Are you the proud owner of a building with TPO roofing? Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) is an eco-friendly, synthetic material commonly used on commercial roofs. In fact, one of the most energy-efficient buildings in Canada, the Earth Rangers Centre in Woodbridge, Ontario, has a TPO roof. It uses 90 percent less energy than other buildings of its size, thanks to the reflective roof. TPO membranes also reflect UV radiation, so they help keep buildings cool during the hot summer months, saving you money on your cooling bill. Finally, TPO roofs are extremely durable and water-resistant, which are both huge pluses if you live in a region that experiences heavy rain or snowfall. To ensure that your roof can last for decades, it’s important that you stay on top of TPO roof maintenance.
TPO Roof Maintenance 101
TPO Cleaning
Keeping your TPO roof clean will help extend its life. Plus, a dirty TPO roof is unable to adequately reflect UV radiation. We recommend scheduling a cleaning with a professional roofing contractor. Although most commercial TPO roofs are flat, you still run the risk of falling off your building if you attempt to clean it yourself. In addition, you could accidentally damage your roof by stepping on an important piece of equipment or a weak spot.
Before the cleaning process begins, make sure to cover any nearby shrubs with a tarp to protect them from dirty runoff water (the chemicals can damage plants). Using a power washer and cleaning agent, your contractor will remove the dirt from your roof. After the cleaning, it is important to inspect the roof for damage (sometimes the pressure from the power washer or footsteps can cause issues).
TPO Inspections
Although it’s common to contact a roofer after you begin experiencing a problem with your roof, we highly encourage you to make roof inspections a part of your building’s annual maintenance routine so that you can catch problems before they occur or soon after. Some issues are easier to spot than others, which is why it’s important to have a roofing specialist evaluate your roof for signs of damage and other potential problems. TPO roof maintenance inspections provide all of the following benefits:
- Catch and prevent potential problems before they occur
- Nip problems in the bud, before they’ve escalated
- Avoid serious and costly repairs
- Prevent side effects of roofing issues, like water damage
TPO Repairs
Spotted a problem on your roof? Or perhaps your annual inspection revealed an issue? Contact a trusted roofing professional to fix the problem. A successful TPO repair typically requires specialized equipment and proper heat, speed, and pressure. The most common issue that arises with TPO roofs is small punctures in the material, which can easily be mended by a professional through heat welding. Keep in mind that the roof’s surface be thoroughly cleaned before it is repaired. If it’s not free of dust, dirt, and other contaminants, the existing membrane won’t accept the repair.
Because TPO is a relatively new roofing material, some roofing companies don’t have the expertise or experience to repair it properly, and they could make a mistake or overlook a problem that costs you in the end. For this reason, it’s important to find a roofer who truly understands TPO. In addition, before you partner with a contractor, check your roof’s warranty. You’ll need to make sure you’re going with a warranty-approved contractor, so your best bet is to stick with the same contractor who applied your roof.
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As a responsible business owner, you need to know the ins and outs of TPO roof maintenance. If you live in southwest Missouri, contact Taylor-Made Roofing for help. With over 20 years of experience in residential and commercial roofing, Taylor-Made Roofing is a company that you can trust with all of your roofing needs. Our family-owned business offers quality services, a reassuring warranty, and free estimates. For more information, please give us a call at 417-326-8778 or contact us online. We look forward to hearing from you!