Roof life extension coatings

Hi all, I am a long time lurker, first time poster.

I bought my house about 7 years ago, and it has an asphalt shingle roof. Someday I want to replace it with metal, but I am saving for that day and it is still a long way off. But the shingles are showing signs of age. Best estimate the roof is 21 years old.

There are lots of products for sale that claim to do this, from epoxies to various other coatings. I would prefer a product or process that won't come with a book full of fine print warnings about all the health hazards and extra appendages I might grow.  I have heard of people using soybean oil on their shingles, and laying copper strips across the ridge cap. Has anyone tried anything like this, or have other recommendations?

Asphalt shingles tend to be rated for 25 to 35 years service depending on brand and grade. Are they standard three-tab or fancier "architectural" shingles? What is the slope of the roof? Are there many valleys and tricky details, or just plain surfaces? Can you see the back of the roof sheathing in the attic, and is there any sign at all of water leakage?

If you are not seeing evidence of actual failure, I would watch and wait and accumulate funds for replacement.

The mineral surface roll roofing (15 year nominal service) I put on my roof (1 1/2:12 pitch, close to flat) thirty years ago failed totally and needed replacement on the south side ten years ago or more, while the more sheltered north side is very weathered and deteriorated but still sound.

Glenn has made an excellent post. Before you go much further, do a serious cost comparison of repair vs replacement.  In my case, although the cost of replacement was more than the repair .... it wasn’t that much more expensive. Of course, your mileage may vary.

When we were young our first house had a roof that leaked.  I don't know what we used but it was something that was painted on.

To answer your question there is a soybean-based product that might work for you.  I have no experience with this though maybe some other members have and will chime in on Roof Maxx or other uses of soybean oil:

https://soynewuses.org/uncategorized/soy-based-technology-works-to-extend-shingle-life/

Yes, there are small drips that occur at a few points, and the shingles are starting to look worn. I do not believe in debt, so when I replace the roof I need to do it in cash, which I do not have. If I can buy myself five more years I will have enough to replace it, and I do not believe it will last five years on its own without treatment of some sort.

Some municipalities allow asphalt shingle roofs to have two layers of shingles before they must be replaced completely. My town allows two layers, which is a cost saver when only a second layer of shingles is needed. However, only two layers are allowed. That means if you already have two layers and need a new roof, the replacement cost is increased due to the extra labor involved with the removal of both layers.

Hubbie has a roofer friend. He says that metal roofs are all the rage now, but many of his customers have been less-than-pleased with the long-term results. Apparently, the metal roofs have a reputation of being maintenance free, but that's not the case. The screws/nuts that secure the roof down need to be tightened on a regular basis. Sometimes the seams of the metal need to be re-pinched together.

Just a thought to perhaps help you to make an informed decision about roofing options.

I agree that debt is not the ideal way to pay for a roof. Kudos to you for looking for alternatives now.

There is good debt and bad debt.
Debt for a holiday or a xmas party would be bad debt.

Debt for a new roof now, that will prevent damage and further costs while you save could be called GOOD debt.

You need to look at it differently.

As for the reports about screws etc, I dont understand unless people have used the incorrect screws, or screws too short.

There are various sealers that are often used on mobile home roofs.