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The roof of any building plays a crucial role in protecting it from the elements while also contributing to the overall aesthetics and design of the structure. With numerous roofing options available on the market, choosing the best one for your building can be challenging.
Now, if you own a home with a pitched roof, then it’s likely that you know about the roofing materials that you can use, such as asphalt shingles and metal, but with a flat roof, things are different, and usually, homeowners are not very aware of the difference in materials.
One such flat roof material that might come up while you research is TPO, which is what the topic of this article will be today. We will explore the top advantages of TPO roofing and why it’s a smart choice for your building. To start things off, let’s understand what TPO is.
What’s TPO Roofing?
Have you ever noticed that some flat buildings have shiny white roofs? Well, those roofs are made of TPO (thermoplastic olefin). TPO is a type of synthetic, single-ply roofing membrane made from a blend of rubber and plastic with other additives and fillers such as talc. It came into existence in the early 90s in Europe and later made its way to North America.
A TPO membrane is made by combining polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber, which gives the material its flexibility. A TPO roofing membrane comprises three layers: a base layer, a reinforcement layer, and a top layer. The top layer is made from a white reflective material that helps to reduce heat absorption and energy costs.
Though TPO roofing membranes are a relatively recent development in the roofing industry, since their invention in the late 90s, they have become quite popular among contractors and property owners alike. While its main application is on commercial roofs, TPO has slowly made its way into the residential building industry thanks to its durability and flexibility.
Advantages Of TPO
If you ask a professional about installing a new flat roof membrane, you will surely hear them mention TPO. But moving ahead without knowing what this roofing material is and whether it will be helpful to you, is not a good idea. That’s why you should know about the following advantages that installing a TPO roof can bring. Here are some of them:
TPO Is Energy Efficient
One of the prime advantages of TPO roofing is its energy efficiency. TPO is available in a bright white color, which brings its own benefits. The presence of this white color makes TPO roofing highly reflective, which means it reflects the sun’s rays and prevents your building from absorbing too much heat and deteriorating. This can help keep your building cooler and reduce the need for air conditioning, ultimately lowering energy bills.
When you choose a TPO roofing membrane, you can save significant money on your energy costs while contributing to a greener environment.
TPO Is Durable
A material simply does not get attention unless it can offer a certain level of strength and functioning. TPO roofing systems are an excellent choice for building owners who are looking for a roofing material that can stand the test of time. TPO roofing membranes are known for their durability, and ability to resist wear and tear. It is a robust and resilient roofing material that can withstand harsh weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow, and hail without getting damaged.
A TPO roofing membrane is a popular choice due to its high-quality synthetic rubber materials, which are specifically designed and polymerized to endure harsh weather conditions. It provides excellent protection against punctures and outperforms most flat roofing materials. In addition, the roofing membrane is highly flexible, enabling it to withstand expansion and contraction. TPO roofing systems also boast exceptional seam strength, which helps prevent roof leaks and enhances durability.
TPO Is Environment Friendly
Sustainability has become increasingly important in recent years. One area sustainability has significantly impacted is the construction industry as homeowners look for ways to make their homes more sustainable. TPO is an eco-friendly roofing solution, which is one of the primary reasons this single-ply roofing membrane is gaining popularity in the construction industry.
One of the reasons for this is that TPO is made from recycled materials, making it a sustainable and environmentally friendly option. This roofing material is also 100% recyclable at the end of its lifespan, reducing the amount of waste in landfills. We also noted earlier in this article how it could save energy due to its reflectivity. This ultimately reduces the amount of greenhouse gas emissions released into the environment.
So, if you’re installing a TPO roofing system, you will not only witness savings when it comes to your utility bills, but you will be doing your part for the environment.
Aesthetically Pleasing
While the primary function of any roofing material is to provide protection and security to a building, it is also essential that it complements the overall design and aesthetic. Luckily, TPO is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. This makes it an excellent choice for building owners who want a functional and visually appealing roof.
TPO comes in a range of colors, including white, gray, tan, and black, allowing building owners to choose a color that best complements their building’s design. Though the aesthetic appeal is not one of the main concerns when it comes to choosing a flat roofing material, it still provides an added advantage over other materials.
Easy To Install
As a homeowner or a commercial building owner, you know the importance of time management. Generally, roof installation or replacement is quite a time-consuming process, regardless of whether the roof is made of tile, shingles, or flat roofing systems such as built-up roofs.
But this is not a problem if you decide to install a TPO roofing system. TPO can be installed using different methods depending on the specific needs and requirements of the building. This method includes a mechanical attachment, fully adhered, or ballasted.
TPO’s ease of installation makes it a popular choice among building owners. Its different installation methods provide flexibility in choosing the best installation method for the specific needs of a building. Also, the ease of installation helps reduce the overall installation cost, making it an economical choice for those looking for a roofing material that is easy to install.
Limitations Of TPO
TPO offers various features including durability and easy installation. But with these benefits comes certain limitations as well. Let us take a look at some of the disadvantages of a TPO roof, which will help you gain a better idea of how this roofing membrane works.
Lifespan Can Be An Issue
While researching the roofing material you need to buy, it’s crucial to consider the lifespan of the chosen material. So how long does TPO last? TPO roofs have a lifespan that ranges from 20 to 30 years.
Though in an acceptable range, the lifespan is not as efficient as you would expect from a commercial roofing material, especially when you compare them with other materials on the market such as EPDM, which can last more than 40 years.
This means that building owners may need to replace their TPO roof sooner than they would other roofing materials. However, it’s important to note that a TPO roofing system is still a cost-effective option, as its initial installation cost is lower than other roofing materials, and its energy-saving properties can result in long-term cost savings.
New On In The Industry
One potential limitation of TPO roofing membranes being relatively new on the market is that they don’t have an established track record of long-term performance compared to other roofing materials. While TPO roofing systems have been extensively tested and used in various applications, their long-term durability in extreme weather conditions or other challenging environments has yet to be fully demonstrated. Additionally, since it is a newer material, there may be limited availability of experienced contractors or repair technicians who have the necessary knowledge and skills to work with TPO roofing systems.
How Much Does A TPO Roof Cost?
Deciding to install or replace a roof is not something to take easily, as it is a long-term decision that requires an investment. To ensure that you can create a budget for your TPO installation project, it is critical to know how much this roof will cost.
A TPO roof can cost around $4-$10 per square foot. This is just the cost of the TPO roll. Labor and installation costs should be factored into your budget as well, and will be considerably more than the material. Overall, if you need this single-ply roofing system, you can expect to pay around $6,500 to $20,000.
You might notice that this is a broad range. The actual cost varies depending on certain factors, such as the size of your roof, the area you live in, and the company you hire. You can ask your flat roofing contractor to get a more accurate estimate.
We Can Help With Your TPO Roof Installation!
Overall, TPO roofing systems can be a smart choice for building owners looking for a durable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly roofing solution. As the roofing industry continues to evolve, TPO roofing will likely remain a competitive and relevant option for many years to come.
At McClellands Contracting & Roofing LLC, we offer high-quality TPO roofing services in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas. With us, you will get an expert team with decades of experience. We have installed many flat roofs in the area, and our reviews are exceptional!
Contact us today at (412) 353-5660 and book your appointment with our team now.
