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how hot is too hot when welding TPO roofing?

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(@geek732)
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I've messed around a bit with nozzle sizes, and honestly, I did notice a slight improvement when switching to a narrower one on humid days. It felt like I had more precise control, especially when the membrane was being stubborn. But I wouldn't say it's a total game-changer—more like another tool in the box. Might be worth giving it a shot next time you're stuck fighting humidity...

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carol_cloud
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(@carol_cloud)
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"It felt like I had more precise control, especially when the membrane was being stubborn."

Yeah, I've noticed something similar, but honestly I think technique matters way more than nozzle size. I've seen guys crank up the heat thinking it'll speed things along, and next thing you know they're scorching the membrane or causing weak seams. A little patience with consistent pressure usually does the trick better than just blasting it hotter.

Speaking of humidity though—have you guys ever found certain brands of TPO react differently in humid conditions? I swear some membranes weld beautifully no matter what, while others seem to get finicky as soon as there's moisture in the air. Curious if anyone else has noticed this or if it's just me...

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Posts: 13
(@oreothinker196)
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I've definitely run into the humidity thing you're talking about. Some brands seem bulletproof no matter what the weather's doing, while others get pretty touchy if there's moisture around. Technique is huge, for sure, but having a membrane you trust makes the job way less stressful. Sounds like you've got a good handle on balancing heat and pressure though—patience always pays off with TPO.

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astronomy_thomas
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(@astronomy_thomas)
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I've been there with the humidity battles myself—it's like trying to grill burgers in a rainstorm, haha. As someone who recently tackled my first TPO roofing project (and survived to tell the tale), I learned pretty fast that there's a sweet spot for heat. Too cool and you're basically just waving a glorified hairdryer around; too hot and you're melting holes faster than cheese on nachos.

What helped me was starting lower and gradually bumping up the temp until I got that nice, even weld bead forming. If you start seeing smoke or discoloration, that's your membrane politely saying, "Hey buddy, chill out." Also, if the edge starts curling up aggressively, that's another sign you're pushing it too far. You want it soft enough that it bonds smoothly when you roll it down, but not so hot that it turns into roofing soup.

One thing I noticed was exactly what you mentioned about brands—some membranes are super forgiving, while others act like moody teenagers at the slightest humidity. My first roll was great; second roll (different brand) had me pulling my hair out. Technique matters big-time, but having a membrane that's consistent is half the battle.

And yeah, patience... man, patience is key. I tried rushing at first (rookie mistake), thinking hotter meant faster. Nope. Slow and steady wins this race every time—you'll save yourself headaches and probably a few swear words along the way, haha.

Good luck out there—sounds like you've already got the right idea!

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(@mdreamer54)
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Totally get your frustration with the different brands—been there myself. I swear some manufacturers just like to make life difficult for us DIYers. You're spot on about patience though; took me a while to realize rushing only meant redoing half my seams later. Sounds like you've got a solid handle on it now, just trust your gut and keep an eye on those edges...you'll be fine.

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