By Dani Sheehan. 

Jamie Atkins reflects on building a career in the trades and his time with Sherwin-Williams Roofing Solutions. 

After 35 years with Sherwin-Williams® and the last six supporting UNIFLEX® and Kool Seal® as assistant product manager, Jamie Atkins is preparing for retirement and reflecting on a career that has mirrored the evolution of the trades themselves. 

For Jamie, longevity didn’t come from standing still. It came from improvement. “I could always see the movement toward better systems and better people,” he says. “Compared to 35 years ago, it’s better. And the company really tries to vet changes before making them.” The steady commitment to progress is what has kept him with Sherwin-Williams throughout his career. 

Lessons learned along the way 

“The trades are one of the best options right now,” Jamie says. “A lot of this work can’t be replaced by AI. You need a physical person there, making decisions in real time.” Over the decades, Jamie has worked across roles that taught him the value of accountability, communication and understanding how systems actually function. One of his most formative experiences came early in his career while working in a warehouse, where reducing shortages became a daily focus. “We made huge improvements just by holding people accountable and following up,” he shares. “It showed me the importance of investing time in what matters. In the long run, it pays off.” 

This also shaped how Jamie approached leadership and collaboration. A quote from a former boss stayed with him throughout his career: “There are no easy jobs.” The lesson, he explains, was about perspective. “It’s always easy to say what someone else should do,” he says. “But when you understand their job, you realize there’s usually a reason things happen the way they do.” 

The evolution of products and technologies 

As the industry evolved, so did the tools supporting it. When Jamie started in 1990, orders were handwritten, fax machines were essential and early internal email systems were just emerging. Over time, desktops gave way to laptops, remote work became possible and communication multiplied across platforms.  

While technology made work more flexible and efficient, Jamie notes that it also introduced new challenges. “You walk into the office now and you have emails, Teams messages, texts and phone calls,” he says. “Finding information can actually be harder than it used to be.” Still, Jamie sees technology as an enabler, not a replacement for people.  

During his time with UNIFLEX and Kool Seal, Jamie watched coatings technology evolve as silicone gained traction, and urethanes became increasingly prominent. Innovation, he notes, is constant, but meaningful progress requires thoughtful decision making, especially as certification requirements grow more complex. 

Paving the way for what’s next 

As retirement approaches, Jamie is most excited about reclaiming personal time – traveling, spending time with family and stepping away from day-to-day problem solving. When asked what advice he would give to the next generation entering the trades, Jamie keeps it simple and practical: understand the process before trying to improve it. “Things can almost always be done better,” he says. “But you have to take the time to understand how they actually work first.” He also encourages patience in an era of instant gratification. New systems often take longer at first, but they catch mistakes and create long-term value, something Jamie has seen repeatedly throughout his career.  

As seasoned professionals like Jamie prepare to retire, their experience highlights what the trades offer: careers built on problem-solving, adaptability and real-world impact. For Jamie, the message is clear: The trades aren’t just where he built his career; they’re where the next generation can build theirs, too. 

CCS Influencer Joe Sorrentino shares what coating innovations will impact 2026.

The coatings industry is expected to be significantly impacted by the following trends in innovation: 

• Sustainability: The industry is increasingly focusing on environmentally friendly and sustainable products, with a growing demand for lower VOC content and eco-friendly formulations.  
• “Smart” coatings: The integration of smart technologies in coatings, such as self-healing and anti-microbial coatings, is gaining traction, offering functionalities beyond traditional protective and decorative purposes. 
• Self-cleaning coatings: Using nano-materials, these coatings can clean themselves with rainwater, enhancing durability and maintenance.  
• Advanced protective coatings: These coatings offer extreme durability and reliability in sectors like aerospace and marine engineering.  
• Energy-saving coatings: Heat-reflective and insulating coatings are designed to reduce energy consumption in buildings, especially in hot climates. 
• Advanced formulations: Ongoing research and development are focused on creating coatings with improved performance characteristics, such as better adhesion and resistance to harsh environments.  
• Intelligent responsive coatings: These coatings can change color or properties in response to temperature, humidity or an electric field, indicating a long-term future of innovation. 
• Bio-based materials: The use of bio-based raw materials in paint and coating formulations is on the rise, contributing to the overall sustainability of the products. The industry is moving towards bio-based materials to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower carbon footprints. 
• Pursuit of extreme performance: The industry is pushing for continuous advancement in special resins, new additives and sophisticated formulation design. 

