Does your commercial building’s TPO roof need repair? As Atlanta’s trusted roofing experts, RST Roofing and Renovations, LLC understands the complexities of TPO roofing systems.
Whether you’re dealing with seam failure or an old, deteriorating membrane, we will help you understand common TPO roof problems and their professional solutions in this article.
The Common Problems With TPO Roofs And How To Fix Them
Let’s get right into the type of problems you’ll find when it comes to a TPO roof and how you can try to fix them.
#1 Seam Failures And Separation
One of the most common critical issues with TPO roofing systems occurs at the seams.
The roofing membrane typically has heat-welded seams or adhesive-bonded joints that may separate over time due to thermal stress, improper installation, or aging.
When seams along the membrane fail, water is able to get through the roofing system, leading to extensive damage and expensive repairs.
How To Fix Seam Failures And Separation Along TPO Roofs
The professional repair process begins with a thorough seam inspection to identify any areas that are contributing to the problem. Then, the seams are repaired using professional heat welding equipment,
While TPO roof repair tape might seem like a quick fix, heat-welded repairs provide superior longevity and reliability, which ensures proper temperature and pressure for lasting bonds.
#2 Membrane Shrinkage And Pulling
TPO membranes naturally expand and contract with temperature changes, but as time goes on, these fluctuations cause the material to shrink and pull away from walls, flashing, and other roofing components.
This shrinkage stresses the entire roofing system and can create gaps as the membrane pulls away, allowing water infiltration to occur.
How To Repair Membrane Shrinkage In TPO Roofs
For punctures and tears, we use new membrane materials to create waterproof patches, or replace the entire membrane if more than half of the roof is suffering from damage.
Our professional roofers carefully clean the repair area, apply the proper primers, and heat-weld new material down in order to create seamless repairs that restore your roof’s integrity.
#3 Punctures, Tears, And Physical Damage
Your TPO roof faces constant exposure to the weather and foot traffic, which creates punctures and tears in the membrane. Even small forms of damage can compromise your roof’s waterproof capabilities and require immediate TPO roof repair.
How Do You Repair Punctures, Tears, & Physical Damage To TPO Roofs?
For small punctures or tears, we recommend patching the area in order to preserve the overall roof. The repair process includes cleaning the damaged area thoroughly and finding a compatible patching material and adhesive to make the repairs.
For larger forms of damage, a more extensive repair may be necessary, potentially involving membrane replacement.
#4 Weathering And UV Degradation
While TPO is designed to withstand UV exposure, prolonged sun exposure can eventually cause the material to break down over the years.
This weathering process can make the membrane brittle, reduce its flexibility, and compromise its protective properties.
How To Fix UV And Weather Damage In TPO Roofs
For roofs showing signs of UV degradation, we can apply specialized coatings that protect the TPO material and extend the membrane’s lifespan.
These coatings provide additional UV resistance and help maintain your roof’s reflective properties.
#5 Standing Water And Drainage Issues
Ponding or standing water that remains on your roof for more than 48 hours becomes a large threat to TPO roofing systems.
This standing water weakens adhesive, stresses the membrane’s seams, and accelerates deterioration. Poor drainage often results from improper slope design or clogged drainage systems.
How To Fix Drainage Issues On TPO Roofs
To address issues of ponding water, we conduct comprehensive inspections of your drainage system in order to find the problem. Once the problem is identified we’ll use a variety of solutions, including installing additional drains, adjusting existing drainage paths, or modifying the roof’s slope.
These improvements ensure proper water management and protect your TPO roofing system and the money you invested in it.
#6 Installation-Related Problems
Many problems with TPO roofs stem from poor installation practices. Using the wrong temperatures for heat welding, improper membrane attachment, and failure to prepare the roof’s surface properly can all lead to premature failure that requires professional TPO roof repair.
How To Repair Installation-Related Problems In TPO Roofs
When we encounter installation-related issues, our experienced team installs the roofing membrane properly and reinforces weak areas that may have been damaged by an unsuccessful installation.
Afterward, we thoroughly check that every part is installed in a way that meets the manufacturer’s specifications. This attention to detail prevents future problems and extends your roof’s service life.
#7 Material Aging And Deterioration
As your TPO roof ages, it becomes slightly more susceptible to various problems. The membrane may become less flexible, more prone to cracking, and less resistant to environmental stresses.
How To Fix Material Aging & Deterioration In TPO Roofs
To address aging issues, we apply specialized coatings that help restore the TPO membrane as close to its original condition. These coatings not only rejuvenate the surface, they also enhance UV resistance and flexibility.
How Much Does It Cost To Repair A TPO Roof?
Now that you know more about the most common issues that a TPO roof has to deal with, you’re more likely to find problems with your own roof, requiring you to repair it. This may make you wonder how much it costs to repair TPO roofing membranes.
However, there is not a singular number that can be given, since the exact cost of a TPO roof repair also varies depending on the problem you have spotted.
For example, minor repairs requiring a TPO roof repair kit generally range from $500 to $1,000 at a base level, while major seam repairs or replacements might reach higher than $3,000.
When Should You Consider A Complete TPO Roof Replacement Rather Than A Simple Repair?
Sometimes, repair may not be the most cost-effective solution. Consider a full replacement if:
👉 Your TPO roof is approaching or exceeding a 20 to 25-year lifespan
👉 Repair costs would exceed 25% of the replacement cost
👉 Multiple problems are occurring simultaneously
👉 Underlying insulation or decking shows significant damage
👉 Energy efficiency has notably declined
Schedule Your Free Roof Inspection In Georgia Today!
At RST Roofing and Renovations, LLC, we are committed to providing professional roofing services in Atlanta and the surrounding areas in Georgia, including Decatur, Doraville, Chamblee, and more.
Whether your roofs need minor repairs or a complete replacement, our professionals can do it all for you. You won’t have to worry about budgeting either, as we partner with reliable financing partners so that you can pay for your new roof with ease.
To schedule a free roof inspection, or for a no-pressure discussion with our roofers, feel free to call us today at (404) 548-8901.
