Are you interested in using TPO roofing for your commercial building? Retail stores, hospitals, municipal buildings, hotels and many other industries can benefit from this type of roof. TPO roofing is cost-effective, energy-efficient and lasts for a long time with minimal maintenance. The material is single-ply, making it easy to install.
This guide includes details about TPO roofing material, its benefits for commercial buildings, the installation process and maintenance tips for prolonging its lifespan. TPO roofing is an excellent choice for many commercial buildings, but it has weaknesses like all roofing materials. If you’re still undecided, keep reading.
What Is TPO Roofing?
TPO stands for “thermoplastic polyolefin.” Many commercial buildings consider elastomer and thermoplastic membrane roofs for their affordable pricing and weatherproofing abilities. Elastomer roof materials like ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM) resemble rubber, protecting buildings from water damage. However, the seams on an EPDM roof are sealed with tape, making them vulnerable to leaking over time.
Thermoplastic roofs like TPO were developed to help resolve this issue. They have the waterproofing abilities of rubber but can be welded together with hot air to create a tight seal that keeps water out. TPO is a highly effective choice for commercial roofs, which is why the market value for TPO in the U.S. is projected to hit $4.51 billion by 2032.
Benefits of TPO Roofing
Why should you choose TPO roofing for your commercial building? Here are four reasons why this material is so popular:
Weather Resistance
Flat or low-grade roofs present unique challenges for maintenance and durability. Because of their shape, water can easily pool on their surface. This kind of roof shape is exposed to the sun, wind, rain and other weather conditions every day, which means more wear and tear on the material.
Because of its chemical composition, TPO is flexible and handles cold temperatures well. It’s designed to reflect heat and UV rays during the summer, keeping the roof’s surface cool through its light color. Water slides off the material easily, and it’s not damaged by wind. TPO’s flexibility and strength also make it resistant to tearing from hail.
Durability and Longevity
TPO is extremely durable. Its flexibility means that temperature changes and slight shifts in the slope of a roof don’t cause strain, cracking or damage. It resists damage from UV rays and is both chemical and fire-resistant.
With proper maintenance, TPO roofs can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years, although 15 to 20 years is most common. Warranties typically cover this length of time, allowing for repair to extend the roof’s life. You’ll know it’s time to repair or replace a TPO roof if it starts to leak.
Cost-Effectiveness
How much does TPO roofing cost? The answer depends on several factors:
- Insulation and TPO material cost
- Roof size
- Roof penetrations
- Installation costs
- Location
Compared to PVC and similar rubber roofs, TPO is often the least expensive option. However, that depends on the material and installation costs in your area. Because this roofing material lasts a long time, it’s extremely cost-effective. TPO roofing requires very little maintenance, making it even more affordable.
Eco-Friendliness
TPO roofs also improve the energy efficiency of your commercial building. They’re a reflective white color that resists UV rays and keeps heat absorption low. During the summer heat, a TPO roof will help your building stay cooler and reduce air conditioning costs.
From an environmental perspective, TPO roofs are also a responsible decision. The material is chlorine-free and can be completely recycled when the roof needs to be replaced. TPO can either be turned into a new roof or used in other building materials, making it one of the most sustainable roofing options available.
TPO Installation Process
To make installation easier, TPO is produced in mid-sized sheets. Although the process does involve a few steps, it’s quick and easy overall. Here’s more about TPO roofing techniques for installation:
- Prepare the roof: The old roof must be removed and the sublayer cleaned of debris.
- Lay insulation: Before TPO is laid down, technicians will install the insulation of your choice. Insulation is securely attached with screws or glue.
- Install TPO: The TPO membrane is rolled out across the insulation. It can be attached to the insulation with screws, glue, heat welding or plate bonding.
- Seal seams: Seams in the roof are sealed with heat welding to prevent any leaks.
You can get TPO in several different thicknesses, ranging from 45 milliliters to 80 milliliters. Although thicker membranes may resist hail better, they are also heavier. A mid-range thickness, like 60 milliliters, is a good choice for most commercial buildings, although you should talk to your contractor for their recommendations.
Maintenance Tips for TPO Roofing
Like every other kind of roof, TPO requires regular maintenance. Your roof should be inspected and cleaned off at least once a year. Identifying damage early can keep small problems from becoming large, expensive ones. To check a TPO roof for damage, technicians will inspect the seams for leaks.
If a TPO roof is damaged, it can be easily repaired with new TPO material and welding. However, water damage may require more extensive repairs. That’s why it’s so important to catch any leaks or water pooling early before it has time to damage materials underneath the TPO membrane.
TPO vs. PVC and EPDM
What makes TPO stand out when compared to PVC and EPDM, two other popular commercial roofing membranes? This list of pros and cons can equip you to choose the best membrane option for your building.
TPO vs. PVC
PVC stands for “Polyvinyl Chloride.” Another single-ply thermoplastic membrane, PVC, has many of the same benefits as TPO. It’s energy-efficient, extremely durable and chemical-resistant. While TPO is more flexible, PVC roofing is stronger and typically lasts longer. It’s weather-resistant, fire-resistant and puncture-resistant.
However, PVC is typically more expensive than TPO. The installation process for PVC can be complicated and expensive compared to TPO. PVC also isn’t as eco-friendly as TPO because it’s made with chlorine and other toxic chemicals. If your commercial building is in a cold climate, TPO will perform better than PVC.
TPO vs. EPDM
EPDM stands for “Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer,” a single-ply synthetic rubber roofing material similar to TPO. EPDM is highly durable, flexible and weatherproof. It lasts longer than TPO and is extremely elastic, handling extreme temperatures well. It’s installed in larger sheets with less chance of leaking.
Compared to TPO, EPDM is more expensive initially. However, it tends to last longer, which can make up for this cost in the long run. Although EPDM is recyclable, its manufacturing process is not eco-friendly. If TPO meets your requirements for cost and durability, it could be a better choice than EPDM.
Contact DDP Roofing Services, Inc., for TPO Roofing
Need a reliable contractor to install TPO or similar membrane roofing solutions? DDP Roofing Services has been installing and repairing commercial roofs since the early 1990s. We work with customers across the Mid-Atlantic and New England states. As a company, we’re committed to high-quality service and systems that satisfy our customers.
Our team is equipped to install all roof types and materials, including TPO, modified bitumen, fiberglass, metal, slate, copper and more. Depending on your needs, our technicians can perform maintenance, install a new roof, perform a partial replacement or add new roofing material over your old roof. We work with all major manufacturers for quality roofing materials and protect your new roof with a warranty of up to 30 years.
At DDP Roofing Services, we have years of experience and many happy customers. Contact us for expert roof replacement today!