These trends are expected to have a significant impact on the coatings industry, driving innovation and changing the landscape of the industry. These trends reflect the industry's commitment to sustainability, innovation and performance, setting the stage for a transformative year in coatings.

There is no set definition of a “smart coating” but generally a coating that reacts to its environment in such a way as to increase its own durability or enhance protection of the substrate could be called a smart coating. Dr. Erik Sapper says that end users will “continue to seek out exotic coatings systems” which offer attributes beyond decoration and protection. There are countless ways coatings can be “smart” many of which we haven’t even conceived yet. Some examples include self-healing coatings which react to and repair damage, antimicrobial coatings which eliminate surface contamination and color and/or phase change coatings which react to alterations in light and temperature.

One trend that is just waiting for the right combination of factors coming together to have its’ moment is the widespread use of plant based raw materials. Regulations such as the European Green Deal might mandate the use of renewable ingredients in many products including paints, market forces will decide when critical mass is reached for this trend. While the term biobased is often used to describe renewable raw materials, focus group research has shown that consumers can better relate to the term plant based. These materials will really take off when the consumer demand drives market forces towards the adoption of these sustainability enabling ingredients.

Of course, there are no rules which limit any of these developing trends to a single purpose coating formulation. The possibilities are limitless, from a self-healing coating made from plant based raw materials to a biocide free architectural paint whose properties have been optimized through the use of  an AI driven product development process. Trends can be thought of as ideas that are starting to catch on, so anyone’s next great idea could become the next big trend. 

_{Reference: Trends in the Coatings Industry by Wally Kesler} 

By Emma Peterson. 

From tools to training courses, The Coffee Shops™ crew wraps up the perfect presents for roofing pros in this guide to giving this holiday season. 

If your year has been anything like ours here at The Coffee Shops™, it’s going by faster than you can flip the months on the calendar! We’re shocked, too, but the gift-giving season is just around the corner, and it’s time to start planning what to get for your friends, family and coworkers. To make things a little easier if this season caught you off guard like it did us, our team has created the ultimate gift giving guide perfect for any contractor or professional in your life.  

1 – Yule be sad if you miss out on this R-Club discount  

Do you have a contractor in your life looking for a network of support or learning opportunities? Look no further than R-Club! R-Club is a Coffee Shops program created to make an exclusive space for roofing professionals where they can learn and socialize with other professionals from across the industry. Gifting the roofing professional in your life with a membership is a great way not only to give them a present but also to uplift their business savvy! 

And for a Black Friday special, we are thrilled to offer a 50% off discount for R-Club memberships using code HOLLYJOLLY50!

2 – Don't fir-get a pipe collar 

The last thing anyone wants when getting ready for the holidays is a leaky roof ruining the festivities. That’s what the Wil-Mar Products’ pipe collar helps avoid! These products are made out of an EPDM rubber that provides long-lasting waterproof counterflashing for vent pipes and is a must-have for any roofing professional’s toolkit.  

Eliminating a variety of tape and mastic leaking problems, a case of these can help the roofer in your life avoid an avalanche of problems later.

3 – Jingle and mingle at IRE 2026 

From innovative solutions and hands-on demos to a dynamic education program and unmatched networking opportunities, the International Roofing Expo (IRE) is the place to be for anyone in the roofing world. The next show will be hosted in Las Vegas, Nevada from January 20 – 22, 2026. Have a contractor or installer in your life looking to level up their knowledge and relationships? Consider giving them an IRE pass!  

If you register using The Coffee Shops’ promo code (INVITES492) for a free expo hall admission or 10% off a conference pass!

4 – Malco’s rotary sheer is snow special 

Combining high-performance with a reasonable sales tag, Malco’s TurboShear is a special accessory that saves professionals time and labor. It can easily be used with the chuck of a standard 1200 rpm A/C or cordless drill and cuts precisely enough to navigate tight curved patterns and squares.  

