Repairing and Restoring TPO Roofs

TPO roofs can lose as much as 20-30% of their reflectivity in the first three years, leading to deterioration and leaks.

Many building owners who choose TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) roofing systems for their reflectivity are dismayed to learn that the reflectivity dramatically decreases over time. UV rays from the sun cause the material to break down and deteriorate. Many of the TPO and PVC brands on the market experience a reduction in solar reflectance by as much as 20-30% in the first three years.

Because of the reduction of solar reflectance, the material becomes vulnerable to excessive exposure to UV rays and the overall lifecycle is decreased. As water ponds on the roof, the seams of the membrane may begin to separate, allowing water to infiltrate the system, traveling under the membrane until it finds a loose fastener that will allow it to seep into the building. Many of the membrane manufacturers’ warranties do not cover leaks caused by ponding water.

In comparison, the monolithic, elastomeric SureCoat Roof System will maintain 80% reflectivity at the end of three years with a 93% thermal emittance. This helps keep the space under the roof cooler and reduces the demand on the building’s HVAC system. The SureCoat System can be installed over TPO because it is made with high-end epoxy resins that bond to many different substrates, including TPO. SureSkrub, a biodegradable cleaner, must be applied first to remove the glaze that results from UV rays, dirt and pollution. It also etches the surface to ensure a proper adhesion.

Building owners will be happy to know that the SureCoat Roof System, when installed according to specifications, offers a warranty that covers ponding water on a flat roof. Using the system also reduces the impact on the environment since no existing materials need to be removed and sent to a landfill.

To learn more about using SureCoat Roof Systems over TPO visit www.surecoatsystems.com.