Glenbrook apartment TPO installation in Northeast Bakersfield

Core challenges

This TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) project was no easy task and definitely not for beginners. The property owners of the Glenbrook Apartments in Northeast Bakersfield needed a roofing upgrade that was reliable, durable, and energy-efficient—and they wanted a solution they could count on for years to come.

Here are a few of the challenges we tackled…

• Hiring a dependable contractor.
• Tearing off existing roofing materials without damaging the tenant's property.
• How to getting the best warranty possible.
• Replacing rotted nailers and plywood that passes building codes.
• Fastening layers of TPO over the roof deck.
• Workmanship and site clean-up.
• Sealing all pipe penetrations.

The TPO solution

There are plenty of options when it comes to commercial roofing, so we needed to determine the best solution for this building. When evaluating systems like TPO, built-up roofing, PVC, modified bitumen, and EPDM, we ultimately chose TPO based on the roof’s condition and Bakersfield’s environment.

While some concerns have been raised about TPO aging faster in Bakersfield’s extreme heat, this is often due to poor installation or cutting corners with cheap materials. At Superior Roofing, we only use top-quality GAF supplies and are certified installers. We follow GAF’s exact guidelines to ensure the job is done right and the warranty remains valid.

Once we finalized the details, our highly trained team got to work and delivered the project with precision and success.

The first step of the project was tearing off the existing built-up hot mop roof.

This was no small task, and to comply with city regulations and building codes, the removal had to be done safely and carefully.

Along with the hot mop, we removed the old flashing and other metal components that needed replacement. All materials were safely loaded into our truck bins and hauled to the Kern County Waste Management Department on Edison Hwy.

Once the old layers were gone, we inspected the built-up nailers to check if they needed replacement.

Any damaged sections were swapped out with new wood matching the original thickness—a critical step to meet building standards and prevent leaks down the road.

Next, we checked the insulation and wood decking to ensure everything met code.

Problem areas, including damaged fascia boards and plywood, were replaced with precision. Installing new insulation and decking correctly is essential to support the roofing system and avoid future issues.

TPO manufacturers now recommend specific flashing heights, so we added extra wood blocking at curb penetrations. This step ensures our client receives the full manufacturer’s warranty, protecting their investment.

When it comes to roofing, cutting corners can void warranties, and we’ve seen too many building owners deal with problems caused by inexperienced or uncertified contractors.

To lock in both the manufacturer’s warranty and our service warranty, we mechanically installed 60 mil TPO across the entire roofing system, following all manufacturer guidelines. Proper installation is everything—if TPO isn’t installed to spec, warranties can be rendered invalid.

We also tackled a common TPO concern: pipe penetrations and corners. Improper installation can cause peeling, allowing water to seep underneath and create leaks. To prevent this, we installed brand-new pipe boots and pitch pans using manufacturer-approved fillers, ensuring a watertight seal and long-term performance.

For the finishing touches, we installed 24-gauge Kynar-finished perimeter metal with a drip edge and counter-flashing, all according to manufacturer standards.

Attention to detail here makes all the difference in roof longevity.

Finally, we take job site cleanliness seriously.

Even though it’s a construction zone, we made sure to clean up daily—picking up debris and keeping the site tidy. After all, these apartments are people’s homes, and we wanted residents to feel respected and well cared for throughout the project.

If you’re looking to get a TPO roofing quote for your building, let’s hop on a quick strategy call to see how we can help. On this call, we’ll:

1. Assess the current condition of your roof.
2. Walk you through how we’ll plan and complete your project with top-notch service.
3. Explain all your warranty options.
4. Answer any questions you have about the process.
5. Provide an accurate, detailed estimate—no surprises, no missing details.

Schedule your free, no-obligation TPO roofing quote today with:

Superior Roofing
3017 Fruitvale Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93308
(661) 679-6923
Hours: 8AM - 5PM

See It in Action: Watch This Roof Transformation From Start to Finish!