"Now I'm wondering, is there a quick way to tell if the seams were welded at the right temp without waiting for bubbling or other issues to show up later?"
Honestly, I get where you're coming from, but relying solely on visual checks might not be enough. When we had ours done, the contractor showed me how they do a quick seam probe test—basically running a thin metal tool along the seam edge to check adhesion. It's simple, doesn't damage anything, and gives immediate feedback if something didn't bond properly. Might be worth asking your roofer about it next time...
- Totally agree on the seam probe test—our roofer did something similar.
- Also heard about using infrared thermometers during welding to keep an eye on temps. Not sure how common that is, but seems like it'd help catch issues early.
- Wonder if that's standard practice or just something extra cautious roofers do?
- Might ask around next time we get quotes...
I've seen a few roofers whip out infrared thermometers, but honestly, it's not as common as you'd think. Seems more like a cautious extra step rather than standard practice. Most experienced roofers I've talked to just rely on feel and experience—like cooking pancakes, you know when it's too hot because things start smoking or sticking. But hey, if it helps avoid costly mistakes, why not? Maybe ask specifically next time you're getting quotes...could be a good way to weed out the pros from the amateurs.
"Most experienced roofers I've talked to just rely on feel and experience—like cooking pancakes, you know when it's too hot because things start smoking or sticking."
Haha, love the pancake analogy! But honestly, relying purely on feel can sometimes bite you in the backside. I've seen guys who've welded TPO for years still occasionally mess up because conditions change—like weather, humidity, or even different brands of membrane. Infrared thermometers might seem a bit extra, but they're handy for consistency, especially when you're training new crew members or dealing with warranty-sensitive jobs.
Speaking of pancakes though, ever notice how different pans heat up differently? Makes me wonder if certain welding tools or brands behave similarly—some heating up quicker or holding heat longer. Could explain why some roofers swear by certain gear while others can't stand it. Curious if anyone's noticed a big difference between brands or models when welding TPO...
I've noticed something similar with soldering irons—different brands heat up at totally different rates, even at the same wattage. Makes sense that roofing welders might behave similarly. Has anyone found certain models easier to dial in consistently?
