By Dani Sheehan. 

As restoration continues to grow, contractors increasingly rely on manufacturers not just for products, but for expertise, training and partnership. 

Today's restoration projects require technical expertise, accurate roof evaluations, strong sales conversations and a deep understanding of building performance. To help contractors meet those demands, manufacturers are investing in education, technology and industry leadership designed to make restoration more successful for everyone involved. 

"You have to have a willingness to invest. You just can't stay the same in this business," said John McDermott of KARNAK during a recent episode of CoatingsCast™. For manufacturers like KARNAK, who are committed to restoration, that investment starts with the contractor. 

Education that builds confidence 

One of the biggest challenges in restoration is knowing when a roof can be restored, and when it can't. "It's just education," John explained. "We've made, and continue to make, a great investment in education... to properly train contractors and distributors and owners alike." 

KARNAK and other manufacturers are developing comprehensive training programs that help contractors understand roof assessments, system selection, surface preparation and application best practices. These programs range from introductory online courses to intensive hands-on certification opportunities to build technical expertise. 

The goal is to ensure contractors are recommending the right solution for each roof. "We have whole modules on evaluating a roof for consideration to make sure we're not proposing a restoration on a roof where we know it's not going to work," John shared. Proper evaluation helps build credibility with building owners while reducing the risk of project failures. Education also equips sales teams with the knowledge they need to communicate the financial, operational and sustainability benefits restoration can provide. 

Tools and support that simplify the work 

In addition to training, manufacturers are investing in technology and technical support that help contractors work more efficiently. From specification tools and mobile applications to direct access to technical representatives, these resources are designed to reduce guesswork and streamline project planning. 

John highlighted how digital tools can help you quickly generate system recommendations, access technical documentation and connect with support teams when questions arise. Contractor support often comes down to accessibility and expertise. Restoration projects frequently involve unique building conditions, multiple substrate types and complex performance requirements, so having support available can be crucial in navigating those challenges.  

Investing in the future of restoration 

As restoration grows, manufacturers must expand their technical teams, strengthen research and development efforts and stay engaged with industry organizations that help shape best practices and future standards. "You have to have the willingness to invest in technology," John said. The level of investment that manufacturers make to support product innovation and regulatory compliance directly influences a contractor’s access to systems that will evolve alongside market demands. 

Industry involvement plays an important role as well. Active participation in trade associations and technical committees allows manufacturers to identify emerging trends, contribute to industry standards and share valuable insights with contractors. 

"It's super important to staying future focused, and the industry helps us spot future trends," John emphasized. 

Listen to the full podcast episode to learn more about how manufacturers are supporting contractors and guiding market trends in restoration.

By The Coffee Shops™. 

Experts discuss RCMA’s role in the industry and the value of contractor participation. 

In the field, contractors consistently navigate evolving codes, technical standards, product innovation and legislative changes. Staying competitive requires access to reliable education, industry advocacy and collaboration with peers across the market. For Chris Huettig and Cody Wilson, both active members of the Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA), staying involved with associations is essential for maintaining a network of support. In a recent episode of CoatingsCast™, they discussed why RCMA expanded membership opportunities to contractors and how the organization is helping strengthen the coatings industry. 

From technical resources and regulatory guidance to networking and peer collaboration, here’s what you need to know about the value of joining RCMA.  

Q: Why did RCMA decide to open membership to roofing contractors? 

Chris Huettig, vice president of technical services and client relations at KARNAK, gave some context to this decision:  

We have a lot of knowledge within ourselves and we wanted to make sure that knowledge was being shared with coating applicators...And [to be the best resource] we need to have the voice of those in the field who are applying it every day, who are applying for the bids, who are putting the coating down and having to meet the certain building codes and expectations of that particular region, state, whatever it may be in our organization.  

Q: How does RCMA help contractors stay ahead of code changes and legislation affecting roof coatings? 

