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

The VersiWeld^® TPO Rib Profile is a great way to achieve a standing seam metal roof look on sloped roofs or mansards. VersiWeld TPO membrane and the 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 rib profile, 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 rib profile.

Here are some easy tips to follow on your next 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 rib profiles, measure the spacing for the ribs on the roof to ensure they are spaced properly. If possible, try to align the edge of a rib profile 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 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. It’s important to ensure that after the first rib has been tack welded for positioning purposes, you fully weld it for permanent installation.

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

VersiWeld TPO special colors and rib profiles can give a building the look of a metal roof, with the fast installation and proven performance of TPO. Refer to the Rib Profile Installation Guide for more great tips to make sure your next Special Color Rib Profile installation is a success.