If you own a commercial building or a home with a low-sloped or flat roof in Michigan, chances are you’ve heard about TPO roofing. You may even be gazing up at your TPO roof after a wild winter of snow pile-ups and freeze-thaw cycles, wondering if that sleek TPO roof you chose is holding strong.
Known for its affordability, energy efficiency, and durability, TPO, or thermoplastic polyolefin, has become a rock-star material for low-sloped and flat roofs. But even the best materials have their quirks, and if you’re not in the know, issues like seam splits or ponding water can sneak up on you. Even with its advantages, TPO comes with its challenges. From seam failures to UV damage, small issues can quickly escalate into costly repairs if left unchecked.
The good news? With the right knowledge and maintenance strategies, you can keep your TPO roof performing at its best for years to come. In this article, you’ll learn about TPO, what it is, why it’s a smart pick, and common problems to watch for. Most importantly, you’ll learn our pro tips to dodge problems or fix them fast. By the end of this article, you’ll have the insider knowledge to keep your TPO roof performing at its peak for years to come, no matter what Mother Nature has in store for it.
What is TPO, and Why Is It Used?
Thermoplastic polyolefin, more commonly known as TPO, is a single-layered, white, synthetic membrane used to cover flat or low-sloped commercial and residential buildings.
TPO roofing is designed with many key features to enhance its performance. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of TPO:
- TPO roofing has a reflective white surface that cuts cooling costs in the summer by reflecting heat and increasing the structure’s energy efficiency.
- TPO is a flexible and durable material.
- With heat-welded seams and watertight seals, TPO offers a waterproof covering for low-sloped and flat roofs.
TPO is an ideal choice for Michigan’s commercial buildings and homes that have flat or low-sloped roofs, as you see in some more modern home designs. It is not only energy efficient, durable, and weather resistant, but it is also easy to install and cost-effective compared to some of the alternative materials on the market.
For the above reasons, and others like TPO’s eco-friendly ability to be recycled and its versatility, TPO is a roofing material worth maintaining.
Common TPO Roofing Problems to Watch For
While TPO remains a popular and reliable roofing material, no material is without its flaws. Here’s what Michigan property owners should keep an eye on and the risks if left unchecked:
Punctures and Tears: While durable, TPO is not indestructible. It can be susceptible to punctures and tears from things like falling branches and debris or even from foot traffic during maintenance.
Risks: TPO punctures and tears can lead to leaks, insulation damage, and more.
UV Damage and Weathering: Being a structure’s first line of defense, the roof gets full exposure to everything the elements throw our way. Prolonged sun exposure can cause the membrane to become brittle and crack, especially if it’s an older or lower-quality TPO formulation, increasing the likelihood of occurrence.
Risks: UV damage and surface cracking lead to the breakdown of TPO material and, therefore, complete failure as a protective membrane.
Seam Failures: The heat-welded seams of TPO can weaken over time due to UV exposure, thermal expansion, and poor installation.
Risks: No matter the reason for seam failure, it can lead to leaking, which poses many secondary risks to your property but also reduces the lifespan of your roof.
Ponding or Pooling: Sagging roofs and poor drainage can cause water to pool or form a pond on flat or low-sloped roofs. Michigan’s heavy snow and rain can lead to ponding.
Risks: Standing water can strain TPO and degrade the seams over time if the drainage is poor, leading to failure and structural damage.
Peeling or Bubbling: Peeling or bubbling usually indicates poor adhesion, trapped moisture, or improper installation.
Risks: If left unaddressed, it can lead to leaks, reduced energy efficiency, and premature roof failure.
All of these challenges are manageable and certainly not deal breakers when it comes to TPO as a reliable roofing material choice.
How to Solve or Completely Avoid TPO Problems
Armed with awareness and the following strategies, property owners can make sure their TPO roofs thrive in Michigan’s tough climate. Making sure to inspect TPO roofs seasonally and after large storms is a way to catch and manage issues early and avoid the complete failure of the TPO.
Punctures and Tears
Solve: For small holes, TPO patch kits are available for minor repairs; larger tears must be completely replaced with matching material.
Avoid: To avoid punctures and tears, avoid foot traffic and only use walkways for maintenance. Keep tree branches trimmed and the roof clear of overhanging branches. Clean debris promptly after a storm.
UV Damage and Weathering
Solve: A UV protective coating is an affordable and effective product that can be purchased and applied to the TPO membrane, extending its life.
Avoid: While there is no real way to avoid UV damage and weathering over time, using TPO that is thicker and of higher quality with UV-resistant coatings can extend its life. Having annual inspections can also help avoid weathering and UV damage by recognizing the signs early and implementing protective strategies.
Seam Failures
Solve: TPO-specific repair tape can be used on small seam splits, but larger failures require professional roofing help to re-weld the affected seams.
Avoid: Hiring a local professional in your area, like a roofing contractor in Ludington if that’s where you live, for proper heat-welding can help avoid any seam failures or any other implications that can arise from poor installation.
Ponding or Pooling
Solve: As soon as you notice pooling or a pond on your roof, consulting a professional is strongly encouraged. Tapered insulation can be added to redirect water, or additional drains can be installed.
Avoid: Scheduling regular cleaning of the roof, drains, and gutters and keeping them free from debris keeps water flowing freely off and away from the roof. Ensuring a slight slope to the drains during installation will also avoid pond formation on the roof.
Peeling or Bubbling
Solve: After identifying these issues on your TPO roof, the damaged sections must be removed, properly re-applied, and heat-welded together to make a secure, watertight bond. This issue will most likely again require a professional roofing contractor.
Avoid: To avoid peeling or bubbling, hire a professional who can guarantee proper installation and expertly heat-welded seams, guarantee good drainage, and provide regularly scheduled inspections to catch the early signs of adhesion issues.
Professional installation and regular maintenance can catch any of these problems before they balloon into much larger, more costly problems.
TPO roofing is a strong, cost-effective, and energy-efficient choice for commercial buildings and homes with low-sloped or flat roofs. However, like any roofing material, it demands vigilance and care to avoid pitfalls like seam failures, ponding water, or UV damage. By staying proactive and scheduling regular inspections, tackling small issues promptly with the right fixes, and investing in quality installation from the start, you can ensure your TPO roof stands strong against Michigan’s harsh winters and blazing summers. Armed with these insights and strategies, you are now well-equipped to protect your property and enjoy the long-lasting benefits of TPO roofing for decades to come.
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