Chris elaborated:  

We have a couple of committees within RCMA [to keep our members up to date]. The first one is the Government Affairs Committee, and we have the Technical Affairs Committee. Government Affairs really deals with relevant information about government bodies, codes and regulatory impacts throughout the country that happen...We have a great technical director, Dr. Paroli, who is very involved in ASTM International.  

The Technical Affairs Committee provides technical application information, information for building owners and contractors. They deal a lot with changes or things in testing, fire codes, best practices, technical bulletin, etc. 

By bringing the industry together through RCMA, contractors gain access to centralized resources and up-to-date technical information that can help elevate application practices and strengthen coatings’ position as a trusted low-slope roofing solution. 

Q: Why is collaboration between contractors, manufacturers and suppliers so important in the coatings market right now? 

This collaboration is key to the future of the market as consumer interest in coatings continues to grow exponentially. Chris explained:  

We need a unified voice so we can all work together to promote and grow the coatings market... It's such a big, expanding field and it's blowing up. With more going on, we need more collaboration. 

Cody Wilson, president of Unicoat Industrial Roofing, added some thoughts from a contractor’s perspective: 

We wanted to have that voice like Chris mentioned as far as what's going on in the industry with manufacturers and the code changes and also the opportunity to meet with other contractors in a group setting where everybody can talk about what's going on...RCMA was the obvious choice for us as they have been up on the front lines trying to make sure that they're protecting our industry. 

As coatings continue to expand, manufacturers, suppliers and contractors need a shared forum where technical knowledge, field experience, regulatory concerns and peer insights can come together to strengthen the industry’s collective voice. 

Q: How can contractors benefit from joining an industry association like RCMA? 

According to Cody, joining RCMA was a no-brainer decision:  

As a licensed roofing contractor in the state of Florida, RCMA has always helped us over the years with things like navigating legislation change. So, as soon as we heard it was opening up to contractors, we wanted to be a part of it because it really gives us a voice with what's going on in the industry. 

He also emphasized how being a part of RCMA gives his team a unique collaboration opportunity:  

It also gives us the opportunity to meet with other contractors in a group setting...You learn a lot from your peers in this industry — not just the new products that are coming out, but different techniques, different markets and what's going on that way. 

RCMA offers contractors a seat at the table, keeping them informed, helping them strengthen industry relationships and shaping the future of roof coatings. As regulations evolve and the coatings market continues to expand, associations like RCMA play an important role in connecting professionals with the education and support they need to succeed. 

Listen to the full episode to learn more about RCMA membership and the future of the roof coatings industry.

By Jenny Yu. 

Industry experts discuss how increased awareness and tight labor markets are driving a shift toward coating restoration systems. 

Roof coating restoration is gaining momentum as building owners and specifiers look for cost-effective, less disruptive ways to extend roof life. In a recent episode of CoatingsCast™, industry experts from KARNAK and Clarity Roof Consulting discussed how accessibility to information and evolving project expectations are driving this trend. 

According to Chris Huettig of KARNAK, demand for coating systems is increasingly influenced by more informed building owners. “It’s driven from the top down,” he said. “Building owners are more educated and have questions that they’re bringing to specifiers.” That shift is leading many to consider restoration over replacement, particularly when evaluating cost, speed and business disruption. Coating systems can often be installed faster and with smaller crews, making them an attractive option in a tight labor market. 

Dan King of Clarity Roof Consulting agreed, acknowledging a broader change in how roofs are viewed. “There's more information percolating,” he said. “There’s been a change in looking at your roof as just a cost item to seeing it as an asset.” That mindset encourages more strategic decision-making, where restoration can offer long-term value when aligned with building performance goals. 

From the specifier side, Dan emphasized the importance of being a trusted partner for property owners to achieve a successful joint outcome. “In our role, we have really been able to open conversations based on trust with our clients,” Dan stated. “We work transparently, we build that trust and we breed success. Then, you can start to look at the value of different solutions. If you don't have that shared knowledge, you end up being more risk averse.” 

