The questions every homeowner asks
Will it fix my leak?
No. Leaks almost always start at flashing, vents, valleys or damaged shingles — mechanical problems that need mechanical repair. Anyone who sells you a conditioner as a leak fix is the reason this site exists. Repair first; treat a sound roof after.
Will it bring back the granules I've already lost?
No — and that limit is the core of our prevention-first position. Treatment helps shingles hold the granules they still have. Granules already in your gutters are gone. This is why we push treatment at year five rather than year eighteen.
How long does one treatment last?
Manufacturers claim roughly five years of benefit per application, and their product guarantees are written on that cycle (HydraSoy's, for example, is a 5-year product guarantee). Treat the number as a maker's claim, not a measured fact — see the evidence page.
Will treating my roof void the shingle warranty?
It's a fair worry. Shingle manufacturers, through their association ARMA, advise against field-applied treatments, and no manufacturer endorses any rejuvenator. If your roof is still under a manufacturer's warranty, read its terms on unapproved applications before treating. On an out-of-warranty roof, the question mostly answers itself.
Is my roof too old to treat?
Possibly. Curled, cracked or missing shingles, bald patches with exposed mat, active leaks or soft decking all disqualify a roof. Stiff and dull but intact and lying flat is the sweet spot. The candidacy checklist is the same one we'd use.
Can I do it myself?
Yes — three brands sell directly to homeowners (compared here), application is a low-pressure spray, and the products are plant-oil emulsions. The real DIY question is roof safety, not chemistry: fall protection, a dry calm day, and respect for how slippery a freshly treated roof is.
Does it kill moss and algae?
No. A conditioner is not a cleaner or a pesticide. Heavy moss must be soft-washed and cleared as a separate job before treatment, or the emulsion never reaches the shingle.
What's the difference between a conditioner and a roof coating?
Conditioners penetrate the shingle; coatings (silicone, acrylic) form a film on top and belong to flat and metal roofing. They are different product classes, and confusing them on asphalt shingles is a category error both industries warn about.
Will my insurer treat my roof as younger?
As far as anyone has documented, no — carriers date a roof from its last full replacement. A treated, sound roof may photograph and inspect better, but don't buy a treatment as an insurance-age reset.
Why does this site exist, if you're so full of caveats?
Because a ~$400 DIY maintenance treatment on a sound roof is a rational bet even with every caveat priced in — and because the category's marketing needs a referee. That's us. Read the about page.