A new commercial TPO roof not only protects your property from the elements, but also boosts energy efficiency and delivers the low maintenance you desire. When you have a TPO roof installed, you can rest assured that it will safeguard your property from leaks, help attract new tenants, and preserve your investment.
Read on to learn the steps a roofing company will take to install your TPO commercial roof, and what to do to get ready for installation.
Installation Steps for Your Commercial TPO Roof
When it’s time to replace worn out, damaged roofing, a commercial TPO roof is a great option. Here’s why.
Thermoplastic polyolefin systems (TPO) use a single ply roofing membrane to create a watertight seal on your commercial roof. This is one of the most popular roofing options, and is easy to spot once installed, due to its distinct bright color. It is puncture resistant, tear resistant, and wind resistant, making it a practical choice for regions with high winds and harsh storms. And its UV resistance makes it the perfect solution for your low-slope commercial roofing needs.
Here’s what will happen during your roof replacement:
1. Removal or preparation of your current roof
The first step in TPO installation is: either your current roof will be removed, or the existing one will be cleaned and prepared.
2. Underlayment is placed on your roof deck
This gives your commercial property’s roof a second layer of protection from moisture intrusion.
3. A vapor barrier is applied directly on the underlayment
This prevents condensation from creating an environment for mold, mildew, or rot. Your roofer will install either a loose or fully adhered vapor barrier (made from self-adhering membranes).
4. Insulation is installed
Insulation will help keep the temperature inside your commercial building comfortable and constant, regardless of any extreme temperatures outdoors. There are three primary options when it comes to insulation, and the more you invest in it, the more you’ll save in energy costs down the road. Insulation will be attached either mechanically with metal fasteners or glued down with foam adhesives.
5. A cover board is attached
The cover board (a thin layer substrate that a roof membrane is adhered to), shields insulation and boosts your commercial roofing’s durability. It provides a solid backing for the TPO membrane and creates extra puncture resistance — bolstering your building’s protection from leaks. It safeguards your roof for years to come, particularly when people walk on your roof.
6. Adhesive is installed
An innovative process mechanically adheres TPO roofing. Specially coated RhinoBond plates are installed directly under the TPO membrane. Rather than gluing your roofing system’s components together, this electromagnetic welding process completely bonds the TPO membrane to the plates.
Next, the plates are firmly fastened to the other roofing elements and attached to the roof deck. The result is a consistent roofing system that reliably protects your commercial building. This outstanding method of adhesion delivers optimal long-term results and also speeds up the installation process!
7. Installation of the TPO membrane
TPO roofing comes in a variety of thicknesses, (with 60 mil being the most common). A trusted roofer can help you choose the appropriate thickness for your needs. It will be installed simultaneously with the adhesive.
A hot air welder turns the thermoplastic material into plastic, and once it’s pliable the membranes are rolled together to create a watertight seam. (The thermoplastic membrane becomes plastic when it is heated, and hardens when it cools.)
8. Cleanup
To protect your property, customers, employees and tenants, the roofing company will do a meticulous job cleaning up after installation.
Tips for Commercial Property Owners on TPO Roof Installation
When it comes to TPO installation, a DIY installation is not an option
As you know, when you own a business, there are always places to save on your costs. TPO roofing installation is not one of those places. When you need a new low-slope roof for your commercial property, it’s best to work with an experienced professional roofer.
If something goes wrong during a DIY roofing installation, the repairs needed could be costly and cause unnecessary distraction to your employees or tenants. Insurance is not likely to cover repairs needed after you install something as a DIY project (so don’t do it!).
TPO roofing requires specific tools and experience to install correctly
When you leave the detailed work of installation to a professional roofing company, you’ll gain all the advantages of your roof investment: energy efficiency, protection from the elements, fortification against leaks, low maintenance, and long-lasting durability.
Steps to take to prepare for a new TPO roof installation
- To enjoy the optimal outcome for your new low-slope roof, find the right roofer for your company’s needs.
- Take time to research your options.
- Take a look at online reviews (BBB, Angi, and the roofer’s website).
- Network within your business community to gain insight from verbal referrals.
- Contact at least three possibilities, and get written estimates from each of them.
- As the roofing companies visit your property, get all your questions answered.
- Sift through the bids and unique services each company has to offer.
- Schedule the installation of your new TPO roof.
- Give ample notice to your employees or tenants regarding the timing of your roof installation so they can plan ahead.
Protect Your Commercial Property with a New Roof
At Christian Brothers Roofing, as a GAF Platinum Elite commercial roofer, we’re proud to install a wide variety of GAF commercial roofing products including their TPO roofing — the perfect solution for your roofing needs.
Discover how our commercial roofing service will give you confidence in a valuable, lasting, investment-boosting commercial roof.
