I've wondered about airflow myself. Last summer, I was patching up my garage roof—nothing fancy, just a DIY job—and noticed that even at the same temp setting, the weld quality varied a lot depending on how fast I moved and how windy it was outside. Got me thinking... maybe airflow or even ambient temperature plays a bigger role than we realize? Anyone else notice their welds acting differently on breezy days or cooler mornings? Seems like there's always something else to consider.
I've definitely noticed wind messing with my welds before. Last year, I was doing a quick patch on my shed roof, and even a mild breeze seemed to cool things down enough to mess up the bond. Maybe it's less about the exact temp setting and more about how consistently you can keep the heat focused? Ever tried rigging up a temporary windbreak or something similar to block airflow? Might help keep things consistent without having to crank the heat way up...
I've had wind mess with my welds too, but honestly, I'm not sure a windbreak is always practical—especially if you're working solo or in a tight spot. Last summer, I tried using a makeshift barrier, and it ended up being more hassle than help. Maybe it's more about technique and timing? Like adjusting your speed or angle slightly to compensate for the breeze, rather than just blocking it altogether... Have you experimented with that at all?
"Maybe it's more about technique and timing? Like adjusting your speed or angle slightly to compensate for the breeze..."
Yeah, totally agree with this. I've found that tweaking the angle slightly and slowing down just a bit can make a noticeable difference. Windbreaks can be cumbersome, especially on tight roofs or steep pitches. One thing I've noticed is that keeping the nozzle closer to the seam helps maintain consistent heat, even when there's a breeze. It's subtle, but it works better for me than wrestling with barriers.
I get what you're saying about adjusting technique, but honestly, I've found that relying too much on slowing down or getting closer can sometimes backfire. If you're not careful, you risk overheating the membrane, especially with TPO—it's pretty sensitive stuff. Personally, I'd rather deal with the hassle of setting up a simple windbreak than risk compromising the weld quality. A couple of plywood sheets or even a tarp can save you from having to redo seams later...and trust me, redoing seams is no fun at all.
