When I was a contractor I’d use TPO and EPDM membrane roofing, around here there is a lot of torch down used.
Was just at an inspection with a GC who was basically trying to sell the clients on a new roof even though he thought the torch down had 5 years left in it.
He was saying it wasn’t properly maintained i.e. coated with aluminum compound. I’ve never heard that a coating was required with such a roof.
Thanks Larry, I actually found that thread when I was searching for info about this topic. I’ll probably call a manufacturer today to try and find out. I’m pretty sure the GC yesterday was just trying to scare them into a new roof. :roll:
to me
Smooth APP torch membranes should be coated for UV ray protection. Coatings are a maintenance item and most last from 3 to 5 years depending on the climate.
Was it a smooth Modified Bitumen roof? If yes, then a coating is normally used. Most roofers use a granular surfaced cap sheet over the smooth base sheet. You can also get a few more years out of a granular mod bit roof with a good elastomeric coating.
I’m confused…OP said torch down. Maybe that is a different term up north, but EPDM single ply membrane is not torch down applied. It is a heat seamed product. Torch down roofs are APP modified bitumen membranes. EPDM roofs can be coated with elastomeric coating also, if they are approved for rubber roofs.
I have seen a few spray foam roofs with a silicone coating on commercial roofs before. The spongy feeling is usually due to a foam insulation layer.
jdeoliveira2
(John Paul de Oliveira, GB-2 #86934 / AB #44580)
11
Granular torch down is common here. 3-5 years is a bare minimum life expectancy. Like Brad says, a little maintenance goes a long ways. The petroleum content in aluminum coating tends to counter drying out, cracking, but seems to need to be applied more frequently. Elastometric works well.
A real torch down product should last longer than 5 years, rooled roofing maybe. I put torch down on my last house in FL. Stuff gets melted to a 43# base sheet and should last at least 15 years or more. It nothing more than heavy duty granulated rolled roofing.
Another thing I know is, don’t get the elephant snot on your pants while glueing down epdm. Stuff wont come off, and your azz will stick to the roof the rest of the day when you sit down. Damn glue will get you high as a kite as well.
As for the surface coating, reflective sealers or aggregate coatings are applied during the manufacturing process or applied after the installation. There are after manufacturing products that can be applied as well.
There are 1 ply systems with others systems utilizing a 2 ply method. A base and cap sheet.
Base sheets can be applied in all cases. Poor roof deck surfacing conditions are one reason.
Base sheets can be mechanically fastened, adhesives applies or wet mopped.
Never the less it is a (base sheet) with limitations.
Of all the systems utilizing a heated seam method (thermo-set) for laps and seams, TPO has historically shown it weakness in longevity or the shortest life expectancy.
Marcel Cry has been posting about CertainTeedfor years now. A great resource for many building products and methods of application.
Thanks Marcel. The site has grown to be a major solid resource for building product and their applications.
Regards.
Robert