
How to Repair TPO?
- Early Detection is a Big Help. Look for early signs of deterioration. Regular maintenance should be calendared...
- Carefully Choose Roof Contractors. There are things that should be left to the professionals, and this is the time...
- Preparation is a Time Tested Technique to Finish the Job. To do repair, specific preparation for operation is...
What are some common TPO roofing problems?
- Roofing substrate poorly prepared
- The roof slope is too low, resulting in pooling water or poor runoff. (which degrades materials faster)
- Improperly installed insulation, resulting in bulges
- Seam separation/failure from improper welding, allowing water penetration
- Torn membrane or punctures from debris striking the roof
How to do your own roof repair?
- Dig out any cracked or dry caulking that isn’t properly sealing adjoining surfaces and replace with silicone caulk.
- Replace any missing or rotted siding above the step flashing on dormers.
- Recaulk the corner flashing if any areas have hardened caulk.
How to install TPO?
- Mechanically Attached – secured using special screws and plates.
- Ballasted – (See Built-Up Roof Style Options)
- Fully Adhered – It can be adhered to the roof using a liquid adhesive, tar mopping, or by a fleecedBacked system with a 2-part foam.
How to clean TPO membrane?
- Protecting low curbs, base flashings and other points where water could enter
- Using a low-pressure washer to clean and rinse dust and dirt
- Using a soft-bristled brush or floor broom as well as a cleaning solution composed of water and a mild, non-abrasive detergent for cleaning the surface of the roof membrane

How do you repair a TPO roof tear?
0:113:36Fixing A Hole In A TPO RV Roof With A Rubber Patch - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipEven a bubble coming up in into this rubber. And TPO membrane you really need to take care of itMoreEven a bubble coming up in into this rubber. And TPO membrane you really need to take care of it it's just a rubber the old style that's just like this.
How do you seal a TPO roof leak?
1:034:09Jacksonville Commercial Roofing - Leak Repair on a TPO RoofYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHe will take solvent cleaner and he will clean the patch thoroughly. And then he'll Center the patchMoreHe will take solvent cleaner and he will clean the patch thoroughly. And then he'll Center the patch over. The area that was not welded properly upon installation.
What is the life expectancy of a TPO roof?
What is the life expectancy of a TPO roof? A thermoplastic Olefin (TPO) roof typically lasts as little as 22 years and up to a maximum of about 30 years. The two thermoplastic layers are adhered to a polyester scrim for reinforcement, becoming a single ply to protect your roof.
Can you glue TPO on top of TPO?
A TPO roof can be installed fully-adhered, mechanically-attached or ballasted. When the TPO roof is fully adhered it means that the membrane was glued to the substrate using a special strong adhesive that creates a chemical bond with the TPO.
How do you heat weld a TPO roof?
1:436:41Basic TPO Hand Welding Techniques | Roofing it Right with Dave & Wally ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe more you raise your gun you're gonna do a couple things you're gonna blow that heat straightMoreThe more you raise your gun you're gonna do a couple things you're gonna blow that heat straight down rather than into the weld and you're probably gonna cause more wrinkles.
Does TPO leak?
TPO Roofing Over time, the seams lose their ability to expand and contract with the rest of the roof causing rips and tears, eventually leading to a leaking roof - prompting building owners to look for a cost-effective solution.
Can you walk on a TPO roof?
Flat Roof Surfaces You Can Walk On Whether its BUR (Built-up Roofing), TPO (Thermoplastic polyolefin), Modified Bitumen, or Single Ply Roofing, your roofing professional can apply the right waterproofing membrane to make it possible to walk on.
What goes under a TPO roof?
Underlayment. Sometimes an underlayment is needed under the insulation layer. The underlayment is normally a 5/8" gypsum board and is typically installed when an improved fire resistive rating is required or to create a solid substrate on top of a fluted metal deck.
Is TPO better than PVC?
TPO presents superior results for tear and break strengths, while PVC outperforms in chemical resistance, fire resistance, and overall cost. Restaurants or buildings with grease traps on the roof would be better served by a PVC roofing system.
Can you glue TPO seams together?
0:553:58TPO: Fully Adhered Systems - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAll adhesives approved for fully adhered standard tpo systems are contact adhesives contactMoreAll adhesives approved for fully adhered standard tpo systems are contact adhesives contact adhesives are applied to both the substrate. And the back of the membrane.
Can you paint a TPO roof?
Then, based on recommendations from a national coating and paint company in Canada, the best paint to use to paint a TPO roof is elastomeric paint. If you use a good quality elastomeric paint, then that will eliminate the need to use a surface primer first.
Can you Weld TPO to EPDM?
Yes. Recovering with TPO is a great option for a building with an aging EPDM roofing system. It's easy. It's far less costly and disruptive than a full tear-off.
What is a TPO roof?
This is especially true for a TPO RV roof, which is that thin skin of rubber material that lines the roof of your rig. It’s prone to cuts, rips and holes from any number of sources, including folded TV antennae and debris.
Does Dicor cover RV antenna holes?
Dicor makes a great kit that Dave always recommends. In this case, the RV’s TV antenna has worn small holes into the TPO RV roof, so to avoid bubbling under the membrane from rain and sun damage, Dave uses these rubber patches to cover the holes and keep the roofline watertight. Prior to completing the patch, it’s extremely important ...
1. Early Detection is a Big Help
Look for early signs of deterioration. Regular maintenance should be calendared consistently to check the status of your roof and secure the structure. This is the best way of maintaining and keeping up your roof in its best shape. Even TPO is well known for its long lasting service. It may need a periodic patching.
2. Carefully Choose Roof Contractors
There are things that should be left to the professionals, and this is the time that you need one. Do a careful background research before hiring one. This will prevent further damage to your building. Look for a team that delivers impeccable roofing solutions in a timely manner.
3. Preparation is a Time Tested Technique to Finish the Job
To do repair, specific preparation for operation is needed to guarantee the compatibility of the raw materials that will be introduced. A concerted effort from the very first day of the repair down to the sealing of the same is important in carrying a job well done.
4. Materials
Materials should be of high quality, within their shelf life, and capable of being used to its intended purpose. Always bear in mind that using high standard materials is a smart move to save money and your precious time. There are numerous home depots to visit and make a comparison with the available resources in your place.
What is an elastomeric roof coating system?
The easiest way to explain is that elastomeric coating systems are basically a very thick coating that gets rolled or sprayed onto an existing roof system.
What colors do roof coatings come in?
Roof coatings come in any color you want. Here’s a photo of Colonnade Towers in Birmingham, Alabama:
What is the process for getting a coating system installed over a TPO roof?
The first step is a pre-job inspection. This is to make sure the TPO roof is a good candidate for a coating system. To be eligible, three things must happen:
How much do roof coating systems cost?
As of Summer 2021, the cost was around $2 to $4 per square foot. But recently, due to product and labor shortages, and logistic delays, the cost is around double.
Besides reducing reflectivity, what other benefits do coating systems have?
There are many benefits that a roof coating system can offer a building owner.
5 Common TPO Roofing Problems
TPO roofing systems are relatively young in roofing technology. It’s a new roofing system that’s still trying to figure out the best chemical formula.
Alternatives to TPO Roofing Material
Are you looking for other alternatives due to TPO roofing problems? Here are other flat roof systems you might want to consider:
Roof Maintenance
Cleaning and repair bills are part of your contractor’s general maintenance. Schedule an appointment with them before the warranty expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
It lasts between 10 and 20 years with the right installation and proper maintenance.
Conclusion
TPO roofing problems are due to poor installation, materials, or maintenance.
