Whether you own a home or a business, a solid roof structure is essential for the long term well-being of your property. There are so many options in the commercial roofing industry nowadays, that it has become confusing for business owners in Kettering, OH, to choose the right roofing material for their business. However, there are some options that stand out from the rest due to their capabilities. One of the most popular roofing materials is TPO roofing. Though it is a popular name in the commercial arena, many do not know much about it. In the following guide, we will help you get to know more about TPO roofing and how it can benefit you.
What Is TPO Roofing?
Thermoplastic Polyolefin, sounds like a complex chemical name rather than a roofing material right? This is why it is abbreviated as TPO. It is a type of single-ply roofing material. TPO is a type of synthetic polymer that has been used in the construction industry since the 1980s. The material’s durability, weatherproofing qualities, and low maintenance requirements have made it a popular choice when building or replacing roofs on many types of commercial properties.
What Are The Benefits Of TPO Roofing?
TPO roofs are an excellent choice for business owners because of the many benefits they have to offer. Here is a rundown of the benefits of TPO roofing.
TPO Is A Cost-Effective Option
Installing a new commercial roof comes with a lot of different options, including the various types of roofing materials that are available. Often, when business owners are considering all of their options, the cost of the roofing material can be the most important factor when deciding which is best for you. The roofing material should not be burning a hole in your pocket, and the cost of TPO roofing is a major benefit. TPO roofing is one of the most cost-effective roofing systems available for business owners. The material is cheaper than others used in commercial roofing projects, but offers many of the same benefits.
TPO Roofing Systems Are Durable
The average lifespan of a TPO roofing system is between 15 and 25 years, depending on how it was installed, proper maintenance, and the weather conditions it is exposed to.
TPO roofing is very durable, and can be long-lasting, in part because it’s a thermoplastic membrane that offers exceptional resistance to ultraviolet, ozone, and chemical exposure. A TPO roof can withstand even the toughest weather conditions, and it has a high wind uplift rating that is far better than other types of flat roofs including EPDM rubber or PVC membranes. Another benefit of TPO roofing is that it has a high fire resistance rating – up to four hours when exposed to flames!
TPO Is Environment Friendly
TPO roofing is one of the best and most widely used materials for roofs not only because it is durable, but also because it does not harm the environment. TPO is a non-toxic material that can be recycled and reused. This means that it does not release any harmful chemicals into the environment. TPO roofing is one of the most environmentally friendly materials available because it’s made from recycled materials including tires and plastic bottles. TPO membranes also do not contain chlorine, so you don’t have to worry about being exposed to harmful chemicals.
TPO Is Energy Efficient
Commercial properties are bound to consume a lot of energy, and having a roofing material that can help reduce energy costs is very important. TPO roofing is one of the most energy-efficient materials on the market. The material is made with an advanced polymer resin, which makes it resistant to extreme temperatures and UV rays. A quality that only a few materials possess.
Limitations Of TPO Roofing
No material is perfect. This is why despite having so many advantages, TPO suffers from some limitations as well.
Lifespan Issues
TPO roofs, despite offering so much, can sometimes have a limited lifespan. TPO roofs typically last 15 – 20 years before needing to be replaced, which is shorter than most other types of commercial roofing systems available today. If you have a TPO roof, you may be forced to replace your commercial roof more often.
Less Variety
Though it is not a primary concern for most business owners, some people do like to have a wider variety of color options to choose from when selecting a roofing material. This sadly is not available in TPO as there are very few color options for TPO roofing membranes. This means that you don’t have much choice when it comes to picking your favorite color for your business. TPO roofing membranes typically come in white and other lighter shades such as tan, etc. If the color of the roofing material in a priority, you might need to consider other options.
TPO Roofing Installation
How is TPO installed on your roof? The process may vary somewhat based on the contractor you choose, but the primary steps remain the same. The steps of installing a TPO roof are described below:
- Remove the existing roof material and completely clean the roof deck and substrate
- Measure the roof structure
- Install the insulation layer on the roof deck
- Install the TPO roofing membrane over the insulation layer.
- Check the seams of the roofing systems
Factors Affecting The Cost Of TPO Roofing
The cost of a TPO roofing system is relatively reasonable for commercial facilities, such as retail stores, restaurants, and hotels. However, as with all construction projects, there are many factors to consider before you can get an accurate estimate of the cost of installing a new TPO roofing system. There are many variables that contribute to the total TPO roofing cost; some of the most important ones are listed below.
- The material you choose for insulation
- The size of your commercial building
- Choice of roofing membrane
- The roofing contractor you choose
- The area you live in
- Warranty offered by the company
Want To Install A TPO Roof?
Even though TPO has some limitations, there are so many advantages that you just cannot ignore. If you are impressed with the powerful qualities that a TPO roofing system provides, and are looking for a nearby contractor, then be sure to call All Around Roofing, Siding & Gutters.
We have more than 40 years of combined experience in the roofing industry. We offer all the services you need regarding TPO roofing systems. Our team will be there for you throughout the entire process and ensure that the work is done correctly, so that your business is not impacted. Contact us today at (937) 902-2839 to speak with one of our professional roofing contractors.