The panelists also highlighted the importance of collaboration and access to reliable information when navigating codes, regulations and system selection. “There's subject matter expertise held in manufacturing,” Dan said. “We go to fire marshals, we go to code officials, SPRI, RCMA, NRCA, RoofersCoffeeShop®. I find the ICC codes library really helpful.” Establishing relationships with these industry staples and leveraging the available resources help contractors and specifiers stay informed and deliver quality, compliant projects.  

As labor constraints persist and owners seek greater return on investment, coating restoration is positioned as a practical solution that balances performance, efficiency and cost. 

Read the first article in this series, Listen to the full podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about how to meet evolving project demands with coating restorations. 

By Dani Sheehan. 

Sometimes the most meaningful product innovations come in the smallest design changes. 

Innovation isn’t always about creating an entirely new product. Sometimes it’s about rethinking how existing products perform on the job. During a live demonstration at the International Roofing Expo (IRE) 2026, KARNAK highlighted not only the performance of Karna-Seal 671, but the practical packaging improvements designed to make repairs safer and more efficient in the field. 

“It’s a dangerous job roofing,” said John McDermott, vice president of sales for KARNAK, as he demonstrated the company’s 100% silicone repair solution. “We all want to come home safe.” 

Roof leaks don’t wait for blue skies and nice weather. Often, the most critical repairs occur in active rain, with standing water or under urgent temporary conditions. John showcased Karna-Seal 671’s ability to be applied directly underwater, creating an immediate watertight repair while explaining why silicone-specific repair solutions have become increasingly important. “The only thing that will stick to silicone is silicone,” John explained. “You can’t use any of our other repair products, or anybody else’s repair products, so we developed the 671. 

You can see during the demo just how well Karna-Seal works. Working on a submerged repair, John reinforced the split with fabric and left the product to cure, immediately creating a watertight seal as soon as it’s applied. 

One of the most practical parts of the demonstration was Karna-Seal 671’s new packaging. Rather than requiring service technicians to carry buckets while climbing ladders, the new pouch design can be stored easily in a backpack, helping crews maintain proper points of contact during roof access. And because technicians can squeeze excess air from the pouch before resealing it, the moisture-cure product stays usable longer in the field. It’s a small design change, but one rooted in a larger industry conversation about reducing preventable injuries, improving technician mobility and making field repairs more efficient. 

After 93 years in business, KARNAK continues to show that the best product innovations come from listening to contractors in the field. Something as simple as redesigning the packaging is helping contractors work safer, move smarter and respond with more confidence in every repair. 

By Dani Sheehan. 

KARNAK is helping move roof maintenance from a reactive service to a strategic growth driver for contractors. 

Across the industry, maintenance is creating new entry points into commercial roofing, strengthening relationships with building owners and helping contractors build more resilient, diversified businesses. 

This shift is being driven by evolving roof systems, economic pressures and a growing emphasis on extending roof life through restoration. Industry insights continue to show that building owners are increasingly choosing restoration as a cost-effective, less disruptive alternative to replacement when conditions allow. 

“There’s so many people that are new to roofing that are getting into the maintenance side first,” said Chris Huettig of KARNAK in a recent interview on The Coffee Shops™ sound stage. “That steppingstone to get into commercial roofing and repair is what they need, and they need to know which products do what.” 

Compared to full replacements, repair work often requires lower upfront investment, shorter timelines and quicker decision-making. It also allows time to gain hands-on experience with different systems while building trust with customers. If you can respond quickly, diagnose issues accurately and deliver reliable repairs, you’ll be the one who gets the call when bigger projects arise. 

Education is defining the next generation 

As more contractors enter the maintenance space, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: success depends on technical knowledge. Roofing systems today are more complex than ever, and repairs are no longer one-size-fits-all. Different substrates, membranes and coatings require specific approaches, and applying the wrong product or technique can lead to premature failure. “We need to be more technically sound getting these kinds of systems and products applied correctly so that they last and they have value,” John McDermott of KARNAK added.  

