TPO Roofing: All You Need to Know

Have you ever driven by a commercial building, saw a bright white roof, and wondered what type of roof that was? You now know you have been exposed to TPO roofing, one of the most common roof tops of large commercial facilities. TPO has some of the greatest energy savings for single-ply membrane roofing. Single-ply membranes are sheets made from rubber and other synthetics that are ballasted, mechanically secured, or chemically adhered to insulation that creates a layer of protection on a commercial building. 

So, what exactly is TPO roofing? The following information will give you all the knowledge you need to know.

What is TPO Roofing?

TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) is a single-ply roofing membrane that is made up of a single layer of synthetics and reinforcing scrim that is used to cover flat roofs. They are factory-made sheets that come in 10, 12, or 20 feet wide and have a natural reflective surface to reflect UV rays. 

How Much Does TPO Roofing Cost?

The cost of TPO Roofing can depend on some key factors including:

• The size of the roof
• The condition of the existing roof
• Access to the roof
• Insulation choice
• Membrane choice
• Installation choice
• Roof penetrations
• Type of warranty

The best way to find out an exact price would be to contact your local professional roofing company. 

What Are the Advantages of TPO Roofing?

If TPO roofing is properly installed and maintained, a commercial single-ply membrane roof can last up to 30 years. Other advantages include:

• Customer Choice of Insulation. Single-ply membrane roofing does not include the insulation feature which means as a customer, you have more options to choose from to insulate your building’s roof. 
• Class A Fire-Rated. TPO membranes can attain Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Class A fire resistance listings by including fire retardant chemicals during the manufacturing process. 
• Reflective or Retentive. TPO roofing comes in two styles: reflective and retentive. Both are very efficient when it comes to their features; however, an additional layer of PVC as a barrier between membranes is needed if you choose a retentive membrane. Reflective roofing reflects UV rays and heat from the building, saving you money during the summer months due to using less energy to cool the interior. Reflective roofing is also easier to replace than retentive. 
• Installation. When TPO roofing is properly installed, it is safer and easier to clean. It can be applied as a single product which makes it possible to have complete protection for your roof. It can also be installed on almost any overlay, making it a great option for irregular shapes. When installed the right way, TPO roofing gives you a longer-lasting solution due to its strong interface. In addition, it will last a very long time which will result in offering you the best energy-efficient benefits. 

How is a TPO Roof Repaired?

Nothing is ever perfect, and unfortunately, products eventually need to be repaired. During the lifespan of your TPO roofing, seams can rip apart, flashings can fail, and the membrane can become punctured, which can cause your roof to leak. 

If you notice water seeping into your building, then you know your TPO roofing needs repaired. This can happen when the seams have been torn apart, letting water enter the roofing insulation. When the insulation collects a certain amount of water, it gets into your roofing deck and eventually begins to leak on the inside of your building. At this point, you need to call a professional commercial roofing contractor to complete an inspection of the roof. The inspection will inform the contractor of the following information:

• Where the water is entering your insulation
• How old the TPO roof is
• How many layers the roof has
• What condition the seams are in

After the inspection, the contractor will discuss what repair options you have. 

When it comes to solving all your concerns regarding roofing repairs, TPO roofing is the perfect solution. Not only is it a long-lasting solution, but it is also waterproof and will rarely leak. If you are looking to take advantage of TPO roofing but do not know where to start, contact Tesson Roofing & Exteriors at (314) 932-1042. We are a reliable company who is dedicated to serving the needs of our customers. We will work with you to provide an excellent and cost-effective solution.