Reimagined roof repair packaging

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.