Restoring asphalt shingles is a cost-effective way to improve your roof’s water resistance and extend its lifespan. Over time, shingles lose oils and granules due to UV exposure, temperature changes, and weather, which weakens their ability to repel water. Restoration treatments replenish these oils, improve flexibility, and strengthen granule adhesion, helping to protect your home from leaks and damage.
Key benefits of shingle restoration include:
- Improved water resistance: Treated shingles block water more effectively, even during heavy rain.
- Granule retention: Restoration reduces granule loss, shielding shingles from UV damage.
- Extended durability: Restored flexibility prevents cracking, curling, and gaps.
For example, treatments like GreenSoy Technology have been shown to increase granule adhesion by up to 50% and reduce hail damage by 24%. This process offers a practical alternative to roof replacement, saving homeowners money while maintaining their roof’s protective qualities.
How Asphalt Shingles Block Water
Water-Blocking Properties of Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles keep water out thanks to several clever design elements. At their core is the asphalt base, which acts as a waterproof shield. This base is packed with petroleum-based oils and resins, giving it the ability to repel water while remaining flexible across a range of temperatures.
On the surface, mineral granules play a dual role in water protection. These tiny stone particles not only add texture to help water flow smoothly off the roof but also shield the asphalt beneath from harsh weather conditions that could compromise its waterproofing ability.
Another key feature is the overlapping installation pattern. Shingles are laid out in a way that creates multiple protective layers. Water flows seamlessly from one shingle to the next, with each layer directing moisture away from vulnerable spots. Even if one section gets slightly damaged, the layered design ensures the overall barrier remains effective. However, with time and exposure to the elements, these protective features can wear down.
How Weather Damages Water Protection Over Time
Over time, environmental factors gradually weaken the water-resistant properties of asphalt shingles. One major culprit is prolonged UV exposure, which oxidizes and degrades the asphalt, leading to granule loss and brittleness.
Granule loss poses a significant threat to water resistance. UV rays weaken the adhesive holding the granules in place, causing them to loosen and fall off due to weathering or hail. Once the asphalt is exposed, it deteriorates much faster, speeding up the loss of its water-blocking capabilities.
Temperature fluctuations also take a toll on shingles. Daily cycles of expansion and contraction from heat and cold create stress, leading to cracking, blistering, and curling. As the asphalt dries out and weakens, curled edges form, disrupting the smooth water-shedding surface.
"Prolonged UV exposure breaks down the oil in the asphalt, causing the shingles to dry out and become brittle. This can lead to cracking, warping, and eventual granule loss - compromising both appearance and protection." - Leon Sariah, Aspen Contracting
Precipitation adds to the damage by physically washing away granules, reducing their ability to block UV rays and direct water off the roof effectively. Hailstorms can also knock granules loose, exposing the vulnerable asphalt beneath.
How Restoration Repairs the Water Barrier
Restoration treatments can step in to repair the damage caused by weather and time, targeting the weakened parts of the shingles. These treatments replenish the oils that keep asphalt flexible and waterproof. When applied, specialized coatings penetrate the shingles, restoring the chemical balance disrupted by environmental exposure.
These coatings work by strengthening granule adhesion, replenishing lost oils, and improving flexibility. This process rebuilds the molecular structure of the asphalt, restoring its ability to repel water. By enhancing granule retention, the coatings provide better protection for the asphalt layer and improve water runoff.
Flexibility restoration is especially important. When shingles regain their elasticity, they can expand and contract without cracking. This ensures they stay tightly connected to neighboring shingles and the underlying materials, preventing gaps where water could seep through. Restoring flexibility reinforces the shingles' ability to keep water out effectively.
Research Data: Restoration's Impact on Water Protection
Main Research Results
Scientific research highlights how properly applied restoration treatments can significantly boost the water resistance of asphalt shingles.
Granule adhesion improves with restoration treatments. Studies reveal that treated shingles hold onto their granules more effectively during simulated weather conditions. This added retention protects the asphalt base from harmful UV rays and prevents water from seeping through.
Tear strength increases noticeably after restoration. Laboratory tests show that treated shingles can endure higher stress levels before failing. This added durability helps maintain the overlapping seal pattern, which is critical for directing water off the roof efficiently.
Flexibility restoration is another key benefit. Research shows that treated shingles regain elasticity, allowing them to expand and contract without cracking. This flexibility prevents the formation of cracks or gaps that water could exploit.
These qualitative improvements are backed by detailed performance tests, which are explored in the next section.
Measured Performance Improvements
Quantitative tests provide solid evidence of how restoration treatments enhance a roof’s ability to resist water damage. Independent laboratory studies have measured specific performance metrics that underscore these improvements.
Water penetration resistance increases after restoration. Controlled tests reveal that treated shingles maintain their water-blocking properties even under extended exposure to moisture. The treatments create an effective barrier, preventing water from saturating the shingle material.
Granule retention rates also improve. Simulated weather tests show that treated shingles lose fewer granules, preserving the protective layer that shields against UV rays and promotes effective water runoff.
Surface adhesion between granules and the asphalt base strengthens after treatment. This stronger bond ensures granules remain in place longer, maintaining the textured surface essential for guiding water off the roof. The improved adhesion also helps shingles retain their aesthetic appeal while continuing to protect the structure.
How Performance Metrics Relate to Water Protection
These metrics collectively demonstrate how restoration treatments restore a roof’s water barrier to near-new performance levels. Each improvement targets specific vulnerabilities that could compromise the roof’s ability to keep water out.
Better granule retention ensures the protective mineral layer stays intact, maintaining the textured surface that directs water flow. By keeping granules in place, the asphalt beneath remains shielded from UV damage, which can lead to brittleness and cracking. This flexibility allows shingles to expand and contract with temperature changes, preventing gaps where water could seep through.
