The restoration advantage: How manufacturers help contractors succeed

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.