TurboShear is a great addition to the toolbag of anyone working with metal on the jobsite.

5 – John Kenney's contractor training is always a sleigh 

John Kenney is the CEO of Cotney Consulting Group and a household name in the roofing industry. With over 45 years of experience, he helps contractors around the country scale knowledge across topics such as estimating, field leadership and project operations. No matter the role of the person you’re shopping for, he has a training program that will help them get the job done. 

Learn more about his classes so you can find the perfect match for your loved one!

6 – The KARNAK 671 shines bright 

This amazing product is a single-component, silicone roof sealant from KARNAK. Not only does it resist weathering, hardening, chalking and cracking (making it a well-rounded, high-performance solution), it has been proven to stick to a roof in a variety of conditions, including when it’s wet. And the best part about this product? KARNAK offers it in three different forms – buckets, caulk tubes and pouches! This makes it easier for contractors to bring KARNAK 671 with them to every job site.  

KARNAK 671 is the perfect way to level up any applicator’s toolbox.

7 – Light up someone's life with a cordless Leister hand welder!  

Leister is known for their wide range of plastic welders and heat guns that make contractors' lives easier in the field. A great gift option from their collection is the NEXTHEAT overlap welding kit. This kit is a complete solution for wireless welding. The kit not only includes the NEXHEAT 300 A-LP, which is known for consistent and reliable welds, but also an eight-amp battery from Bosch and a matching charger. 

Learn more about this handy kit!

8 – Gelt them a Kool Seal product! 

Kool Seal has been a leader in the roofing products industry for over a century. Their products reliably deliver exceptional durability, weather resistance and ease of application.  You can help a contractor in your life elevate their roofing projects with Kool Seal products by connecting them with a Sherwin-Williams sales representative to get samples of their premium roof coatings. 

Contact a representative today!

9 - Flurry up and get one of Wryker’s contractor bags 

For the contractor on-the-go, Wryker’s branded contractor bags will put a smile on your loved one’s face every time they use it! These are hyper-tough bags perfect for everything from metal scraps and drywall to packaging and shingle scraps. Designed out of 3-mil film, these bags hold 43 gallons and give Santa’s sack of toys a run for its money in functionality.  

Learn more about Wryker’s contractor bags!

10 – Brrrrr-ing on the savings with Instant Roofer 

Designed by roofers, for roofers, Instant Roofer connects professionals with AI-powered sales tools that help their businesses grow. These tools include their high-quality roofing leads, instant measure reports and the built-in roofing calculator. And the best part? There is a special deal on a bundle of the measure reports and roofing calculator that would make a great gift! 

Get the AI Sales Tool Bundle and get 30 days free!

11 – CIDAN is not elfing around with their portable break 

New this year, CIDAN Machinery Group launched ONROLL, a revolutionary portable roll former, to the U.S. market! This roll former is designed to operate on urban rooftops and at remote installs through wind and rain without a problem. Combined with a 90 FPM speed and center-driven pinch-roller drive, ONROLL is perfect for the installer that needs accurate, smooth and efficient seams on site.  

Get the CIDAN ONROLL today!

12 – A Geocel sealant is always a n-ice gift!  

Looking for a versatile gift that will definitely be used? Geocel’s 4600™ Hybrid Structural Adhesive Sealant is a jack-of-all-trades sealant that combines powerful performance with amazing adaptability. It can be used on a variety of materials (metal, masonry, wood, foam, glass, etc.) and can be applied in conditions as harsh as 0° Fahrenheit.  

Get them a multi-tasking product that works as hard as they do.

13 – Santa's elves work hard, but the Catch-All Nail Catch works harder 

The Catch-All was founded on the goal of keeping roofing construction sites clean – far from an easy goal. But their products rise to the challenge every time, using chute nets, reinforced ground nets, collapsible support poles and more to keep roofing debris from hitting the ground. As a part of their extensive protection system, they also designed the Nail Catch, which is a filter system that collects debris in the first few weeks after the job.    

The Nail-Catch is the perfect size for a stocking stuffer! Use code “RCS” to get a 5% discount on your purchase.

