Achieve the Look of a Metal Roof Using New TPO Colors and Contour Rib

The Sure-Weld^® TPO Contour Rib profile is a great way to achieve a standing seam metal roof look on sloped roofs or mansards. Sure-Weld TPO membrane and the contour rib profile are now stocked with no minimum order quantities in five special colors in addition to the standard white, gray, and tan options. This makes it even easier to satisfy a building owner’s desire for an aesthetically pleasing standing seam look using TPO.

When using special color TPO and contour rib, an owner will be judging the finished roof on its looks, in addition to its performance. It’s important to ensure proper spacing and alignment, and consider where membrane splices will fall when installing the contour rib profile.

Here are some easy tips to follow on your next contour rib profile job:

“Measure twice, cut once”: Similar to the old carpenter’s saying, check your measurements before you start the job. Prior to installing any contour ribs, measure the spacing for the ribs on the roof to ensure they are spaced properly. If possible, try to align the edge of a contour rib with a splice in the membrane to hide seams.

Use a jig or pan to make spacing easy: Once the spacing has been determined, lay out a few ribs on the ground and position the automatic welder as if the rib is being welded. Then, measure the space between the edge of the welder and the next rib. This dimension can be used to fabricate a metal pan to ensure proper alignment and spacing of the ribs.

The first rib is critical: Always chalk a line to position and install the first rib. Align the edge of the rib with the chalk line and tack-weld it every 6” to ensure it is perfectly straight and stays in place. If done properly, the first rib can act as a guide to align the next rib using the metal spacing pan. Ensure that after tack welding the first rib for positioning purposes, it is fully welded for permanent installation.

Use heat to hold contour rib pieces together: To reduce separation of connected contour rib pieces during the welding process, use a hand welder to heat the end of one of the contour ribs after inserting the connector pin, and push the two ends together. This will help eliminate small gaps between contour rib pieces.

Sure-Weld TPO special colors and contour ribs can give a building the look of a metal roof, with the fast installation and proven performance of TPO. Refer to the Contour Rib Installation Guide for more great tips to make sure your next Special Color Contour Rib installation is a success.