Roll Roofing to TPO Conversion
This roofing project in Danvers, MA involved replacing an incorrectly installed roll roofing system with a new white TPO membrane roof designed for better long-term performance. We removed the failed roofing, installed the new TPO membrane, and removed and replaced the adjacent siding so the membrane could be flashed correctly up the wall in accordance with manufacturer requirements. The full project was completed in one day.
The Challenge
The main issue on this project was that the existing roll roofing system had been installed incorrectly and needed to be replaced.
On low slope roof areas, incorrect material choice or improper installation can lead to early failure and water intrusion. In this case, the roofing system was not providing the level of protection the roof required, and the wall transition details were not up to standard — creating a vulnerability that only a proper replacement could resolve.
One of the most important parts of the project was the flashing detail where the roof met the wall. To install the new membrane correctly, the siding had to be removed so the TPO could be run properly up the wall in accordance with manufacturer requirements. Without that step, the installation would have been incomplete and the waterproofing detail at the wall transition would have remained a weak point in the assembly.
Before & After Transformation
Transformation: This project showcases the dramatic difference our expert team can achieve. From the initial condition to the final result, see how quality craftsmanship transforms spaces.
Scope of Work
- Inspection of the incorrectly installed roll roofing system to confirm the full scope of replacement
- Removal of the failed roll roofing system
- Preparation of the roof surface for a new membrane installation
- Removal of siding as required to allow proper TPO flashing at the wall transition
- Installation of a new white TPO membrane roof
- Correct installation of the TPO membrane up the wall in accordance with manufacturer requirements
- Replacement of the siding after flashing work was completed
- Final detailing and cleanup
Materials Used
- White TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) membrane — selected as the correct long-term replacement for the failed roll roofing system
- Perimeter and wall flashing details installed per manufacturer specifications
- Roofing adhesives and fasteners appropriate for a TPO membrane installation
Challenges Solved
- Removed an incorrectly installed roll roofing system that was failing to provide adequate waterproofing
- Correctly addressed the wall flashing detail by removing and replacing the adjacent siding so the TPO membrane could be run up the wall as required by the manufacturer
- Installed a new white TPO roof system that provides stronger seam performance and a more reliable waterproofing solution for this low slope application
- Completed the full roof replacement, flashing correction, and siding work in one day
The Results
The completed project replaced a failed and incorrectly installed roll roofing system with a properly installed white TPO membrane roof.
By correcting the roofing material, addressing the wall flashing detail properly, and reinstalling the siding, this project delivered a significantly more reliable and watertight roof system for the Danvers homeowner.
The result is a cleaner, better-performing low slope roof assembly — installed to manufacturer standards — and completed in a single day.
Project Timeline
Roof Replacement & Related Work
The full project — including roll roofing removal, white TPO membrane installation, siding removal and replacement, and proper wall flashing detail — was completed in one day.
Investment Insights
Frequently Asked Questions
What is roll roofing and why was it replaced with TPO?
Roll roofing is a basic asphalt-based material sometimes applied to low slope roofs. It can work in limited applications but is generally considered a lower-grade system compared to modern membrane options. In this case, the roll roofing had been installed incorrectly, making it unsuitable to repair. TPO was selected as the replacement because it provides a stronger seam system, better waterproofing performance, and a more dependable long-term solution for low slope roofing.
Why did the siding need to be removed as part of the roofing project?
On low slope roofs, one of the most critical details is how the membrane transitions up the wall. In order to install the TPO membrane correctly and in accordance with manufacturer requirements, the existing siding had to be removed so the membrane could be flashed properly behind it. Once the flashing work was complete, the siding was replaced. Skipping this step would have left the wall transition vulnerable to water intrusion.
How long did the project take?
The full project — including removal of the failed roll roofing, installation of the new white TPO membrane, siding removal and replacement, and all flashing detail work — was completed in one day.
What is a TPO membrane roof?
TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) is a single-ply roofing membrane widely used on flat and low slope roofs. It is heat-welded at the seams, which creates a strong, watertight bond across the entire roof surface. White TPO also reflects heat, which can reduce cooling loads in warmer months. It is a well-established and highly regarded system for low slope roofing applications.
Do you handle low slope roof replacements throughout Greater Boston?
Yes. WaterTite Co. handles flat roof and low slope roofing projects in Danvers and across the Greater Boston area. If you have a roll roofing, EPDM, or TPO system that is failing or was installed incorrectly, contact us for an evaluation.
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Ready for Your Own Transformation?
Need TPO roofing, low slope roof replacement, or wall flashing correction in Danvers or the Greater Boston area? Contact WaterTite Co. for a detailed evaluation and quote.