Higher tear strength enhances the roof’s durability during extreme weather. Stronger shingles resist wind damage and impacts, reducing the risk of openings in the roof system. This durability helps maintain the overlapping shingle pattern, which is essential for layered water protection.
Restored flexibility directly addresses a major factor in long-term water resistance. Elastic shingles avoid the curling and lifting often seen in aging roofs, eliminating pathways for water infiltration.
Together, these improvements create a water barrier that closely mimics the performance of new shingles. Research shows that this enhanced functionality can extend the roof’s lifespan while ensuring dependable protection against water damage.
Case Study: Scharf Fresh Roof's GreenSoy Technology
GreenSoy Technology Overview
This case study highlights how restoration can improve water protection, as discussed earlier. Scharf Fresh Roof's GreenSoy Technology is a patented, plant-based solution created with input from experts at Iowa State University. This innovative technology works by penetrating the asphalt binder in shingles, replenishing the oil content to secure granule adhesion and form a seamless protective layer across the roof surface. These restored properties are the foundation for measurable performance improvements.
Proven Performance Results
Rigorous testing by PRI revealed impressive results. Shingles treated with GreenSoy Technology showed:
- A 25% improvement in granule adhesion for new shingles, 40% for 15-year-old shingles, and 50% for 30-year-old shingles.
- A 16% increase in tear resistance, reducing weak points that could allow water to seep through.
- A pliability rating improvement from -3 to -6, doubling flexibility.
- A 50% boost in flexibility and an 85% increase in stiffness, making shingles more resistant to cracking, wind warping, and heavy rain.
In hail impact tests on 10-year-old shingles, the difference was striking. Untreated shingles suffered visible damage and granule loss, while GreenSoy-treated shingles showed no granule loss or damage, maintaining their water-blocking capabilities. These results clearly demonstrate the advantages for homeowners.
Extra Benefits for Homeowners
GreenSoy Technology offers a cost-effective alternative to roof replacement. Each treatment can extend the life of a roof by up to six years, provided the shingles retain at least 60% of their granules. Additionally, the transferable warranty adds resale value and peace of mind for future buyers. Beyond these practical benefits, Fresh Roof plants a tree for every roof treated, showing its dedication to environmental responsibility. This combination of performance, savings, and sustainability showcases how modern restoration methods enhance water-blocking properties while adding value for homeowners.
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Conclusion: Extending Roof Life Through Shingle Restoration
Main Findings on Restoration and Water Protection
Studies show that shingle restoration treatments can greatly enhance water resistance and overall durability. These treatments replenish the oils in asphalt shingles, which helps improve granule adhesion and flexibility - two essential factors in preventing water damage and weather-related wear.
Fresh Roof's GreenSoy Technology takes this a step further by increasing shingle pliability by 100%, boosting granule retention by 40%–50%, reducing fire spread by 68%, and restoring nearly 50% of the shingles' structural flexibility. Research from Ohio State University found that 17-year-old shingles treated with this technology showed improved flexibility, stronger granule adhesion, and a 24% decrease in hail damage.
GreenSoy works by chemically rebuilding the shingle’s structure, effectively reversing aging and strengthening the bond between granules.
What This Means for Homeowners
For homeowners, these advancements translate into a practical and cost-effective way to extend the life of their roofs while avoiding the steep expense of a full replacement. Enhanced granule retention and flexibility mean roofs are better equipped to handle extreme weather and temperature swings. The 24% reduction in hail damage is especially valuable for those living in areas prone to severe storms.
In addition to immediate protection, treatments like GreenSoy Technology come with a transferable warranty, adding long-term value to a property. This makes restoration not just a sensible choice for today but also a smart investment for future resale. On top of that, these treatments support sustainability by cutting down on roofing waste and conserving resources - plus, Fresh Roof plants a tree for every roof they treat, contributing to environmental efforts.
Shingle Saver - Application Process
FAQs
How does restoring asphalt shingles improve their water resistance?
Restoring asphalt shingles focuses on replenishing the natural oils and resins that wear away over time due to exposure to the elements. These treatments soak into the shingles, helping them regain their flexibility and reducing the chances of brittleness or cracking.
This step is crucial for maintaining the roof’s water resistance. Flexible shingles form a tighter barrier against moisture, which minimizes the risk of leaks and helps extend the life of your roof. By rejuvenating your shingles, you not only shield your home from potential water damage but also save significantly compared to the expense of a complete roof replacement.
What causes shingles to lose granules and become less water-resistant over time?
Shingles can lose their granules and water-repelling abilities because of various environmental factors. Extended exposure to UV rays weakens the adhesive bond between the granules and the asphalt layer, making them more likely to come loose. Heavy rain, strong winds, and hail can knock off granules even faster, especially if the shingles are already weakened. Temperature changes also contribute, as the repeated expansion and contraction of shingles gradually breaks down their structure, speeding up granule loss. Over time, this leaves the asphalt layer exposed, diminishing the roof's ability to keep water out.
How does GreenSoy Technology restore and improve the water resistance of older shingles?
GreenSoy Technology rejuvenates asphalt shingles by restoring the natural oils they lose over time due to sun exposure and harsh weather conditions. This restoration process brings back the shingles' flexibility, helping them repel water more effectively and reducing the chances of cracking or becoming brittle.
By reinforcing the shingles' durability, this treatment enables them to better handle challenges like hailstorms and heavy rainfall, ultimately extending their lifespan. It’s a practical and budget-friendly solution that also offers an environmentally conscious alternative to replacing an entire roof.