The push for education is being driven across the industry, including through organizations like the Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA), where manufacturers like KARNAK are actively working to bring contractors into the conversation. By expanding contractor involvement, RCMA is helping bridge the gap between product development, technical standards and real-world application. The goal is to ensure that as coatings and restoration systems continue to grow in popularity, they are installed and repaired correctly, so they deliver long-term performance. 

Practical innovation on the roof 

Solutions like Karna-Seal 671 are examples of how manufacturers are responding to the evolution of roofing systems and system-specific solutions. Silicone coatings, for example, have seen widespread adoption across commercial roofing, creating a new set of challenges. “Over the last decade there’s been 10 million gallons of silicone coating applied in the U.S. on commercial roofs every year. So, there’s just a lot more of that out there. You have to have a really good repair component for silicone because nothing else will stick to it,” John shared. 

Not only is Karna-Seal 671 compatible with silicone coatings, but it also offers excellent adhesion across multiple substrates. KARNAK now also offers Karna-Seal in two-liter pouches and caulk tubes in addition to their two and a half gallon buckets. Transporting materials onto a roof, often while climbing ladders or navigating tight access points, requires solutions that are easy to carry and quick to use. This thoughtful change in packaging helps crews stay mobile and perform more effectively on each project. 

Partnering with manufacturers like KARNAK and investing in training to deliver consistent quality will position your business for any changing market conditions. Because increasingly, growth in roofing isn’t starting with tear-off. It’s starting with maintenance.  

By Jenny Yu. 

Industry experts discuss how education, financial considerations and specification strategies are shaping the coatings market. 

As interest in roof restoration continues to grow, contractors and manufacturers are finding new ways to explain the value of coatings to building owners and design professionals. 

In this CoatingsCast™ episode, Megan Ellsworth spoke with Chris McDonald of Multi Roof Maintenance along with Chris Huettig and John McDermott of KARNAK about trends shaping the coatings market and how contractors can position restoration solutions for more sales. 

Educating property owners 

One of the biggest challenges contractors face is helping building owners understand that roof coatings aren’t just temporary fixes but long-term investments when a roof is in fair condition.  

“You’ve got to have the right attitude. It's not a ‘have to.’ It's actually an investment; an enhancement,” Chris Huettig said, adding that coming prepared with mockups and samples can help illustrate coating’s benefits. “At the end of the day, you’re problem solving for the building owner. So, think about all the problems the building owner may have and have answers for each of those related to what you're doing by putting on a coating restoration system.” 

Chris McDonald noted that another effective way to explain the value of coatings is through financial considerations, particularly when it comes to how restoration projects may be classified for taxes. “Coating the roof could be considered a CAM, a common area maintenance, during tax season rather than a capital expense, like a full re-roofing would be,” Chris explained. “With a CAM, it's considered maintenance work, and it gets billed back to the tenant.” 

Partnering with specifiers 

Beyond selling to building owners, the panelists emphasized the importance of establishing positive relationships with specifiers.  

“It's been rather impactful for us to get our product specified first. You always have a better chance of landing a job if you are the basis of design, of course,” John McDermott shared. “And sometimes they have a monitor there all the time, which is wonderful. It reduces our liability and ensures that we get the job done properly.” 

Chris McDonald agreed, saying, “Everybody wants a smooth job. My job is to make the specifier’s life easy.” Chris Huettig added, “Relationships like that go tenfold, because once you teach them the value of your coating, they're branching out and hitting all their projects throughout the country.” 

Read the first article in this series or Listen to the podcast episode to learn more about how educating property owners and specifiers can help expand your coatings business. 

By Dani Sheehan. 

Learn how to provide a lasting solution on a leaky metal roof. 

Metal roofs are known for durability, but over time can begin to show signs of wear, from oxidation and corrosion to failed seams and compromised fasteners. Restoring these roofs requires a full system approach designed to stop corrosion, reinforce the substrate and protect the roof long term. 

