Can TPO Roofing Be Installed Over Plywood?

April 13, 2022

Can TPO Roofing Be Installed Over Plywood?

Due to its cost-effectiveness, durability, heat and UV resistance, and energy efficiency, TPO roofing in US has gained immense popularity. Plywood is a popular material in roofing, used as underlayment for structural stability and insulation. The short answer to the question: can TPO roofing be installed over plywood is, Yes, it can be installed over plywood but there are certain limitations and guidelines that one needs to follow.

TPO Roofing Benefits

TPO roofing is a single-ply membrane that can be installed over plywood. Although there are different types of roofing materials available, TPO is preferred as it is cost-effective. TPO roofing is also preferred as it is long-lasting and can protect the roof for a few years to come.

There are certain limitations with TPO roofing installed over plywood such as the material may expand due to changes in temperature. It may create problems over time.

Plywood is not a preferred material to be used for TPO roofing in US, but it can be installed by roofing contractors if they follow certain guidelines and ensure to follow safety precautions that there won’t be any risk of damage to your property in any manner.

Factors To Consider Before TPO Roofing Installation Over Plywood

There are certain considerations to keep in mind before going ahead with the installation process, however.

  • TPO rooftop has the tendency to hold moisture which means that when it gets too hot or too cold, the moisture will affect your roof and may cause mold problems.
    • Ensure sufficient ventilation underneath the membrane to prevent condensation buildup and avoid potential issues.
  • TPO rooftop material is incredibly thin.
    • It means that you need to ensure that there is no damage or any holes in the roofing as that can easily go through unnoticed until too late.
  • TPO Rooftop in plywood will not be durable and strong in the long run.
    • Though there won’t be any problems initially, eventually TPO rooftop will start peeling off or curling away from the edges.
  • Another factor to consider in TPO rooftop is that the membrane will easily start coming out, once it starts aging and also due to weather conditions such as rain and wind constantly hitting hard the roofing material.

Consider these factors carefully before installing TPO rooftop so that your roof can be more efficient and can last longer while protecting your roof from weather elements. It is a great option if your concern is energy efficiency and cost that other roofing materials don’t offer.

However, remember the drawbacks or limitations when going with a single-ply membrane as opposed to multiple ones built together.

Recent Post: Important Things You Should Know About TPO Roofing

How to Install TPO Roofing over Plywood?

There are certain steps that one needs to follow to install TPO Roofing over plywood. These are:

Step One: Make sure the roof can support it.

A specialist should decide whether TPO material has enough weight and strength because they will know how much pressure each type of roofing material demands.

Step Two: Make sure your roof is clean before starting the installation.

This entails removing any debris, dirt, or even leaves that may cause adhesion issues and a mess later on.

Step Three: In order to have a smooth surface, look for any joints between different sections of plywood.

Make sure all of your plywood is at least 34 inches thick because TPO material can weigh up to 70 pounds per square foot, so anything less will not be sturdy enough.

Step Four: Apply a primer coat and then a layer of adhesive to provide the initial binding between the roofing material and the substrate.

Step Five: Apply a final coat on top of this and allow it to cure completely before returning without fear of moisture or condensation forming beneath the barrier.

This generally requires experienced professional installation by residential, industrial, or commercial roofers in USA because if the TPO roofing is applied incorrectly, it may lead to various problems down the line that you obviously don’t want. Ensure that you use an adequate amount of adhesive, along with nails and screws, to securely fasten the material so that nothing can rip off once installed.

Conclusion:

To conclude, now you know whether the TPO rooftop can be installed over plywood or not. Now the decision whether to go for the TPO roofing or not is yours but make sure to consider the pros and cons of TPO roofing before installation. If you aim to save roof replacement costs, then installing TPO rooftop over plywood is worth considering for your roof.

If, on the other hand, you’ve spent a lot of time and energy trying to get the moisture out of your property due to leaking roofs for years, which has resulted in mold growth that can spread throughout your entire structure with just one leaky spot, replacing all wood surfaces inside the attic would be a better investment than spending more money on a more expensive product like TPO Roofing. The decision is up to you to decide what works best for you.

You can also consider us, Naples Roofing, for TPO roofing installation or any other roofing services in US. We have 45 years of experience in installing, repairing, and replacing commercial and industrial roofs. Request an estimate for your roofing services!

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