Ask most East Kootenay homeowners what their options are for an aging roof and you'll hear two: patch it, or replace it. There's a third one in between that rarely gets mentioned, and for a lot of roofs around here it's the one that makes the most sense.
Repair, Restore, or Replace
- Repair fixes a specific problem: a few missing shingles, a leak around a vent, damaged flashing.
- Restoration treats the whole roof to extend the life of shingles that are aging but still sound.
- Replacement is a full tear-off and new roof, for a roof that has actually failed.
You'll also hear the word "rejuvenation." The two get used interchangeably: restoration is the result, and rejuvenation is how you get there. As asphalt shingles age, they lose the oils that keep them flexible and water resistant. Rejuvenation puts that flexibility back.
How It Works
- Assessment. We confirm the roof is actually a candidate. Not every roof is, and we'll tell you if yours isn't.
- Prep. Any cleaning and minor repairs are looked after first.
- Treatment. The Gonano nano-silica treatment is applied in a single visit. It bonds with the shingle at the molecular level instead of sitting on top like a coating.
- Warranty. The work is backed by a transferable, non-prorated manufacturer warranty of up to 20 years.
No tear-off, no bins in the driveway, and no truckloads of old shingles headed to the landfill.
Is Your Roof a Candidate?
Condition matters more than age. A well-kept older roof can be a great candidate, while a neglected younger one may not be.
- Good candidates: roofs that are aging but structurally sound. Think granule loss, fading, or shingles getting stiff, with no active leaks and solid decking underneath.
- Not candidates: roofs with active leaks, rotted decking, or widespread missing shingles. Those need repair or replacement, and we work with a local roofing partner for exactly that.
What It Costs
A full roof replacement easily runs into the tens of thousands once you add up materials, labour, tear-off, disposal, and any surprises hiding in the decking. Restoration skips most of that, so it comes in at a fraction of the price. Every roof is different, which is why we quote after an assessment, and financing is available if you'd rather spread it out. For real numbers, see what roof rejuvenation costs.
What to Ask Any Restoration Provider
Not all roof treatments are equal. Whoever you talk to, ask about these four things:
- Independent testing. Has the product been tested to recognized standards for impact, wind, and fire, by someone other than the company selling it?
- A warranty you can actually read. How long is it, is it prorated, does it transfer to the next owner, and does it depend on paying for reapplications?
- Certified application. Is the person on your roof trained and certified by the manufacturer?
- An honest assessment. Will they tell you when your roof isn't a candidate?
We're a certified Gonano contractor, and Gonano's treatment carries top-tier independent ratings for impact, wind, and fire. Their guide, linked below, lays out the testing in detail.
The Bottom Line
If your roof is aging but still sound, restoration can add years to its life for far less than a new roof. The first step is finding out which category your roof is in. We offer free roof assessments across the East Kootenay, and with winter on the way, now is a good time to find out where your roof stands and plan ahead for spring.
Want the Full Guide?
This is the short, local version. For the complete guide, including the independent test results behind the treatment, read Gonano's article: Roof Restoration in 2026: A Complete Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is roof restoration?
Roof restoration returns an aging roof to sound working condition without replacing it. On asphalt shingles that means a rejuvenation treatment that restores the flexibility and water resistance the shingles have lost with age.
Is roof restoration the same as roof rejuvenation?
They are closely related and the terms get used interchangeably. Restoration is the result, and rejuvenation is the method used to get there.
Is my roof a candidate for restoration?
Good candidates are asphalt shingle roofs that are aging but structurally sound: some granule loss, fading or stiffening, but no active leaks and solid decking underneath. Roofs with active leaks, rotted decking or widespread missing shingles need repair or replacement instead. Condition matters more than age.
How much does roof restoration cost in the East Kootenay?
Restoration costs a fraction of a full replacement because there is no tear-off, disposal or new roofing material. Every roof is different, so Key City Surface Solutions quotes after a free assessment, and financing is available.
What warranty comes with roof restoration?
The Gonano treatment Key City applies is backed by a transferable, non-prorated manufacturer warranty of up to 20 years.