There are always going to be tips and tricks to help you extend the life of your roof, but it is important to make sure you are making a smart investment. You don’t want to end up spending more on preventative measures than it would cost you for a new roof. We are here to help you make an educated decision when it comes to caring for your roof.

First, there has been a lot of buzz and excitement about new roof sealers and roof treatment products that are supposed to extend the life of your roof. These roof sealers are designed to re-invigorate your roof by hydrating it and preventing brittleness; therefore extending the lifespan of your shingles. So is it worth it?
There are five major factors that are used to measure the success of roof sealer.

1. Pliability- During the pliability test, treated and untreated shingles of the same age were bent 90 degrees. This test is used to replicate wind damage and it was used to measure the effectiveness of roof sealers. During this test, both shingles passed. They then flipped the shingles upside down and repeated the test, but since shingles would never be installed upside down this second part of the test lacks any merit for real-life situations.
2. Fire resistance- Both shingles performed the same. This test showed that roof coating did not increase the flammability of the shingles.
3. Hail damage- A diminished impact depression was noted on the treated shingles, but only slightly less than untreated shingles. The treated and untreated shingles were still damaged to the extent that insurance would cover a full roof replacement, so treating the shingles in this case just makes it easier for insurance to try an deny the claim.
4. Protective coating- these test results were inconclusive.
5. Shingle permeability- The permeability of a shingle affects how much moisture gets through. The treated shingles were found to be less permeable than the un-treated shingles but still significantly more permeable than brand new shingles. For example, a new shingle will have a permeability rate of 0.90 and after treating an old shingle the permeability rate is 3.60. That is four times more permeable than a brand new shingle. The bigger question that should be asked is, how does a roof coated shingle react to freeze and thaw damages?
   Why do most roofs leak?
   The study mentioned above never touched on the top reasons why roofs leak. Here are the factors you should really be paying attention to.
6. Failing Flashing- Most leaks have nothing to do with aging shingles, in fact, most leaks are caused by flashing that was installed incorrectly or flashing that is aged and failing.
7. Punctures – Punctures caused, either by hail, wind, or fasteners backing out and pushing through the shingle, punctures must be properly repaired and once they start it’s usually a sign that there are more to come. This typically means replacement is a better less costly solution.
8. Staining- Older roofs usually lose curb appeal because of curling shingles, granule loss, algae, rust, and staining, but adding a rood sealant won’t do anything to fix these issues. In fact, a roof treatment will just coat the stain and lock it in.
   All the factors listed above are things you should pay close attention to when it comes to your roof and your investments, but even more important are the finances. You can only put off roof replacement for so long before it is time to commit. Financially it makes more sense to forego the roof sealant and invest in a roof replacement. If your roof is failing or showing signs of age then it is time to stop putting off the inevitable. Investing in a temporary fix will only end up costing you more in the long run and with Able Roof, you can get a free evaluation and easy financing options that will make roof replacement affordable no matter what you budget is.