14 - Make a fa-la-la-la-lasting impression with the Roofing Alliance Clemson Training Program 

Looking for a gift for the roofer in your life who’s always looking to learn new skills? Consider gifting them one of Roofing Alliance and Clemson University’s self-paced online courses tailored to the roofing industry! There are three different courses to choose from: roofing fundamentals, roofing management and roofing business and leadership. Each course is 60 days long and if a contractor finishes all three, they can earn a Roofing Professional Management Certificate! 

If you want to give the gift that keeps giving, look into the Roofing Alliance Clemson Training Program.

Stay up to date with the latest industry news when you sign up for the Coffee Shop eNews. 

By Dani Sheehan. 

Kool Seal Tundra keeps roofs cooler, longer, with lasting durability that stands up to sun, rain and time. 

When the summer sun turns rooftops into frying pans, building owners need a coating that can stand up to heat, and help keep it out of their building. Tundra™ Silicone Rubberized Roof Coating by Kool Seal® is a brilliant white finish with an impressive Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) of 110, making it a clear winner in the fight against rising temperatures, higher energy bills and the urban heat island effect. 

The power of a high SRI 

In roofing, a higher SRI means a cooler roof – and Tundra’s 110 rating is well above the standard even for cool roofs. This number reflects how efficiently a surface can bounce solar heat back into the atmosphere while radiating absorbed heat away. On a sunny day, that translates into: 

• Lower roof surface temperatures 
• Reduced cooling costs in air-conditioned spaces 
• More comfortable interior temperatures in buildings without air conditioning 

A reflective roof coating like Tundra can stay up to 55° F cooler than a darker, less reflective roof under the same sun exposure. 

Protection beyond the sun 

Tundra Silicone Roof Coating still delivers the all-weather durability building owners expect from Kool Seal: 

• Ponding water resistance for peace of mind after heavy rains 
• UV resistance to maintain performance and appearance 
• Outstanding adhesion to most roofing materials 
• Elongation of 425% for flexibility through seasonal expansion and contraction 

Roof coatings like Tundra extend roof life, reduce the need for costly tear-offs and help prevent roofing materials from ending up in landfills. With 98% solids content and ultra-low VOCs, it’s an environmentally conscious solution that delivers lasting performance and comes backed by a limited lifetime warranty. 

When the heat is on, help your customers stay cool season after season with the right roof coating. Learn more about Kool Seal Tundra Silicone Rubberized Roof Coating and how it sells itself to building owners.

CCS Influencer Joe Sorrentino shares his thoughts on what  construction coating applications contractors should add to differentiate and expand their business.

As the saying goes, “If you do not innovate, you evaporate!” Diversification and innovation are powerful words. What do they mean for you and your firm? The trends in architectural design and the use of emissive, reflective and decorative coatings for roof surfaces, pavement areas, above and below grade waterproofing continue to rise in specification and popularity. Many roof areas are also being utilized for solar energy systems, which is an additional plus for coatings contractors.

New construction homes are a key market niche for waterproofing decorative planters, entertainment and exercise surfaces, roof areas for solar energy systems, as well as balconies. Roof top duct work has been proven to increase efficiency with the application of ceramic coatings. Reduction of Urban Heat Island Effects are being addressed with highly emissive coating systems.

To develop a strong reputation for delivering solutions and quality installations of any new market niche, education and training must come first. Understanding the application techniques through research and education from manufacturers combined with the guidance and education of the field technicians is the key to success. “People make things happen! (For BETTER or WORSE)."

Entering new markets is not a quick process. To make a strong impact many look for cost savings/cutting to make a presence known. This is the fast track to failure. Aligning with key partners in the design and construction segments as well as discussing with key building owners/managers will assist in a more effective and profitable entry into new markets.

The adage, “Plan your work, work your plan” is a great rule to live by in the construction industry. Keeping sales/estimating, production crews and office personnel all involved and informed is critical. Teamwork makes the dream work! And remember: SAFETY FIRST!  

I have also included a guide to "the 7 most common coating application method types" as provided by the Coatings Directory.

