TPO Roof Replacement on Occupied Office Buildings

Before a replacement is designed, the existing roof is surveyed. Core cuts show which layers are there, and a moisture survey finds wet insulation. That decides whether the roof must come off down to the deck or whether a recover over the existing roof is allowed, how much insulation the new roof needs to meet the energy code, and where tapered insulation and crickets are needed to stop water from ponding.

Adhesives and primers give off odors that can be drawn into the building through rooftop air intakes. Attachment methods that use less adhesive, such as mechanically fastened or induction-welded membranes, cut odors at the source, and intakes near the work are protected or shut down by agreement with the building engineer. Noisy work, such as tear-off and fastening above meeting rooms and other sensitive areas, can be scheduled early, late or on weekends.

Roof edges are finished with edge metal tested for wind uplift, and drains, scuppers and overflows are reset to suit the new roof level. Before closeout, the seams are probed and every detail is inspected, and the owner receives the roof plan, product data and maintenance guidance. Where a manufacturer’s warranty is part of the specification, the manufacturer’s own inspection is arranged before the roof is handed over.