How Roof Coating Systems Are Installed on TPO Roofs

When it comes to extending the life of your TPO roof and getting a renewable 10–20-year warranty, installing a roof coating system is an efficient and effective solution. Here's exactly how the process works.

Step 1: Inspection and Assessment

Before any coating is applied, a qualified contractor inspects the existing TPO membrane for seam failures, punctures, delamination, and wet insulation. Any areas of wet insulation must be removed and replaced before coating — skipping this step will cause problems down the road.

Step 2: Cleaning

The entire roof surface is power-washed to remove dirt, algae, oxidation, and any contaminants that would prevent the coating from adhering properly. A clean surface is essential to coating performance and warranty compliance.

Step 3: Repairs

Failed seams, punctures, and damaged areas are repaired using reinforced fabric tape and sealant. All penetrations, flashings, and edges are sealed before the coating is applied.

Step 4: Primer (if required)

Depending on the TPO manufacturer's specifications and the coating system being used, a primer coat may be required to ensure proper adhesion between the existing TPO and the new coating.

Step 5: Coating Application

The silicone coating is applied at the required mil thickness — typically 20–30 mils for a 10–20-year warranty. The seamless application covers the entire roof surface in one continuous membrane, eliminating all seams.

The Result

A restored TPO roof with a new manufacturer's warranty, a fully seamless waterproof surface, and improved UV reflectivity — at a fraction of replacement cost.