“Navigating the intricate world of coating application methods is akin to mastering the art of painting on a vast, ever-changing canvas. The importance of selecting the right coating application method cannot be overstated. It directly influences the durability, efficiency and overall success of the protective or decorative layer being applied. Each method comes with its own set of challenges and nuances, making the choice a pivotal decision in any coating process. 

Here are some key safety considerations to keep in mind: 

• Personal protective equipment: Always wear appropriate PPE, including gloves, safety glasses and a respirator, to protect yourself from chemicals and fumes when preparatory to mixing, preparing or repairing paint. 
• Hazardous materials handling: Handle all coating materials, including solvents and paints, with care. Follow proper storage, handling and disposal procedures to avoid spills and contamination. 
• Fire safety: Be aware of the flammability of certain coatings and solvents. Keep fire extinguishers nearby and avoid smoking or open flames in the work area. 
• Equipment maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain all equipment used in coating application, such as roller coaters, flow coaters and spin coating equipment, to ensure they are in good working order and reduce the risk of accidents. 
• Training: Provide training to all workers involved in the coating application process. Ensure they understand the hazards associated with the materials used and know how to work safely. 
• Emergency preparedness: Have a plan in place for dealing with spills, leaks and other emergencies. Ensure all workers know the procedures to follow in case of an emergency. 
• Environmental considerations: Consider the environmental impact of the coatings used. Use environmentally friendly products whenever possible and follow all local regulations regarding the disposal of hazardous materials.” 

CCS Influencer Joe Sorrentino says roofing companiess can differentiate by emphasizing value propositions and operational efficiency to gain a competitive edge.

“To succeed in today’s construction industry, companies must actively differentiate themselves through niche specialization, outstanding service and smart technology adoption. By implementing these strategies, your business can attract more clients, increase profitability and build a strong market presence.” SmartBuild 2023 

To remain competitive and differentiate in the roofing market experiencing mergers and acquisitions, roofing contractors should consider the following:

Reputation

Reputation is everything in the construction industry. Prioritizing craftsmanship, using high-quality materials and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers and building owners/managers, as well as your competition, will contribute to your long-term success. Work hard to build and develop relationships within your area and the construction industry to gain insights and opportunities.

Technology

To survive in today’s markets, a professional website, active social media accounts and positive online reviews increase credibility and attract new clients. Highlight your past projects, ask for referrals and advertise customer testimonials. Highlight and profile unique company expertise to showcase your niche and strengths. 

Construction companies that leverage technology gain a significant competitive edge. There are many reputable entities that provide solutions to streamline project management, optimize scheduling and improve financial tracking, ensuring efficiency and enhancing profitability. 

Service-oriented approach

Remember: Clients choose companies that communicate well, meet deadlines and provide a seamless experience. They do business with people/firms that make them feel comfortable and confident when approving a proposal for work. 

Key components for a strong service-oriented approach includes: 

• Clear and timely communication about project timelines and costs. 
• A transparent bidding and invoicing process to build trust. 
• Follow-up services to ensure customer satisfaction and encourage referrals. 

Specialize in a “niche market”

Rather than simply being known as a roofing contractor, focus on a niche where you can build from the company’s strength and expertise.  

Identify growing niche areas in your area to build on the culture and reputation of the company. 

Embrace sustainability

Focus on sustainable practices to attract environmentally conscious clients. Sustainability is no longer just a trend — it’s a competitive advantage. The demand for eco-friendly construction is rising, with clients and investors prioritizing sustainable practices.  

Sustainable construction refers to practices that minimize environmental impact while maintaining efficiency and durability. By leveraging recycled materials, energy-efficient designs and waste reduction techniques, businesses can create structures that are both cost-effective and environmentally responsible. 

Focus on value

Differentiate by emphasizing value propositions and operational efficiency to gain a competitive edge. 

Embrace and don’t look back!

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn how Kool Seal® Tundra™ handles the demands of roofs in the Caribbean and Latin America. 

Every region and climate has different needs when it comes to roofing materials. In this episode of CoatingsCast®, Megan Ellsworth sits down with one of Sherwin-Williams' Regional Managers, Giovanny Pazimino, to dive into what makes roofing in his area of expertise, the Caribbean, Central America and Mexico, unique.  

