As many as four major hurricanes have slammed the United States within this year alone. NOAA has carefully documented the numerous storms and heavy rainfall that the country has experienced in 2021 and expects more on the way. If you live in an area that experiences this kind of extreme weather, then it’s likely that you have also experienced water damage to your property, especially to your roof.
A TPO roof (thermoplastic polyolefin, explicitly designed to combat heat because of its white reflective surface) can eventually sustain rain and water damage over time. The more the insulating coating gets saturated with water, the more the roof’s integrity gets compromised. It starts to age prematurely, and if the issue is not addressed, it eventually fails.
So, before things get worse, here’s how you can address water damage on your roof.
Add a Secondary Coating Over Your TPO Roof
TPO roofs are already coated with insulation. But while the substance is beneficial for deflecting heat and improving a roof’s durability, it wasn’t explicitly designed to handle excessive water saturation. Therefore, to maintain your roof’s integrity, you can coat it with another layer of protection.
Use a fluid coating, which has strong waterproofing qualities on your roof. It’s the ideal coating for roofs in areas that experience a lot of rain and water. However, before installing one, check whether or not this second coating will need a TPO primer for the second layer to adhere correctly to the TPO substrate.
Patch the Roof with Elastic Cement
Another typical repair method is to use elastic cement to patch up any fractures or damage in the roof. Waterproofing membranes like this have been getting increasingly popular as a quick DIY solution to roof issues. They’re accessible, easy to use, and convenient in residential and commercial buildings for small fixes.
However, like most quick retail solutions, elastic cement should be considered as more of a “band-aid” solution. As mentioned in the previous option, a secondary coating of professional-grade PVC material as a waterproofing membrane is better and more long-lasting.
Remove the Damaged Portion & Replace It
Assess the damage to your roof. Consider the area where the damage or leakage has occurred. You might find that the damage is relatively minimal, with water saturation affecting only a portion of your TPO roof. A qualified roofer should be able to assess the state of your TPO roof and take a few samples to determine its condition.
If necessary, the roofer can remove the damaged portion and replace it with a fresh one. You could also look over the rest of the roof and take samples to ensure that there aren’t any other damaged areas you might have missed.
Address Water Damage Before It Worsens!
If water damage isn’t immediately patched, repaired, or corrected, the roof’s damage could become so extensive to the point that you might need a complete overhaul! Immediately after extreme weather, make sure that you look into the damage and call professionals to fix it.
Always conduct regular inspections of your property’s roof following exposure to severe weather. Get your free roof assessment today or contact WaterTight for an in-depth consultation!
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