Driving the evolution of roof restoration

By Dani Sheehan. 

Roof restoration has evolved into a strategic solution shaped by performance, cost and owner expectations. 

Roof restoration has reached a turning point. What was once viewed as a temporary fix or value-engineered alternative is now a strategically determined solution that is reshaping how contractors, specifiers and building owners approach roofing decisions. A recent episode of CoatingsCast™ brought together Dan King of Clarity Roof Consulting and Chris Huettig and John McDermott of KARNAK to discuss how restoration has evolved, the pressures shaping today’s projects and what contractors need to understand to stay competitive. 

One of the clearest changes in the restoration market is the move from product-driven decisions to system-based thinking. Early skepticism around coatings performance has given way to deeper understanding of surface prep, compatibility and long-term behavior. Dan explained, “[Restoration work] has matured over time to where we are now, which is really understanding how materials interact and what steps we need to take in order to deliver something that works.” The industry is no longer asking if restoration works; it’s asking how to deliver it correctly. 

“The relative value of coating systems versus membrane systems got a big boost,” Dan added, pointing to material availability and price pressures during COVID. These supply chain disruptions and cost volatility changed owner psychology. Replacement-first thinking was suddenly less predictable, more expensive and harder to schedule, allowing restoration to shift from a short-term workaround to a risk management strategy.  

Another major evolution is that owners are increasingly prioritizing solutions that keep their buildings open, minimize on-site disruption and shorten project timelines. “They want a roof that’s dry. It’s going to perform, and then they want you gone,” shared Chris. If you’re navigating labor shortages, restoration also aligns with operational realities: smaller crews, faster turnarounds and fewer logistical hurdles that allow you to scale work without overextending resources. 

“We’ve gotten so much more interest – questions, need for training, need for specifications – coming directly from the specifier market,” shared John. Today, specifiers are actively seeking better data, clearer systems and stronger documentation to support owner decisions. 

Listen to the full podcast episode to learn more about the role of specifiers in highlighting roof restoration in today’s evolving market.