Roof coating trends, challenges and tips for every contractor

By Dani Sheehan. 

Restoration is gaining momentum with stronger system offerings and warranties — how are you preparing to meet the demand? 

As restoration work continues to gain traction in the commercial roofing industry, contractors are looking for clarity on where the market is headed and what hurdles they need to be prepared for. In a recent episode of CoatingsCast™, Megan Ellsworth sat down with Chris McDonald of Multi Roof Maintenance and Chris Huettig and John McDermott of KARNAK to talk about the coating trends shaping the industry and the challenges contractors face as demand rises. 

Proven products, better-performing systems 

Coatings systems are more widely accepted and trusted than ever before. Chris McDonald emphasized that although “trends move slowly in this industry,” products with long-standing track records continue to prove their value. Even silicone, which has been around for years, is now earning broader respect among contractors. “It took me 10 years of using it before I’m really comfortable saying it’s very proven, and it is a spectacular product,” he shared. 

John added that improved education and better-performing systems are pushing coatings forward as a mainstream, dependable solution. “The trend is there. The products have gotten better. And there’s a much bigger demand for warranty coverage, which means more selective systems and more selective contractors,” John emphasized. 

Labor, training and roof assessment 

Even with growing opportunities, coatings work brings its own set of challenges for contractors new to the space. John noted that many commercial roofers are skilled installers but lack crews trained specifically for restorative coating work. He explained, “One of the biggest challenges... is developing dedicated staff to do these restoration coatings all the time. They haven’t. They’ve done one now and then, but not consistently.” Without repetition and specialized crews, consistency and quality can suffer, making it difficult to meet warranty requirements or grow a restoration division. 

Chris Huettig explained that many contractors entering the market misunderstand the first and most important step: accurately assessing the roof. “They hear about coatings, they know it’s a trend and they dip their toes in... And they want to coat everything. But that can’t happen. Not every roof is a candidate,” he explained. This learning curve can lead to avoidable mistakes. While manufacturers like KARNAK provide training and support, Chris admits that real-world experience still matters, and you learn how to correct mistakes by gaining more experience. 

“Building owners are looking at restoration versus replacement as a major driver, and it keeps getting bigger,” Chris Huettig continued. Owners want systems that stretch budgets, reduce disruptions and extend roof life. Contractors must know not only how to properly install these restoration systems but also how to communicate the benefits of coatings effectively. 

Listen to the full episode to learn more about confidently introducing restoration to building owners.