Rocks on TPO

Chris in Madison, GA asked:

Can you put rocks on a TPO roof? And if so why would you?

This what our roofing expert Brenna from Innovative Roofing Group had to say in response to your question:

Technically yes, you can use rocks, or ballasts, on a TPO roof in conjunction with a slip sheet, but it's more likely that you'll see them previously installed than added to a roof afterwards. They're typically used as a cost saving measure, or a way to provide protection to the existing roof system. The ballasts weigh down the membrane which means fewer fasteners and less adhesive is needed for support.

This what our roofing expert JD from Bone Dry Roofing Company had to say in response to your question:

Yes, you can put rocks on a TPO Roof.

Personally, I had a special circumstance with a job where a radio tower was present near the roof system. Rock was installed on the TPO Roof to safeguard from potential icicles that formed during the winter months. These icicles could have fallen and damaged the roof system without some sort of protection. Mainly rocks can be used on a TPO Roof to safeguard from potential damaging weather.

JD Gustavel

This what our roofing expert April from Pittman Waller Roofing Company had to say in response to your question:

You can put rocks on a TPO roof to act as a ballast and provide UV protection; however, it is rare and not recommended by Pittman Waller Roofing Company, LLC.