One unique factor Giovanny brought up was the materials that roofs are made of in the region he’s in. “It’s a little different than the States, in Latin American architecture and the islands we find a lot of concrete. Some buildings don’t have what we call a roof, they just have the highest level of concrete,” he shared. Subsequently, different roofing products are popular in the region because of the concrete base they have to work on.  

One product that Giovanny called out specifically is the Kool Seal® Tundra™ Rubberized Roof Coating. He explained, “The Kool Seal Tundra silicone coatings is the product most  sold in the whole Caribbean and the whole of Central America.” This coating is designed to provide a long-lasting and durable roof solution for materials like metal and concrete.  

Furthermore, it comes with a limited lifetime warranty and is resistant to ponding water and UV exposure. These features make it even more suitable for the region Giovanny works in, which faces both extreme UV exposure and intense tropical storms. He explained, “We can see that in different constructions you have these coatings on that can stand for years, even through natural disasters, usually all that's needed is to repair a few affected areas and the rest stays intact and performing well.”  

Read the transcript, Listen to the episode or Watch the recording to learn more about how roofing in different regions. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn how to handle the unique challenges that crop up when restoring concrete roofs. 

About a month ago, we had the chance to sit down with James “Jamie” Atkins, assistant product manager for UNIFLEX and Kool Seal, to talk about metal roof restorations. Recently, we got to chat with him again, this time about concrete roofs and the unique challenges that contractors need to be aware of when restoring them.  

The biggest point that Jamie made was about the discrepancy of concrete as a material to work with. He explained, “I would say that concrete is the most inconsistent substrate used on a modern roof. EPDM is EPDM, there's not going to be much of a difference between a roll from one place and a roll from another. But when you talk about concrete, it's so affected by who applied it and how they applied it.”  

Take water intrusion for example. This is something that occurs in a lot of concretes as they ages due to exposure to moisture, temperature changes and chemicals that can lead to both aesthetic and structural issues. But the true level of damage due to moisture and what that means for the person restoring a concrete roof can vary depending on what the original installer did and how long ago they worked on it. This is because different concrete construction methods utilize additives and coatings that can change the resulting concrete’s durability in the face of moisture intrusion.  

However, contractors often do not have detailed information about the installation process neatly handed to them at the beginning of the project. That’s why it’s crucial to get up there and evaluate the roof before work starts, to make sure it is a good candidate for restoration. 

Making that evaluation starts with an inspection. Jamie elaborated, “You’re going to do a review of the roof first and foremost. And when you’re doing that, there are a couple things that you need to focus on, mostly moisture and adhesion. You want to make sure you are using tools to check the moisture in the concrete and performing adhesion tests.” Performing these tests and reviews will be key to making an educated and informed choice about what primers and topcoats will be needed for a successful project. 

In general, Jamie advises that contractors look for a primer specific to concrete. He explained, “Concrete's a very unique substrate in that sense. It's not like any other substrate that is on a roof and because of that you need a primer specific to concrete.” These primers can be made out of a variety of materials and each have unique strengths:  

• Silicone: Tends to be really good for water and UV resistance and has elasticity that is helpful for the natural expansion and contraction of concrete. 
• Urethane: While less elastic, this is much more durable and can support more foot traffic on the roof. 
• Acrylic: Comes in more color options, but not as durable or resistant as silicone or urethane. 

At the end of the day, it is important to approach every concrete restoration project as new and unique, given the inconsistency of concrete and the specific needs for the building.  

Want more resources on different types of roof restorations? Visit the Sherwin-Williams Roofing Solutions' directory to learn more! 

CCS Influencer Joe Sorrentino says that clear and concise communication is the key to efficient and effective project delivery to the building owner. 

Teamwork makes the dream work! Clear and concise communication/information is the key to efficient and effective project delivery to the building owner. Just as the delivery team is the last impression the material supplier (distributor) has with the roofing company, the installation crew is the last impression the building owner has with the contracting firm!

Typically, those that are involved in the original project site visit for the measurements and “personality” of the roof in place, and those who approve the project funds are not involved with the construction phase of the project. These factors, regardless of how the roof is measured, are part of the process that requires a clear understanding of who speaks to who during the roofing project. Since many low slope projects require a manufacturer warranty, keeping the local personnel (both sales and technical support) aware of the projects’ progress can provide “peace of mind” for the building owner.

