
Ingredients like these can:
The microplastics issue is so serious now that researchers are starting to find particles in the human body, and they don’t fully understand how they impact our health. There is evidence to show that certain plastics can be carcinogenic or possibly lead to cognitive decline.
Soy-based penetrants like Roof Maxx soak into your shingles to soften the core. The condition of your roof and the timing of the application itself can affect how long they last and how much you benefit.
With Roof Maxx, we recommend:
Roof Maxx lasts for up to 5 years, but you can reapply it up to two more times at regular intervals to extend the life of your roof by up to 15 years. It mainly works by restoring flexibility to shingles, which helps them resist weather, impact, and moisture damage, and won’t usually affect your warranty.
Acrylic and polyurethane coatings sit on the surface of your shingles, creating a film or membrane over them that acts like a barrier against the elements. This can temporarily mask or even slow damage like cracks or granule loss, but it’s a band-aid at best.
Here’s how they stack up.
The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) recommends against applying coatings of any kind to your asphalt shingle roof. There is limited documentation to prove they actually benefit your roof in any way, and in some cases, they might even void your warranty.
The total cost for each treatment will vary widely depending on the size, complexity, and condition of your roof. A dealer in your area will come out to assess your roof and give you a free, no-obligation quote, which is a lot easier than trying to figure out the numbers on your own!
Don’t forget that all coatings and treatments come with additional prep and labor costs that aren’t usually included. Roof Maxx can optionally provide a roof tune-up before treatment so you get the most benefit.
| Feature | Soy-Based Penetrants | Acrylic Coatings | Polyurethane Coatings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Cost | ~$1.75 per sq ft¹ | ~$0.50 to $3.00 per sq ft | ~$1.50 to $4.00 per sq ft |
| Reapplication | Every 5 years (up to 3x) | Every 2 to 5 years | Every 5 to 10 years |
| Added Lifespan | Up to 15 years total | Typically 2 to 10 years | 10 to 15 years |
| How it Works | Absorbs into shingles | Sits on surface as a film | Sits on surface; requires resin and hardener mixing |
| Restores Flexibility? | Yes | No | No |
| Impact on the Environment | Biodegradable, plant-based, low waste | Synthetic, may release microplastics and VOCs | Synthetic, high solvent load and landfill impact |
| Warranty Risk | Unlikely to void roof warranty | May void warranty depending on manufacturer | Often voids manufacturer warranty |
¹Final costs will depend on the height, slope, size, and complexity of your roof as well as where you live.
Acrylic and polyurethane coatings can seem sensible and affordable at first glance, but they don’t do anything to restore the flexibility of asphalt shingles. They just aren’t as effective on asphalt shingle roofs and may even leave you with a bigger mess on your hands when all is said and done.
Soy-based treatments like Roof Maxx penetrate deep into each shingle to restore lost oils, making them supple again. At the end of the day, it’s flexibility that counts. Get a free, no obligation quote today!
With our five-year, transferable warranty, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that your roof and entire home are protected.
