Roof restoration gains ground as owners seek lasting value

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Sustainability, labor availability and rising reroofing costs are creating new opportunities for contractors who understand when and how to restore existing roofs. 

Roof restoration is becoming a more prominent option as building owners look for ways to manage costs, extend roof service life and reduce disruption. During several CoatingsCast™ conversations, representatives from KARNAK and experienced roofing professionals discussed the forces driving restoration and the preparation contractors need to succeed. 

What trends are increasing interest in roof restoration? 

Building owners are placing greater emphasis on reducing waste and preserving existing roofing systems, according to John McDermott of KARNAK. He said sustainability has become a central consideration throughout the roof restoration market. 

“There’s a very large push for sustainability. When I started at KARNAK 28 years ago, I don’t think that word was in Webster’s. That’s become the household word now in the roofing restoration business.” — John McDermott, KARNAK 

John added that restoration can also help contractors accomplish more with fewer crew members. Compared with a labor-intensive tear-off, a fluid-applied system may provide a more manageable path when staffing is limited. 

Which roofs are appropriate candidates for restoration? 

Although restoration can extend a roof’s service life, Chris McDonald of Multi Roof Maintenance cautioned contractors against treating coatings as a solution for every existing system. 

“We’re not looking for failed roofs. Coatings work in conjunction with an existing roofing system in a fair condition.” — Chris McDonald, Multi Roof Maintenance 

Chris emphasized that contractors must evaluate roof conditions before recommending a system. Restoration is most effective when it protects a serviceable roof before deterioration reaches the point where replacement is necessary. 

Chris Huettig of KARNAK reinforced that proper roof assessment is one of the most important steps for contractors entering the restoration market because not every roof is a candidate for coatings. 

Chris Huettig added that contractors can undermine their own confidence by attempting to coat roofs that should not be restored. Careful evaluation helps establish realistic expectations for the contractor and building owner. 

How can contractors build the knowledge needed to succeed? 

John said contractor education is the foundation of successful restoration work, from selecting an appropriate roof to preparing the surface and applying the system correctly. 

“It’s just education. I’m thankful for the ownership at KARNAK, Sarah Jelland and all of our executive staff. We continue to make a great investment in education and we’re allowed to do whatever we want and spend what we need to properly train contractors, distributors and owners alike.” — John McDermott, KARNAK 

KARNAK supports contractors through hands-on instruction, online modules and field resources designed to address roof evaluation, surface preparation, product selection and application. 

Chris McDonald added that training cannot be limited to one person because every participant can affect the final result. Stating, “The whole team has to be knowledgeable for the project to be successful.”  

Restoration offers meaningful opportunities, but contractors must pair those opportunities with careful assessment, proven materials and trained crews. The strongest projects begin before coating application, with a clear understanding of the existing roof and the owner’s long-term goals. 

Listen to each of the podcasts to learn more about roof restoration trends! 

Explore the contractor perspective in Challenges in Restoration Part 1: Contractors. 

Learn how specifiers navigate restoration projects in Challenges in Restoration Part 2: Specifiers. 

Discover the manufacturer perspective in Challenges in Restoration Part 3: Manufacturers.