Set the stage for single-ply success

By Dani Sheehan. 

With smart preparation practices and proven products, you can get repairs right the first time. 

Maintenance is critical for everything in our lives – and roofing is no exception. As single-ply systems age from decades of exposure, many still have life left in them with the right service approach. According to John McDermott and Chris Huetigg of KARNAK, contractors can extend the performance of these systems by combining solid preparation practices with reliable, all-weather repair products. In a recent episode of CoatingsTalk™, they shared how smart product choices and a disciplined prep routine can help crews save time on site while establishing trust with building owners. 

“Preparation is the key,” shared Chris. “You have to start with a dry substrate.” Too often, sealants fail not because the product isn’t up to par, but because the roof surface wasn’t properly prepped. Moisture, dirt, existing sealants or even a thin layer of frost can prevent full adhesion and lead to future leaks. 

Chris explained that using the right solvent, like denatured alcohol, can make a huge difference. He shared, “It helps moisture evaporate quickly and doesn’t leave residue, so your sealant is bonding 100% to the roof.” In cases with rust or aged sealant, a wire brush and some extra elbow grease might be required. But skipping these steps can compromise the entire repair process. 

However, even the most diligent prep work won’t help if the repair product can’t perform under tough conditions. John recommends keeping versatile, proven products on hand. He detailed the benefits of the 505MS, or Karna-Flex WB (water-based), sharing, “This isn’t your average water-based acrylic mastic. It has 500% elongation, excellent adhesion to membranes and metal, and it performs well on a wide range of substrates.”  

Karna-Flex WB is also environmentally friendly and designed to meet strict air quality standards, like those in California, and it’s ideal for odor-sensitive sites like hospitals or schools. Because it cures by evaporation and isn’t moisture-cure, it stays usable in the bucket for longer, saving material waste. 

Both the water-based Karna-Flex WB and the solvent-based 502 are some of Chris’s favorite products. He added, "It’s a nice go-to solution in your truck that you can cover almost every single type of roof out there and make a repair with.” 

Read the transcript, Listen to the podcast or Watch the webinar to further extend the life of your single-ply systems with KARNAK products.