In a recent field demonstration, Chris Huettig, technical director at KARNAK, walked through a complete metal roof restoration process, highlighting how KARNAK 404 Corrosion Proof Base Coat and 501 Elasto-Brite work together to deliver durable, energy-efficient performance.  

Step one: Preparation 

As shown in the demonstration, successful metal roof restoration starts with thorough surface preparation. This step is often underestimated, but it plays a critical role in coating adhesion and long-term durability. 

The roof was prepared using: 

• Mechanical abrasion tools, including scrapers and wire brushes 
• Drill-mounted wire brushing to address oxidation 
• KARNAK 799 Wash and Prep Rooftop, used to clean the surface and remove contaminants 
• Power washing to rinse away loosened debris 

Step two: Repairs and sealing 

Once the surface was clean and dry, sealants were applied to address common metal roof problem areas such as seams and laps, fasteners, transitions and penetrations. These repairs ensure the system functions as a waterproofing solution. 

The foundation: 404 Corrosion Proof Base Coat 

Designed specifically for metal roofs, 404 is an acrylic base coat formulated with rust inhibitors to help prevent future corrosion. This is a critical feature for aging metal systems, where untreated oxidation can continue spreading beneath a finish coat. 

The finish coat: Protection, reflectivity and energy performance 

Once the roof is repaired, cleaned and primed with a base coat, the finish coat becomes the first line of defense against the elements. KARNAK 501 Elasto-Brite performs in tough commercial environmental: 

• ASTM D6083 Type I compliant, meeting industry standards for acrylic coatings 
• Bright, highly reflective white surface 
• Energy Star rated for cool roof performance 
• Elastomeric properties to handle rooftop movement, temperature swings and long-term weather exposure 
• UV protection that slows degradation of the underlying roof system 

Together, 404 and 501 create a restoration solution that addresses metal’s biggest threat, corrosion, and protects the system from UV, heat and environmental exposure. This layered approach reduces the risk of premature failure and delivers predictable performance. 

Watch the video to learn more about KARNAK’s solutions, each designed to provide long-term performance through system-based restoration.

By Jenny Yu.  

Industry experts explain how service and maintenance departments lay the foundation for scalable roofing businesses. 

In a recent CoatingsTalk™, Megan Ellsworth spoke with Chris Huettig, vice president of technical services at KARNAK, and Tracey Donels, founder of Service First Solutions, to talk about the importance of forming strong service and maintenance departments. 

After 15 years as a contractor, Tracey decided to utilize his experience to provide coaching, training and consulting for commercial roofers. “We help people grow by focusing on operations first and sales second,” Tracey stated. When working with clients, Service First Solutions prioritizes the development of a robust service and maintenance department. “No one can put on a perfect roof. The thing that gets us started in business are those small jobs that can help us build the trust and the relationships with those customers going forward.” 

Chris, with over 30 years of experience in the industry, agreed with Tracey's approach. “If you're putting on new roofs, you're going to have to service your own roof, so you have to be efficient and have a group that's able to handle those,” he said. “A maintenance program builds your company out, balances it out.”  

According to Chris, simply having a service crew isn’t enough. You also have to know how to sell it as part of your business offerings. “When you’re selling maintenance to building owners, it can sound like something they don’t really need,” he said. “If you frame it as more of an asset protection program, it sets a whole new table. It’s more meaningful to a building owner.” 

Tracey echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of clarity when communicating maintenance programs with building owners. “If you’re going to go out there and sell your services, you have to know what you’re going to offer,” he said. Tracey noted that many contractors confuse inspections with true preventive maintenance. “Preventive maintenance actually has some maintenance, whether it’s cleaning the debris, clearing gutters, making some minor repairs.” 

Listen to the podcast or Watch the webinar to learn more about how dedicated maintenance programs create repeat business, reduce costs for building owners and scale your business. 

By Emma Peterson. 

CRCA is hosting an all-day event celebrating and uplifting Chicagoland Women in Roofing!  

