TPO roofing is growing in popularity both as it develops and as more people learn about it. This is a thin and reflective roof mostly boosted for its energy-efficiency and cost-effectiveness, though it has other benefits we will go over here.
What Is TPO Roofing?
TPO (Thermoplastic polyolefin) roofing is a single-ply roofing membrane product used mostly for commercial buildings. This membrane has three layers: a TPO polymer base, a polyester-reinforced scrim, and a TPO compounded top ply. It is the most environmentally friendly single-ply roofing material you can currently choose.
What Are Its Benefits?
As mentioned before, TPO roofing has a number of advantages which led to its spark of popularity. These include:
Cost-Effective
TPO roofing offers many of the same benefits as other kinds of roofing, like PVC rooting, but at a more affordable price tag. They are also puncture-resistant, fire-resistant, and can hold up against chemicals. These combined with their strong seams help lower prices and maintenance costs associated with roofing.
Flexibility
TPO is a very flexible material, which means that it’s able to adjust to a variety of different roofs and can withstand movement and setting. Though commonly used on commercial buildings, it can also be used on residential buildings.
Leak Protection
Since TPO roofing seams are welded with hot air, this makes them stand up very well to potential leaks. Because of how the seams are melded together, this also makes repairs easier, so that if they do start to come apart, putting you at risk for leaks, they are easily mended.
Easy To Install
When commercial properties have new roofing installed, they generally have to shut down for a few days while this happens. This makes it important that the roofing job is done quickly and well by professionals, so as not to delay re-opening of your business and so as to ensure you don’t lose too much money through having to be closed while your roof is replaced. TPO is lightweight and comes in wide sheets, making it easier to install than some of its counterparts.
Energy-Efficient
TPO roofs are heat-reflective and energy-efficient. They are resistant to ultraviolet, ozone, and chemical exposure. Because of this, TPO roofing can save you money on cooling costs, through reflecting heat and helping maintain a cooler interior structure.
Environmentally Friendly
TPO roofing doesn’t have chlorine in it or any ingredients that contain chlorine, making it more environmentally friendly than some of its counterparts. TPO roofing is also 100% recyclable. Old TPO roofing can be recycled to make brand new TPO roofing. These, in addition to their energy-efficiency, made them a very green roofing option.
Aesthetically Pleasing
TPO roofing isn’t restricted to a single look. It can look good on a number of different buildings because it can come in several different colors, like white, black, and grey.
Things To Be Aware Of With TPO Roofing
As TPO is a relatively new roofing material, it does not have the proven track record of some of its counterparts. This means that in regards to its durability and longevity, the data just isn’t there yet. Because it is a newer material, this also means that it is undergoing changes and that previous versions have been pulled and updated as the perfect one is still in the works.
In addition to this, TPO itself isn’t just constantly undergoing changes in its design and formula, but individual roofers tend to adjust their TPO roofing in order to make it unique to them. It’s best to look for TPO manufacturers who have been around for a while, as they will likely have a better idea of the right formula to use.
The industry is aware that TPO roofing is fairly new, which means that it’ll come with a warranty that, in most cases, should cover any updated formulas that come out in the years you have it.
TPO is constantly improving, and if you ensure you have a professional come to install it, they will ensure quality installation, making sure that the seams especially are done well.