Transforming aging roof systems one coating at a time

By KARNAK Corp.

Unlock the potential of your roof and explore the power of single-ply roof restoration.

In a world where roof failure can spell disaster for businesses, the technology behind single-ply roofing restoration is offering a lifeline. Whether your roof is facing the wear of time or the assault of the elements, today’s restoration solutions go beyond just fixing leaks — they’re designed to extend your roof’s life, enhance performance and save you money. Explore the game-changing innovations that can transform aging roof systems and discover why KARNAK Corp is leading the way with advanced coating technologies.

Opportunities abound

Since their U.S. debut in the 1970s, thermoplastic and thermoset single-ply roof membranes have become a popular choice, valued for their ease of installation and reliable performance in diverse climates. The thermoplastic category, largely composed of highly reflective white membranes such as Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), has seen substantial growth in the past decade, solidifying its place as a market leader. Meanwhile, thermoset options, like Ethylene-Propylene-Diene-Monomer (EPDM), offer durable performance, commonly in black but occasionally available in white for increased reflectivity. As these roofing materials age, they present a significant opportunity for contractors to extend their service life through effective repair, coating and restoration strategies, addressing both structural needs and environmental concerns.   

After years of service protecting the interior of the building, many single-ply roof membranes can experience surface deterioration and issues at seams and penetrations related to weather exposure. These conditions left unchecked will ultimately lead to total roof failure. However, with a proactive roof maintenance program that includes annual roof inspections, repairs and restoration, these roofing systems’ service life can be extended for many, many years. For more information on the benefits of roof restoration systems, see our Technical Bulletins & Blog titled “Why Repair & Restore?”

‍Coating restoration systems - What about the benefits?

KARNAK – The leader in single-ply restoration technologies

Few manufacturers can boast they have three different system technologies for restoring TPO, PVC and EPDM. KARNAK offers Acrylic, SEBS Thermoplastic Rubber and Silicone coating restoration systems. Acrylic systems are composed of specialty polymers offering durability and highly reflectivity at an effective cost. These coatings are water-based. SEBS Thermoplastic systems are manufactured with rubber compounds that are strong, flexible with excellent heat and UV resistance. They are also highly reflective and are solvent-based. Silicone systems are single-component, moisture-cure coatings providing high reflectivity and excellent ponding water resistance.  

‍Why three options?

Because we know roof membranes differ from manufacturer to manufacturer as well as the environment roofs are in are never the same. Not all roofs are alike, so we do not take a "one product fits all" approach. Our process for recommending a coating solution starts by a consultation with KARNAK’s Technical Representative, who will ask several qualifying questions and perhaps a roof walk to conduct an adhesion test. Adhesion testing may include applying sample coating from all three technology options to determine the best system for the roof.  During the adhesion testing we also evaluate the cleaning efforts required for preparation of the roof substrate for coating.  

‍Original article and photo source: KARNAK Corp.