With the technology available today for the estimating and production staff, maintaining pictorial progress, as well as, aerial ( drone) before and after videos are easily available for the project close out and historical reference. The practice of documenting the installation process as it progresses and submitted to the owner on a periodic basis allows for the building owner, contracting firm and manufacturer to have a “living document” for the service life of the roofing system.

Combining the installation process documentation with the initial project pictorials and proposal allows the owner to have a clear concise historical collection for those who may replace any personnel over the service life of the roof to maximize the assets provided in the roofing system which protects people and profits underneath! 

By developing a “living document” for each project allows the roofing contractor to provide clear and accurate information over the service life of the project. It also provides the building owner and manufacturer a better understanding of a critical and valuable asset of their facilty – THE ROOF! 

By Dani Sheehan. 

Metal roof restoration is a valuable service for building owners and a smart offering for roofing contractors looking to expand their business. 

Metal roofs are some of the most durable and long-lasting systems on the market, but even they need some attention over time. When a roof is showing signs of age or wear, restoration can be a smart, cost-effective alternative to full replacement. Still, restoring a metal roof comes with its own unique set of challenges. We spoke with James “Jamie” Atkins, assistant product manager for UNIFLEX and Kool Seal, to break down what contractors need to know for a successful restoration project. 

Why restoring metal is different 

One of the major difficulties of restoring a metal roof is the possibility of rust. Jamie explained, “Rust is the biggest challenge because metal is the only substrate in the roofing industry that can rust. It compromises the integrity of the roof and needs to be addressed right from the start.” If rust is present, be prepared to remove and replace any severely compromised panels. When left untreated, rust can spread beneath coatings and continue to degrade the roof, no matter how well it’s sealed afterward. 

Surface prep: The make-or-break step 

Any successful roof restoration starts with one thing: inspection. “Walk the roof,” Jamie emphasized. “Look for rust, loose fasteners, seam issues, failing sealant – everything. Correcting those problems upfront will make a difference in the long term. The more prep work you do, the more successful you’ll be.” 

He likened it to painting a room in your house. If you don’t sand or patch holes beforehand, no amount of premium paint will make it look good or last as long – the same goes for metal roof coatings. Proper surface preparation means longer-lasting performance, better aesthetics and fewer callbacks. 

Choosing the right products 

When restoring a metal roof, your success depends heavily on choosing the right combination of products: primer, coating, sealant and accessories. Each component must work together and be compatible with the others to deliver lasting protection. 

Start with the primer. If rust is present, select a rust-inhibiting option. Alkyd primers are often recommended due to their strength and ability to encapsulate existing corrosion. Just as importantly, make sure the primer is compatible with both the substrate and your chosen topcoat.  

When it comes to coatings, acrylic systems are often the most economical and flexible. They offer reliable protection, tend to be easier to work with across different surfaces and allow more versatility with the types of sealants and caulks you can use. Silicone coatings, while more expensive, offer excellent waterproofing and UV resistance. 

No matter what system you choose, Jamie advised, “We always recommend performing a pull test to make sure that you have adhesion.” A pull test involves applying a small section of the full system, allowing it to cure and then testing the bond to ensure the coating is adhering properly to the roof surface. This test helps avoid premature failure, and if adhesion is poor, it’s a sign that the surface prep needs to be revisited or that a different primer or coating may be required. 

Be sure to also consider: 

• Surface and ambient temperature 
• Cure times and weather windows 
• Manufacturer specs for application thickness, equipment and recoat timelines 

All of this information can typically be found on the product’s label or technical data sheet. Taking the time to align your product choices with your real-world jobsite conditions will help you avoid headaches and callbacks down the road. 

Restoration is also an opportunity to build long-term customer relationships. Offering a maintenance program or a follow-up inspection after completing the job shows professionalism and helps spot issues before they turn into major repairs. 

Want resources on coatings, primers and application tips? Learn more about Sherwin-Williams Roofing Solutions so you can deliver long-lasting results that protect your customers’ investment and strengthen your reputation.