The Chicago Roofing Contractors Association (CRCA) was the first roofing contractor association formed in the U.S. with roots dating back to the 1870s. Originally created as an effort to rebuild the city in the aftermath of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, the CRCA has continued to operate, switching their focus to “unite those engaged in the roofing and waterproofing industry in Illinois and beyond.” 

To achieve this mission, they have created a suite of education programs, informational resources and networking opportunities designed to elevate their members’ careers and improve the overall roofing industry. A great example of this is their upcoming event, Women Raising the Roofs: Chicago Style!  

Planned for Thursday, March 5, 2026, in Oak Brook, Illinois, this event is run by one of the CRCA’s committees – Chicagoland Women in Roofing (CWIR) – and promises a full day of education, networking and empowerment! The day kicks off at 8:30 a.m. CT with a keynote breakfast. Sponsored by the National Women in Roofing (NWIR) Northern Illinois Council, this keynote will focus on navigating recognition and self-advocacy in a professional setting.  

Then, at 9:45 a.m., there will be a variety of hands-on learning opportunities for attendees thanks to sponsors KARNAK Corporation, Raincoat Roofing, TORI Construction LLC and York Flashings! These include:  

• Harness and rope safety 
• Building enclosure: roof-to-wall transitions 
• Roof types and components 
• Ladder safety 

After a break for lunch, the day continues with an empowerment activity (at 12:45 p.m.), an expert panel discussion (1:30 p.m.) and a raffle (2:30 p.m.). Closing out the event is a networking cocktail party sponsored by GAF and the M. W. Powell Company. Registration is only $40 for CRCA members and $60 for non-members.  

Get registered for CRCA’s CWIR for Women Raising the Roofs: Chicago Style!

By Dani Sheehan. 

Get the same trusted silicone formula, just packaged to help reduce waste, improve crew productivity and simplify everyday roof repair work. 

Crews don’t want to wrestle with oversized buckets for small repairs, waste material at the end of the day or slow down production with unnecessary cleanup. So, KARNAK is making roof maintenance more efficient with new packaging options for 671 Karna-Seal to give you more control over how you use this trusted repair sealant.  

Known for its single-component, moisture-curing, 100% silicone formulation, 671 Karna-Seal delivers excellent UV resistance, flexibility and tensile strength while resisting weathering, chalking, cracking and hardening. Now, it’s available in two-liter pouches and 10.1-ounce caulk tubes, in addition to traditional 2.5-gallon buckets. 

Why packaging matters 

Buckets still have their place on larger projects but for targeted repairs, punch-list items and routine maintenance, smaller packaging can make a big difference. With pouches and caulk tubes, contractors can: 

• Reduce material waste by using only what’s needed for the repair 
• Save time with faster setup, application and cleanup 
• Lower labor costs by keeping crews moving efficiently 
• Improve jobsite cleanliness with fewer spills and less leftover product 

Designed for targeted repairs and maintenance 

The new packaging options make 671 Karna-Seal especially well-suited for: 

• Flashing and detail work 
• Small leaks and emergency repairs 
• Routine maintenance programs 
• Touch-ups between larger restoration phases 

The 10.1-ounce caulk tubes are ideal for quick, precise applications using standard caulking guns, while the two-liter pouches offer higher output without committing to a full bucket. Both formats are easier to handle on ladders, lifts and rooftops. 

Pouches and tubes also help extend the usable shelf life after opening, minimize partially used containers and reduce disposal costs and product loss. 

Try it on the jobsite 

KARNAK is giving contractors a hands-on way to experience the efficiency of its updated 671 Karna-Seal packaging. As part of a limited giveaway, you can receive a free 10.1-ounce caulk tube of 671 Karna-Seal and see firsthand how the smaller format, cleaner repairs on real jobsites. 

Smarter packaging. Same proven performance. Built for the way contractors work today. Claim your free tube and learn more about 671 Karna-Seal!