Soy-based roof maintenance enters the residential conversation

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Apex 1132™ is positioned as a soy-derived roofing maintenance product designed to support shingle flexibility, granule adhesion and contractor service programs. 

This episode of Roofing Road Trips® features Eric Cochran, co-founder of SoyLei, in a conversation about Apex 1132™, a soy-derived roof maintenance product built from research that began at Iowa State University. The discussion focuses on how asphalt aging can impact shingles and how contractors may use maintenance as a long-term customer relationship tool.  

What problem does Apex 1132 address for asphalt shingles? 

“Apex 1132 is a roofing maintenance product and it restores the ductility and pliability of aged shingles closer to like-new conditions. And most importantly, it also increases the bonding between the roofing granules and the asphalt binder,” Eric shared. 

He explained that aging shingles lose flexibility as asphalt oxidizes under sunlight and heat. That oxidation can also weaken the bond between asphalt and roofing granules, which is why the product is aimed at the material already in place rather than functioning only as a surface coating. 

How does the product work differently than a coating? 

Eric explained, “It will penetrate throughout the entire thickness of the shingle. We've done that. We weren't thinking of this as a company when the research started. This was a university research project originally. So, we tested everything.” 

The active ingredient, which Eric described as a modified soybean oil called CISO, is designed to absorb into asphalt and attach to damaged, oxidized chemical sites. Heat from sunlight helps drive the reaction after application. 

Where does maintenance fit in for contractors? 

“What I would encourage roofing contractors to think of this product as is a very important component of a roofing maintenance program,” Eric urged. 

Eric connected the idea to residential service and maintenance; a model already familiar on the commercial side. Eric compared it to preventive care maintenance, positioning shingle treatment as one more way contractors can stay connected with homeowners after installation. 

For contractors building recurring residential services, Apex 1132 adds a new point of conversation around roof conditions, aging and upkeep.  

Listen to the entire podcast to learn more about soy-based shingle rejuvenation!