Are you worried your aging roof might need a full replacement, but you're not quite ready to spend $20,000+? Have you heard about "roof rejuvenation" and wondered if it's legit or just another home improvement gimmick?
Roof rejuvenation is a science-backed process that extends the life of your shingle roof—without the cost of replacement. But not all roofs are eligible for this treatment, and not all roofers can apply it properly.
At Equity Roofing, we’ve been leading the way for roof rejuvenation services in Central Pennsylvania, Northern Indiana, and Southern Michigan. Our crew has put in the time and training to perform a flawless rejuvenation application. We believe more homeowners should know about this affordable, environmentally friendly option for a longer-lasting roof.
In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about roof rejuvenation, including when it makes sense and when it doesn't.
Clickable Table of Contents
- What Is Roof Rejuvenation?
- How is Roof Rejuvenation Applied?
- Cost Ranges per Roof Type and Square Foot
- Roof Rejuvenation Lifespan and Benefits
- How to Avoid Roof Rejuvenation Scams
- Roof Rejuvenation vs Roof Replacement
- Schedule Your Roof Rejuvenation Ahead of Time
What Is Roof Rejuvenation?
Roof rejuvenation is a spray that puts oils back into old, dried-out roof shingles, like applying moisturizing lotion. This treatment can make your roof last 5 to 15 years longer and costs much less than getting a new roof.
Why Do Roofs Need Rejuvenation Treatment?
Over time, the sun's rays dry out the oils in your roof shingles. When this happens, the shingles get hard and crack easily. The little stones on top (called granules) also start falling off. Very old shingles can become as hard as rocks and start to curl up.
Roof rejuvenation reverses this aging process by adding those essential oils back.
Is Roof Rejuvenation Safe and Will it Stain?
Roof Rejuvenate USA (as used by our crew) was tested by PRI Asphalt Technologies, an authority in asphalt shingle testing. It's a USDA Certified BioBased Product made with 96% natural food-grade oils. This means it's environmentally safe for pets, plants, and wildlife.
The rejuvenation oil can stain siding and concrete. This is why proper application and protective tarping measures are essential.
How is Roof Rejuvenation Applied?
Treating your roof takes three simple steps:
- Step One: First, roofers must look at your roof carefully to see if it can be treated with rejuvenation oil. Not all roofs are good candidates for this treatment.
- Step Two: Minor damage must be repaired, such as missing or broken shingles.
- Step Three: The rejuvenation oil is spread evenly across your entire roof. Then it is left to soak in, just like how lotion soaks into your skin.
This process takes only a few hours, but homeowners must be patient. The full effects develop over five to six months as the oil absorbs and restores flexibility.
Why is an inspection necessary before roof rejuvenation?
An inspection ensures the roof is in the right condition for rejuvenation. Roofers should keep an eye out for minor issues, like popped nails, which must be repaired prior to application. The original roof workmanship must be sturdy and in good condition (roof rejuvenation can't fix a bad installation!)
For example, your shingles must be nailed correctly, and your roof must have underlayment. To qualify for rejuvenation, the existing shingles must have at least 75% of granules still intact.
Without proper preparation, the full benefits of rejuvenation can not be realized. This makes the inspection process critical for responsible contractors.
What Types of Roofs Qualify for Rejuvenation?
Roof rejuvenation has a specific sweet spot where it provides maximum benefit. The ideal candidate is a roof between 12-18 years old with at least 75% of granules still intact, no major structural issues, and proper installation with underlayment.
Poor candidates include newer roofs under 10 years old, which still have natural oils and won't benefit from treatment. Severely damaged roofs with missing shingles or extensive cracking also aren't suitable. Timing is crucial: a roof that’s too new means wasted money, and a roof that’s too deteriorated will need a full roof replacement.
How Much Does Roof Rejuvenation Cost?
Most homeowners in our service areas pay between $1,400 and $6,000 for roof rejuvenation. We work in Central Pennsylvania (cities like Hershey, Harrisburg, and York) and the Michiana area (cities like Bristol, Stevensville, and South Bend).
Roof Rejuvenation Price Range Examples Compared to Replacement
| Home Type | Average Cost for Rejuvenation | Average Cost for Replacement |
| Small ranch home (est. 2,200–2,900 sq ft) |
$1,400–$2,000 | $14,000–$18,000 |
| Mid-size colonial/cape cod (est. 2,500–3,300 sq ft) |
$1,600–$2,200 | $16,000–$20,000 |
| Large or steep roof (est. 3,600–5,500 sq ft) |
$3,000–$6,000 | $22,000–$44,000 |
Additional costs arise from necessary repairs like flashing work or missing shingle replacement. Unlike roof replacement, rejuvenation doesn't require extra work around roof features like chimneys or vents, keeping the process simpler and more cost-effective.
How Long Does Roof Rejuvenation Last, and What Are the Benefits?
Most products come with a five-year warranty covering both the treatment and any repairs performed. However, potential benefits extend much longer.
- Warranty period: 5 years guaranteed
- Potential extension: Up to 10-15 years
- Reapplication: Possible after 5 years (maximum two applications recommended)
Laboratory testing shows that properly rejuvenated shingles return to conditions similar to much newer shingles, contributing to their extended lifespan.
Will Rejuvenating My Roof Affect My Insurance?
You may find that rejuvenating your roof (and securing a certification) can make a difference.
Many insurers begin penalizing or denying coverage for roofs older than 15-20 years. However, submitting a roof certification confirming the roof’s condition (such as one provided after rejuvenation) can help satisfy insurance requirements and preserve or restore coverage.
How to Avoid Roof Rejuvenation Scams
Since roof rejuvenation is still pretty new, it's important to identify potential scams. Here's how to spot legitimate roof rejuvenation services from false ones.
Stay Safe. Never hire anyone who can't prove they know what they're doing or show examples of their work. Since the treatment is fairly easy to apply, scammers might take your money and use ineffective products instead.
Roof Rejuvenation vs. Roof Replacement
How do you know which option is right for you? It depends on your roof's condition and what you need. Here's how they compare:
Roof Rejuvenation and Roof Replacement Comparison
| Feature | Rejuvenation | Replacement |
| Cost | 10-20% cost | Full investment |
| Time to Complete | A few hours | 1-2 days |
| Lifespan Added | 5-15 years | 20-30 years |
| Best for | Old roofs that still work well | Roofs that are broken or unsafe |
Rejuvenation works best when:
- You're selling your house and need proof for insurance that your roof is in good shape
- You want to make your roof last longer while you save money for a new one later
- Your roof looks old but isn't falling apart or leaking
If your roof has major problems or safety issues, you'll need a complete replacement instead.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roof Rejuvenation
Schedule Your Roof Rejuvenation Ahead of Time
Roof rejuvenation is a tested and affordable way to make your roof last longer. Now that you know what it is and how it works, you can decide if it's right for you. This treatment might be perfect if you're saving money for a new roof later, getting ready to sell your house, or want a choice that's better for the environment.
If your roof is 10-15 years old and still works well, rejuvenation can give you up to 15 more years of use. Best of all, it won't cost you $20,000+ like a new roof would.
Your next step is to schedule a rejuvenation inspection. A trained roofer will look at your roof, explain your choices clearly, and help you figure out if rejuvenation will work for you. There's no pressure; just honest answers.
At Equity Roofing, we help homeowners in Central Pennsylvania and Michiana make smart choices about their roofs. Whether you need rejuvenation or a complete replacement, we'll guide you through the process with honesty and care. No matter what condition your roof is in, we're here to help.
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