Inappropriate repair to TPO roof at scupper

Specific Inspection Topics Roofing Inspections
1

How would you emphasize the potential consequences of action or inaction in this situation, in a report?

I’m looking at what seems to be a spray tar repair of a TPO roof, where it transitions to a rusty scupper. The scupper appears older than the TPO roof, and had definitely leaked into the wall.

PXL_20210824_015259235
PXL_20210824_0152592351920×1440 383 KB

So far I have:

Inappropriate roof repair. Tar used to repair a prior roof leak is prone to drying out and cracking. Recommend referring to a roofer specializing in TPO roofing, for a repair involving welding the TPO permanently. Recommend adding a second drain a higher level to avoid a “bathtub effect” should this drain become blocked. Without a 2nd drain or overflow, backed up water could reach a depth of nearly 2 feet creating a significant hazard.

Note this report is for the present owner, so there’s no gamesmanship between agents or liability.

Update: I think it’s a rusted through scupper, but with all that flex seal, who can tell now?

2

As advertised, repairs anything.LOl
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3

Definitely Flex Seal like Scott said. Hard to tell anything else about the drainage from that single pic. Just needs a TPO patch repair there.

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4

I would have stopped there.

Lack of an overflow scupper is a second issue

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5

The problem is then the patching roofer will come back, annoyed, and say “it’s patched”. I’d like to convey it’s not patched correctly.

6

You did said as much.

You can expand with statements such as “this is considered a temporary repair and will likely fail” or “incompatible patch material” or “substandard repair attempt” and then recommend further evaluation and correction with a qualified roofing contractor familiar with TPO repairs consistent with industry or manufacturer standards.

Prescribing cures is a slippery slope. I personally would stay in my lane and identify the defect.

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