Frequently Asked Questions

My roof is 100% rusted. What can I do? 

Surface rust, while unsightly, is easily removed with the Topps System. Once it is treated with Topps RustArrestor™, it is power washed and the powdery substance is removed. The metal then is coated with the solvent-based 100% rubber Topps Base Coat™. This has a very low perm rating that prevents the two required components for further rusting - oxygen and moisture - from reaching the metal.

 Does Topps^® recommend solvent or waterborne elastomeric coatings and why? 

Topps manufactures both water based and solvent based coatings. Only solvent type coatings provide ultimate metal protection due to their inability to re-absorb moisture that leads to rust. Waterbornes, with a high perm “breath-ability” rating, are preferred for surfaces that might have to wick moisture (out).

 Do Topps products move with the normal roof during expansion & contraction? 

Yes. Topps rubberized membrane has a minimum of 570% elongation once fully cured.  This maximum combination with Topps’ high tensile strength assures uniform protection. The brilliant white cools the roof, further reducing thermal movement along with the need for future roof maintenance. 

 Is Topps an Energy Star^® partner?  

Yes, our brilliant white has been approved and carries the Energy Star^® certification, your assurance of the most return for your money. It carries the highest rating possible.

 How much can businesses expect to save by installing ENERGY STAR qualified products?

Energy savings vary based upon the geographic location and climate, existing insulation levels in the building, the original surface replaced by the ENERGY STAR product, building openings, number of stories and other factors making it hard to accurately predict. However Energy Star products have been proven to be able to provide a 10-15% reduction in peak air-conditioning demand.

 Topps cools the roof down during the summer months. What about noise reduction?

Because of the qualities of 100% rubber, Topps Seal™ naturally helps deaden sound. It also resists damage from hail. 

 Will Ultraviolet radiation be a problem for Topps? 

Topps white reflective coating combined with the best UV protective compounds used in the formulation protects the roof from harmful UV rays with protective UV compounds. 

 Are Topps solvent-based products resistant to algae and fungus? 

Yes. These are non-porous coatings, so unlike water based paints and coatings they lack the open pores that trap moisture and encourage growths that attack and break down ordinary coatings. Any surface deposits are easily cleaned off immediately in the unlikely event they ever occur.

 What about gutters?  

Topps’ GutterGuard™ has the same vital components used in the rest of Topps' rubber products.  Two layers are applied in conjunction with using Topps Polyprene™ and PolyCore™ on all the seams, leaving a monolithic seamless seal.

 I have skylights that are leaking. Do I need to replace them? 

Skylights that are in good shape but have some UV degradation or are leaking, respond well to maintenance. If leaking, they can be removed, the surface below cleaned, and then reseated into a bed of Polyprene trowel grade rubber before being tightened down.  Tightened skylight fasteners should be treated with Topps RivetGuard™.  Topps PolyCore membrane and Polyprene are used to seal the perimeter.  Topps’ translucent Sky Coat™ places a protective finish on the skylights that allows light to pass through.

 Are Topps products chemical and fire resistant? 

Topps has high resistance to acid, salt and ammonia – the common factors found in the environment that trigger corrosion.  Topps uses special fire resistance additives when added resistance is required. 

 How thick is the material when applied? 

The finished product in the field will be on the average 14 to 21 dry mils depending on the system being applied.  The critical areas where the roofs usually have the worst problems such as seams, fasteners and penetrations have almost double the millage as the field and are reinforced with PolyCore and our heavier bodied Polyprene.

 What type of warranty is offered?  

Topps has both 5 year and 10-year policies available when completed by an independent certified installer that has attended Topps’ training seminar.  Coverage is economically extended if desired at the end of the initial warranty with a simple cleaning, minor repairs if needed, and a 1-coat application. This provides for the most economical long term care.

 What is the difference in cost between Topps and new metal? 

Topps maintenance systems typically save ½ to 2/3 of the cost immediately.  You also eliminate business down time as well as get a leak protection warranty which new metal doesn't provide. When using Topps you are not getting a new roof, but a better one.

 Is there any tax advantage over metal replacement? 

Yes, to replace a metal roof you must amortize the expense over many, many, years.  Maintenance is written off much quicker.  We advise you to check with your tax consultant for their opinion on your specific situation if this is of benefit to you. 

 How many countries is Topps used in? 

Topps coatings are used in more than 20 countries.

 Who are some of Topps’ customers whose names I would recognize?