TPO Roofing The Importance of Keeping It Clean

While single-ply roofing systems like TPO are touted as having relatively low maintenance requirements, that doesn’t mean you can only clean it from time to time. Roof replacement company Blue Sky Roofing discusses why keeping your TPO roof clean should be part of your roof maintenance routine.

The Benefits of a Clean TPO Roof

TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) is a type of plastic. When used as a roofing material, it is installed as a single layer on top of the roofing substrate. TPO roofing is typically colored white, which makes regular roof cleaning important for several reasons.

On the surface, the roof would look clean. It can also help improve the building’s energy efficiency by reflecting heat from the sun. With less heat absorbed through the roof, the building’s cooling requirements are reduced, resulting in improved energy efficiency. A clean roof is inhospitable to algae and other unwanted plant life. A regularly-cleaned roof also helps prevent the accumulation of contaminants on the roof surface that may affect long-term roof performance.

Precautions for TPO Roof Cleaning

Roofing companies like us recommend having the roof professionally cleaned at regularly scheduled intervals. TPO is a single-ply material and is not designed to take on heavy foot traffic, which means certain types of footwear may damage the roof. Despite the relative flatness of such roofing, high winds and the risks of slipping (TPO can be slippery when wet) are safety concerns that professionals are prepared for.

Cleaning a TPO roof yourself also puts the roofing system at risk of damage that isn’t covered by the roofing warranty, or in some cases, might even void it. Managing the runoff that contains the cleaning chemicals is another important factor. These chemicals need to be disposed of according to local, state and federal requirements for water run-off; otherwise, you risk damage to surrounding plant life, or even contaminating the groundwater. Commercial roofing professionals like us are aware of such requirements and can ensure compliance.

Blue Sky Roofing is your leading provider of commercial roof installation, repair and maintenance services. Give us a call at (512) 649-8244 or fill out our contact form. We serve clients in Austin, TX, and the surrounding areas.