If your shingles are worn out or your roof is starting to leak, Roof Maxx might have come up in your search for a repair option, but before moving forward, you need to know for yourself: does Roof Maxx work?
In this article, we will explain exactly what Roof Maxx is, outline its pros and cons, discuss some reviews and whether it is worth the cost, as well as compare it to getting a new roof in order to help you determine if this product is right for you.
What is Roof Maxx?
Roof Maxx is a non-toxic plant-based oil that can be sprayed onto asphalt shingles. It is meant to replicate the petrochemical oil that shingles naturally lose over time, improving your shingles’ resistance to moisture and harsh weather conditions, like hail, as well as make them less brittle.
According to the manufacturer, Roof Maxx:
- Improves shingle flexibility and pliability
- Adds water resistance to the shingle surface
- Can extend the life of shingles by up to 5 years per treatment
- Is non-toxic and safe for people, pets, and the environment
The treatment process involves cleaning the roof, applying the oil spray, and letting it absorb over 30–60 minutes. Roof Maxx recommends reapplication every 5 years, for up to 3 total treatments.
Roof Maxx Pros and Cons
Like any roofing product, Roof Maxx has its strengths and limitations.
Below is a balanced breakdown to help you weigh the benefits against the drawbacks.
Pros
Cons
Overall, while Roof Maxx may provide a temporary boost in appearance and pliability for aging shingles, it should not be viewed as a substitute for necessary structural repairs or full roof replacement when those are warranted.
Roof Maxx Reviews
Overall, Roof Maxx reviews are mixed. While it seems that Roof Maxx can increase the flexibility of shingles and improve the appearance of your roof, it does not necessarily last and definitely does not fix any structural issues.
The price is also a major factor to consider, as just one treatment costs thousands of dollars, amounting to at least 20% of the cost for roof replacement. Most reviewers agree that Roof Maxx is simply not worth it, especially for the price, as many continued to face problems with their roof after treatment.
Summary of Feedback
While some homeowners report short-term visual improvement, many feel Roof Maxx doesn’t justify the cost—especially when leaks or ongoing deterioration occur after treatment.
Roof Maxx vs. Roof Replacement:
Cost & Effectiveness
| Feature | Roof Maxx | New Roof |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $2,000–$3,500 (per treatment) | $8,000–$15,000 (avg. asphalt roof) |
| Lifespan | Adds ~5 years (claimed) | 20–30 years |
| Structural Repair | No | Yes |
| Leak Prevention | No | Yes |
| Visual Improvement | Yes | Yes |
| Resale Value Boost | Minimal | High |
Verdict:
If your roof is functionally sound, Roof Maxx might offer a short-term upgrade. But if you’re facing leaks, curling shingles, or flashing issues, a full roof replacement is far more cost-effective long term.
What You Need to Know Before Using Roof Maxx
Before moving forward with Roof Maxx, consider the following points:
- Roofs typically don’t leak because their shingles have lost oil. Leaks usually result from flashing failures, poor ventilation, or broken/missing shingles.
- Roof Maxx only treats the shingle surface, not the underlying causes of roof failure.
- Applying Roof Maxx won’t fix structural issues, which can lead to more damage and a costlier full replacement later.
- A professional inspection is essential before considering Roof Maxx. If your roof is leaking, this product won’t help.
- However, if your roof is structurally sound and you’re only dealing with surface-level wear, Roof Maxx may offer short-term improvement.
Should You Get Roof Maxx or A New Roof?
When it comes down to it, if your roof is failing, it is better to get a new roof right away instead of getting Roof Maxx. Given how expensive each treatment of Roof Maxx is, costing you thousands of dollars every time, you will ultimately be spending close to what’s needed for a roof replacement in the first place, and you’ll still end up requiring a new roof later on.
By getting a new roof right away, you can address the underlying structural issues that resulted in needing a replacement in the first place rather than only focusing on surface level issues that don’t actually extend your roof life in the long run.
Our Opinion
Getting Roof Maxx when your roof is leaking is the equivalent of putting a bandaid over a bullet hole: it might look like it is helping, but it ultimately does nothing to fix the problem.
Even though it has been shown to improve the flexibility of shingles, Roof Maxx can’t prevent roof leaks or extend the life of your roof. Indeed, many Roof Maxx complaints boil down to the treatments not being worth the cost as people’s roofs continue to fail afterwards.
At Top Home Roofers, our team of roofing contractors has the expertise to help you figure out what type of service is right for your roof, whether repair or replacement. Contact us today for a consultation and to receive a free quote!
FAQs
Roof Maxx is a plant-based oil that gets sprayed onto roof shingles in order to improve moisture resistance and restore flexibility.
No. Roof leaks are caused by issues relating to underlayment, ventilation, or flashing, as well as torn/broken shingles, not by a loss of shingle oil.
While it may extend the life of your shingles, Roof Maxx does not add to the lifespan of your roof as a whole. If your roof does last an additional 5 years with Roof Maxx, it was probably always going to last that long.
Not particularly. Each Roof Maxx treatment costs thousands of dollars, amounting to around 20% to 30% of the cost for a roof replacement. In fact, you might spend all this money and still need a roof replacement later on.
In rare instances where your shingles look worn, but your roof is otherwise in good condition, using Roof Maxx might make sense. However, it is highly recommended to talk with a professional roofer first and get them to evaluate your roof.