TPO Roofing: An In-Depth Look at Its Pros and Cons
TPO Roofing: An In-Depth Look at Its Pros and Cons
Do you need help with a leaky flat roof? Have a commercial building or low-slope roof on your
residence, then you may be familiar with flat roofing. Although the topic can be daunting initially, it is still just roofing, keeping water out. There are many options for your flat roofing needs, but consider TPO for your next flat roofing project.
Leaky roofs threaten your expensive machinery, or are you facing rising energy costs that strain your business finances? TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) roofing can be the solution you are looking for. Due to its durability and efficiency, TPO is quickly becoming a go-to choice for many businesses. However, despite its growing popularity, TPO roofing comes with its own set of pros and cons.
In this article, we’ll discuss multiple benefits and drawbacks of TPO roofing to help you pick the right option for your business. Continue reading!
What is TPO Roofing?
TPO roofing or you can say thermoplastic polyolefin, is an excellent roofing material that’s made of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber. In other words, it is a synthetic
rubber made from petroleum products.
Polypropylene has incredible flexibility and is known for its slippery characteristics that prevent moisture from seeping in.
On the other hand, rubber ethylene-propylene can easily resist heat and ozone and doesn’t experience loss.
Benefits of TPO Roofing
Let’s first look at the benefits of TPO roofing that make it worth your investment:
Enhanced Energy Efficiency
Energy bills in the US, including Louisville and Cincinnati, are skyrocketing. Especially if you are not paying attention to the energy efficiency of the building, the charges can pile up, resulting in high energy bills. But there’s nothing to worry about as TPO roofing resolves this worry. How?
TPO roofing materials are UV resistant. Most TPO membranes have a reflectivity rating of approximately 87%, meaning most of the sun’s radiation is reflected back to the outside environment. Hence, your building stays cool in summer, keeping employees comfortable and reducing the strain on your HVAC, so the electricity consumption is less.
Cost-Effectiveness
Opting for durable roofing material translates to higher cost, but this isn’t the case with TPO roofing. Compared to roofing materials like PVC, it’s quite affordable.
For instance, the average cost of TPO roofing per square foot ranges between $3.5 and $14. The cost of installation varies depending on factors like the location or total roof area.
The best part about choosing a TPO roof for your commercial building is that you get almost all the characteristics of a PVC roof at a low cost. The saved money can then be spent on optimizing business operations to achieve success.
Excellent Durability
Another benefit of TPO roofing is its excellent durability. For instance, it can easily resist breakage and punctures, keeping your investment safe.
In addition, it doesn’t let water stay on the roof for long, so it reduces the chances of mold growth. But that’s not all—the seams of the TPO roofing are hot air welded and melted together. This means it’s stronger than traditional adhesive seams on rubber roofs.
You don’t have to worry about unexpected leaks or damage disturbing everyday business operations, which positively reflects in terms of productivity. The best part is that if you maintain the roof properly, it can easily last for 30 years or more.
Safe for the Environment
TPO roofing is quite safe for the environment compared to traditional roofing material. How?
Well, it doesn’t contain chlorine that’s present in PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) roofing. Other than that, TPO roofing is 100% recyclable.
So, even if your building’s roof is worn out, it can be repurposed to create new roofs or other materials. Hence, there’s little to no waste, which positively contributes to the environment.
Variety of Color Options
If you want to give some creative touch to your commercial building to make it look aesthetic and fun, you can rely on TPO roofing.
In the past, TPO was only available in white; however, nowadays, manufacturers are offering a variety of colors that you can experiment with.
For instance, you can either opt for a tan or gray color to give the building a sleek look. Some manufacturers offer custom colors to give a customized appearance.
Drawbacks of TPO Roofing
While there are a lot of benefits of TPO roofing, it still has a few drawbacks that you should consider before installing using it:
It can be a Trouble in Winter
One common drawback of TPO roofing is that it isn’t very suitable for areas with consistent snow and ice. Well, frozen precipitation on TPO roofing takes a lot of time to melt away.
It stays on the roof, creating weight stress on the building. So, if your business is located in areas with harsh winter and heavy snowfall, TPO might not be the ideal roofing option.
Requires Manufacture Certified Professional Installation
While TPO is lighter than EPDM roofing, it still requires professional installation. It’s because professional roof installers are well aware of how to navigate complex roof structures, leading to safe TPO roofing installation. Once completed, manufacturer-certified contractors will have the roof inspected by the TPO manufacturer. When approved, the manufacturer can issue a warranty of up to 30 years to insure a leak-free roof system. In addition, they attach and seal the seams properly, reducing the risk of leaks and moisture buildup.
Tips to Maintain TPO Roofing
The following are some amazing tips to maintain your TPO roof that can extend its lifespan:
- Firstly conduct thorough inspections at least twice a year, especially in spring and fall. However, after a weather event like snow or rain, you should check seams for any signs of damage or deterioration.
- Regular cleaning is also a must. Clear everything from the TPO roof, including leaves or branches, to keep the building looking professional and pristine. You can either contact a professional cleaning agent or use a soft-bristle broom.
- Ensure that all roof drains are free from debris. Otherwise, standing water will build up, leading to roof damage.
Conclusion
TPO roofing is great for commercial buildings as it lasts long and ensures the safety of everyone in the building. However, if you are struggling to find the right roofing company in Louisville or Cincinnati, then Commonwealth Roofing Corp. is the best. They carefully inspect your roof, find issues for repair, and can even replace the roof with new materials like TPO, giving your building the ultimate look.
So, why wait? Get in touch with us today and revamp your roof with durable yet suitable roofing materials!
