A landmark study from The Ohio State University confirms that soy methyl ester technology reverses shingle aging — restoring flexibility, waterproofing, and structural integrity at a fraction of replacement cost.
In 2017, The Ohio State University's BioSystems Analysis Lab — in partnership with the Ohio Soybean Council — conducted a rigorous technical evaluation of soy methyl ester-based roof rejuvenation technology. Lab testing was performed by PRI Materials Testing Labs in Tampa, FL using ASTM International standards — the same standards used by roofing manufacturers and insurance companies worldwide.
"Soy methyl ester-based rejuvenation technology has great potential to be an economical biobased solution for both maintaining and increasing a roof's service life."
Conducted by The Ohio State University — a world-class research university with no commercial interest in the outcome.
All testing used ASTM International performance standards — the gold standard for roofing material evaluation globally.
The study followed rigorous scientific methodology, including before-and-after lab analysis of treated vs. untreated shingles.
Four out of five American homes are covered in asphalt shingles — and they all share the same weakness. As shingles age, the natural oils within the asphalt evaporate. That oil is what keeps shingles flexible and waterproof. Without it, shingles become brittle, crack, and eventually fail.
"The primary failure mode for asphalt shingles is oil depletion — a natural but reversible process when treated at the right time."
Soy methyl ester (SME) is derived from soybean oil. Its molecular structure is remarkably similar to the natural oils originally found in asphalt. When applied as a water-based emulsion, it penetrates directly into the shingle's asphalt matrix — replenishing lost oils and restoring what time and weather stripped away.
The OSU study found that the molecular compatibility between soy methyl ester and petroleum-based asphalt is the key to why this works. SME doesn't just coat the surface — it bonds at the molecular level with the existing asphalt compounds.
Soy methyl ester shares chemical properties with the aromatic compounds in asphalt, allowing it to integrate into the shingle matrix rather than simply sitting on the surface.
Applied as a water-based emulsion, SME is delivered in microscopic droplets that penetrate deeply into porous, aged shingles — reaching the layers where oil loss occurs.
Once absorbed, the SME molecules restore plasticity and slow future oil evaporation — creating a renewed protective barrier that extends shingle lifespan measurably.
"The soy methyl ester treatment penetrated the asphalt layer and was retained within the shingle matrix, with laboratory results confirming measurable improvements in flexibility and moisture resistance."
The OSU study didn't just prove it works scientifically — the cost data makes the economic case undeniable. For most homeowners, rejuvenation is the smarter financial decision when a roof qualifies.
Average cost for a typical residential roof. Includes tear-off, disposal fees, new materials, and labor. Disruptive and time-consuming. Generates thousands of pounds of landfill waste.
A single rejuvenation treatment costs a fraction of replacement. Up to 3 treatments can be applied over a roof's life, extending it by 5 years each time — up to 15 additional years total.
The OSU study noted that soy methyl ester performs best on asphalt shingles that have aged but haven't yet reached end-of-life structural failure. If you're in that window, rejuvenation is an ideal solution.
The OSU study highlighted the environmental significance of roof rejuvenation as a sustainable alternative to disposal and replacement.
Over 16.5 million tons of old shingles are landfilled every year in the U.S. Rejuvenation keeps functional shingles out of the waste stream entirely.
Soy methyl ester is derived from soybeans — a renewable agricultural resource. The product carries USDA BioPreferred certification for verified biobased content.
Extending a roof's life avoids the full energy and material cost of manufacturing and shipping replacement shingles — a significant carbon reduction per treated home.
We'll inspect your roof at no charge and give you an honest assessment — whether that's rejuvenation, repair, or replacement. No pressure. No obligation.