Did you know that commercial building roofs are often covered in a thin white membrane? This material—known as thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO)—makes the building more energy-efficient by reflecting heat. It’s also resistant to chemical exposure as well as bacteria, debris, and algae! But what does the process of installing TPO roofing look like?

Here are the steps roofing contractors take to install TPO roofing.

Step 1: Prepare the Roofing Substrate

Imagine sticking a piece of tape on a dusty surface. Chances are it won’t stick properly! TPO roofing works the same way. If the roof isn’t cleaned properly, the TPO won’t stick. Therefore, it’s vital for roofing contractors to prepare the roofing substrate by cleaning it and/or removing any existing roof coverings.

Step 2: Confirm the Type of TPO with the Building Owner

Did you know different types of TPO roofing offer different benefits? For instance, Polyiso is the most expensive type of TPO roofing and offers insulation due to its higher R-value. On the other hand, expanded polystyrene (EPS) and extruded polystyrene (XPS) are more cost-effective but offer weaker insulation to the building underneath.

Ultimately, the choice depends on the building owner—which is why roofing contractors liaise with them before installing TPO roofing.

Step 3: Attach the TPO

Once the building owner has confirmed the type of TPO roofing, roofing contractors attach one end of the material to the roof using an adhesive. It’s common for a rubber-based adhesive with fillers to be used as it provides one of the strongest bonds of any adhesive. Alternatively, non-permanent fasteners like screws or permanent fasteners like snap-fits can be used. This is known as mechanical fastening.

Roofing contractors typically attach one end of the TPO roofing first before attaching the rest of it as it’s unrolled.

Step 4: Weld the Seams

The final step is to weld the seams of the TPO roofing. This is normally done using a hot air gun and a seam welding roller. The roofing contractors place the seam roller perpendicular to the heat gun and slowly work their way across the seams applying steady pressure and even heat.

It’s also common for roofing contractors to use a hot-air seam welding machine that’s designed to apply heat and even pressure simultaneously.

Thinking of getting TPO roofing for your property in Pensacola FL? Why not hire one of the best roofers in the city! Our team of roofing contractors at Certified Pro Roofing has over 33 years of roof installation experience installing all kinds of roofs, including TPO roofs. We also provide comprehensive roof inspection services to check for signs of damage like buckling shingles or leaks and cracks.

If we think you require a roof repair, we’ll advise you of the best ways to make your roof last.