Summer is the ideal season to work on any roofing repairs and replacements — it may be scorching hot, but the lack of rain showers is a huge draw. If you are looking for a high-quality roofing system that offers several benefits, then a TPO roof might suit your needs.
TPO is an ideal option for homeowners or commercial building owners seeking energy-saving, low-cost, and easy-to-install flat roof systems.
TPO Roofing 101
You might be wondering, “what is TPO roofing?”
TPO stands for thermoplastic polyolefin. Despite its name, though, TPO is not a plastic roofing material. Instead, it is a type of rubber roofing option for flat commercial and residential roofs.
This type of roofing was popularized during the 1990s as a lower cost alternative to PVC roofing. Today, TPO has gained a reputation for providing better energy savings compared to EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) and PVC roofs. PVC and EPDM are both popular rubber-type roofing systems.
TPO roofing is a type of single-ply or single sheet membrane with three bonded layers. These layers are made up of the following:
- A thermoplastic polyolefin base layer
- A polyester-reinforced fabric at the center
- Another thermoplastic polyolefin layer at the top
The base and top thermoplastic polyolefin layers are made of ethylene-propylene rubber and filler elements to further improve the TPO membrane’s durability and flexibility.
Color Options
If you have ever seen the stark white or light gray rooftops of commercial buildings, whether in real life or on TV, then you’ve seen what TPO roofing looks like.
TPO roof membranes are more often available in white, although grey and black colors are also available. Some contractors may also offer tan TPO roofing material. Many homeowners and building owners prefer to get white TPO roofing for greater energy savings.
The stark white surface of the TPO membrane helps reflect more UV rays and heat from the roof. This allows for a greater cooling effect and energy-efficiency for your air conditioning or cooling systems.
Thickness
TPO roofing membranes are also available in a variety of thickness and width options. The thickness of the TPO membrane depends on different factors, including the project specifications, climate, and your preferred durability.
For residential TPO roofing, the membrane thickness usually ranges from 0.045 inches to 0.060 inches (45 to 60 mils). A thickness of 45 mils generally has 10 to 15 years of service life while a thickness of 60 mils or more can last up to 20 years.
Meanwhile, commercial-grade TPO roofing systems often have a thickness of 0.080 inches (80 mils).
Installation and Costs
A TPO roof system is economical and easy to install. Expert roofing contractors like Elite Services & Roofing can ensure a quick and inexpensive installation.
TPO roofing membranes are available in wide sheets or rolls. The wider material width contributes to a faster installation process, stronger roofing membrane, and fewer seams joined by mechanical fasteners.
An average TPO membrane installation could cost you up to $6 per square feet of roofing material.
The costs of installing a TPO roof system would depend on your chosen materials for the membrane and insulation, as well as the labor coast. Replacing an old roof then installing the TPO roof system would naturally cost more than simply installing a new roof.
Pros and Cons of TPO Roofing
Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of TPO roof systems can help you decide on whether or not to install it on your home. While TPO does provide a variety of benefits, it also has a few drawbacks.
Advantages of TPO Roofing
A TPO roof system offers several huge benefits. These include:
- Energy Efficiency: TPO roofs, particularly white ones, help reflect more sunlight and heat. This offers greater cooling efficiency and may help you cut back on your air conditioning or energy costs
- Federal Incentives: Installing ENERGY STAR-certified TPO roofing materials may qualify you for residential energy property credit of up to $500.
- Environmentally Safe: TPO membranes do not contain chemicals that may harm the environment, including chlorine. The roofing materials are also fully recyclable and can be broken down and remade into new TPO membranes.
- Economical Costs: Although the initial installation cost may be high, depending on your chosen materials, the durability and low maintenance cost contributes to TPO’s overall cost-effectiveness.
- Easy Maintenance: The rubber top layer of TPO membranes ensures your roofing system will not easily absorb dirt or tear. At the same time, the rubber material can be easily repaired when necessary.
- Flexibility: TPO membranes are extremely flexible and highly resistant to tears and punctures.
- Strength and Durability: Thinner TPO roof membranes are made to last an average of 10 to 15 years, while thicker ones can last up to 20 years.
- UV Resistance: TPO roofs deflect ultraviolet (UV) rays, allowing them to withstand UV damage.
Disadvantages of TPO Roofing
TPO roofing systems have fewer disadvantages compared to their many benefits. These include:
- Potential Seam Failure: TPO membranes need to be mechanically fastened or welded together to cover entire roof areas. The seams formed during installation are potential places for membrane expansion and contraction, which may cause the material to come loose.
- Heat Damage: Although TPO roofs reflect UV rays and heat, it is not completely immune to high temperatures. The roofing material may still develop heat damage due to extended exposure to extremely high heat.
- Low-Quality Materials: Take note that not all TPO membranes are made equal. You need to make sure to choose a trustworthy contractor that uses high-quality materials when installing TPO roof systems.
Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor
If you are considering a TPO roofing replacement, you will need the services of reliable and expert contractors like Elite Services & Roofing. It is only with the right roofing contractor that you can ensure you receive the full benefits of a TPO roof.
Call Elite Services & Roofing today for any inquiries regarding TPO roof installation, replacement, or repairs.
