TPO is the short form for Thermoplastic Polyolefin, a new type of single-ply roofing system that has gained popularity in the last decade. TPOs have become a common choice for most people because they are incredibly durable and are highly resistant to wear and tear and chemicals. Additionally, they are easy to install, reflect harsh UV rays, and are affordable by the square foot compared with other single-ply systems such as PVC.
Although they are cost-effective and energy-efficient, TPOs also degrade and lose their integrity when exposed to environmental conditions over a long time. Eventually, any TPO roofing system will start showing signs of damage and will need repair. The question is, how do you perform repairs on TPO? This piece will look at how property managers, homeowners, and contractors can repair a TPO roofing system.
Pinpoint Exactly where the Damage Is
If there are some signs of leakages in your property, this may indicate TPO roof damage. However, any other damages may not be visible until you conduct a thorough check. And since you may not have the necessary skills and expertise to inspect your TPO roof for damages, it is prudent to ask for a professional roof inspection. Certified and qualified inspectors will check the roof’s exact condition and tell you whether you need to make repairs.
Prepare Your TPO Roofing System for Repairs
Once you discover that the roof is damaged, the first thing you should do is to prepare the TPO roof surface for repairs. This step involves cleaning the surface using various TPO cleaning products. This ensures that you get rid of contaminants, dirt, debris, and grime, impacting the adherence of the materials used in repairs to the TPO substrate. It’s crucial to make sure the TPO roof surface is sparkless before you make any repairs.
Patch Simple Punctures
If you discover that your TPO has cracks and punctures, you can make patches since this type of single-ply roofing system is heat weldable. However, this is not a simple activity that you can DIY. It requires some pretty sophisticated equipment and technical know-how. Mistakes can cause long-term damage to your roof and may cause injury to yourself or others, therefore this is a job best left to a professional.
Use a Roof Seal Repair Tape
Currently, you can also find roof seal tapes being sold in local stores and online. You can use this tape to seal any damaged parts of your TPO roof. However, you need to preheat the seal tape to room temperature if the weather is cold. Additionally, you also need to warm the part being repaired and roll in the seal tape aggressively as you continue to apply some heat.
Warranty
Although you may be tempted to repair your TPO roof once you see some leakage, doing so may end up ruining your day and your warranty too. The manufacturer must approve repairs before you begin construction, or your roof warranty may be voided. Therefore, you must contact the manufacturer or supplier and inform them of any impending repairs. They can advise you whether these repairs can be included in the scope of the coverage. Experts reiterate that the only way to make sure that your warranty stands is by limiting your repairs to simple things.
Installing Roof Coating Over TPO
Another method that most people use to repair degraded TPO roofs is to cover them with a coating like acrylic or asphalt emulsion. You’ll need to talk to your contractor to learn whether the coatings will adhere to the TPO substrate without the need for a TPO primer or not. How you install the coat will depend on the condition of the roof. If the TPO is peeling off due to burnout, it may need more coating than if it’s just discolored.