How to Maintain a TPO or Butynol Roof (and What to Avoid)
Flat Roof Membranes Are Built to Last — If You Treat Them Right
TPO and Butynol are two of the toughest waterproofing systems in New Zealand — but they’re not indestructible.
They’re designed to flex, seal, and resist UV for decades, not to be walked on daily or cleaned with harsh chemicals.
A well-installed membrane system can last 25–30 years,
but most of the premature failures we see come down to poor maintenance — pressure washing, ponding water, or physical damage that goes unchecked.
At Aquashield Roofing, we maintain and repair both TPO and Butynol systems across Horowhenua. Here’s what every property owner should know.
1️⃣ Keep It Clean — But Gently
Dirt, leaves, moss, and bird droppings trap moisture and shorten membrane life.
Cleaning is essential — but gentle cleaning only.
✅ Do:
- Use a soft broom or mop.
- Hose down with low pressure water.
- Use mild detergent and rinse thoroughly.
🚫 Don’t:
- Use high-pressure washers.
- Use solvents, bleach, or harsh roof cleaners.
- Scrub with stiff brushes.
High pressure or strong chemicals can strip UV coatings, break down seams, and void warranties.
💬 If you wouldn’t use it on your car’s paint, don’t use it on your roof.
2️⃣ Check Drains, Outlets, and Gutters Regularly
Flat roofs rely on proper drainage. One blocked outlet can cause water to pond and add tonnes of stress to the membrane.
Every 3–6 months (or after heavy storms):
- Clear debris and leaves from scuppers, outlets, and gutters.
- Make sure water flows freely.
- Watch for slow-draining areas or small ponds that don’t dry within a day.
Standing water accelerates ageing and can lead to seam stress, mould growth, and eventually leaks.
3️⃣ Limit Foot Traffic
Membranes are waterproofing systems — not walkways.
Excessive traffic leads to scuffing, surface wear, and punctures.
If you need regular access:
- Install walkway pads or protection mats.
- Avoid dragging ladders, tools, or sharp objects across the surface.
Even a small puncture from a dropped screw can compromise the whole system if water gets underneath.
4️⃣ Watch for Early Warning Signs
A membrane roof gives subtle clues before it fails.
Catch them early, and you’ll avoid major repair costs.
Look for:
- Blisters or bubbles under the surface.
- Lifting edges or open seams.
- Discolouration or chalking.
- Persistent ponding water.
- Water staining inside the ceiling.
If you spot any of these, get it checked — fast.
Small issues can often be re-welded or patched if caught early.
5️⃣ Annual Professional Inspection
Even if everything looks fine, it’s worth having a trained eye inspect your membrane roof once a year.
We check:
- Weld integrity (TPO)
- Adhesion and detailing (Butynol)
- Drainage function
- Penetrations and flashings
- General condition and lifespan estimate
An inspection takes about an hour and can add years of service life to your roof.
6️⃣ What Not to Do (Common Mistakes We See)
🚫 Painting over membranes — traps heat and can damage seams.
🚫 Coating Butynol with unapproved paint — affects flexibility and warranty.
🚫 Using bitumen-based products for patches — chemically incompatible.
🚫 Letting trades walk on it with tools or spiked boots.
🚫 Building decks or installing fixings through the membrane.
If you’re unsure — ask before doing.
We’re always happy to advise what’s safe and what’s not.
✅ Final Word: Membrane Roofs Reward Care
TPO and Butynol are premium waterproofing systems — but like any high-performance material, they rely on proper care.
A little maintenance goes a long way:
Clean it, protect it, and get it inspected yearly.
Do that, and your membrane roof will keep your home watertight for decades.
At Aquashield Roofing, we specialise in TPO and Butynol systems from installation to maintenance.
👉 Book a membrane roof inspection and let us help you protect your investment properly.
