TPO Commercial Roofing Systems: What You Need to Know

If you want to install a durable single ply membrane that’s also energy efficient and cost-effective, then consider TPO roofing. It’s UV-resistant and heat-weldable for ease of installation, which makes it one of the most common roof types for many commercial facilities. Compared to EPDM and PVC, you’ll get more benefits without the extra costs. Additionally, the material offers ozone and chemical resistance, as well as heat-resistance and energy efficiency.

To know more about TPO roofing, here’s what our trusted contractors at Lask Exterior Solutions, LLC have to say.

What’s TPO?

First introduced to the roofing industry in the early 1990s, TPO Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) is a single-ply roofing membrane that was marketed as a more economical and efficient alternative to PVC roofing products. The membrane is composed of three layers consisting of a TPO polymer base, polyester-reinforced fabric center (scrim), and a thermoplastic polyolefin compounded top ply.

In TPO manufacturing, common fillers are used such as fiberglass, talc, carbon fiber, wollastonite, and Metal Oxy Sulfate. Popular rubbers used in TPO manufacturing include ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR) and Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM). They’re typically manufactured in sheets that are 10, 12, or 20 feet wide then rolled up and taken to the commercial facility.

Today, TPO roofing is one of the fastest-growing residential and commercial roofing systems on the market. In fact, TPO takes up about 40% of the commercial roofing market share according to a report by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). This is because the single-ply roofing system is dependable and energy-efficient, which helps lower your home’s overall construction costs. They also come in different colors with associated reflective properties that offer protection against UV rays. This is why TPO roofing systems are commonly used in both home and commercial roofs.

The Benefits You’ll Get

Installing a TPO membrane on your roofing system won’t impact your overall roofing budget. Not only is TPO more energy-efficient and cost-effective, but it’s also more eco-friendly since using it reduces carbon emissions. 

But before purchasing a TPO membrane for your commercial property, consult with a trusted contractor on how you can fully benefit from the installation. With our professional services, we’ll make sure you can make the most out of your TPO roofing system, including:

1. Durability – Compared to other thermoplastic membranes, TPO is resistant to dirt accumulation, mold growth, tear damage, and punctures. Reinforced TPO membranes are also made to be flexible for the home’s natural movement or settling. This means it can handle a home’s thermal expansion and contraction more effectively than other single-ply roofing products.

2. Cost-Effectiveness – As we mentioned earlier, the material won’t hurt your roofing budget because of its reasonable price. TPO offers many of the same benefits as PVC roofing such as hot-air weldable seams and energy efficiency for a lower cost.

3. Ease of Installation – Since TPO membranes are manufactured in wide sheets and are lightweight, this means the material is easier to install with less seams to worry about. Less work and time associated with the installation means more savings on the cost of installation!

4. Made for All Types of Homes – The fact that TPO is designed to look great on many different types of homes is what makes it appealing to many homeowners. TPO is available in white, light grey, and black reflective color options. In fact, the latest technologies enable all colors of TPO roofing membranes to be UV resistant.

5. Energy Efficiency – The energy efficiency that TPO roofing membranes offer is a big selling point for homeowners who are looking to reduce their monthly energy consumption as well as reducing their carbon footprint in the environment. 

In particular, TPO’s membrane’s white reflective surface exceeds the EPA’s ENERGY STAR® requirements. This means when you have a TPO roof installed on your commercial property, it will keep your interiors thermally comfortable all year round.

Other Tips You Need to Know

If you want to know more about our TPO roofing, make sure to consult with professional contractors such as Lask Exterior Solutions, LLC. With our services, we can help give you options on which material you should go for your new roofing system. You can also consult your insurance provider for additional guidance on which type of roofing is the most appropriate based on where you live and their history with insurance claims.

Planning out your roofing project with us means you can trust our extensive experience working with various materials. We’ll closely assess your home and ensure that the design and style you want can be executed professionally and efficiently.

How Your TPO Roofing is Repaired

Keep in mind that a typical TPO installation will last around 15 to 20 years. The seams can rip apart during this time, and the flashings can deteriorate as the membrane gets punctured which will cause a roof leak. 

When considering a repair, one of the first signs to look out for is when the water has begun to enter your commercial property. This usually happens because the seams have been ripped open, allowing water to enter the roofing insulation. Once the insulation accumulates too much water, it can enter your roofing deck and start leaking into the ceiling and other parts of the interiors. If this is already the case, you’ll need to call in a professional to inspect your roof.

During the inspection, your hired contractor will determine how old your TPO is, where the water is entering your insulation, what the condition your seams are in, and how many layers your roofing system has. Depending on the overall condition of your TPO roofing, your contractor will give you options on how it can be repaired.

To give you an idea of how a TPO roofing gets repaired, let’s say that the roof is 12 years old and the seams are slightly uplifted. This means it’s close to the point of failure, and if it isn’t properly addressed soon, every gust of wind will separate the seams further and allow more water into the roof insulation.

No matter what type of roof you want installed in your home, don’t hesitate to call Lask Exterior Solutions, LLC to get the job done. If you’re looking for a reliable single ply roofing installation contractor in your area, call us today at (815) 964-2220 or fill out our online contact form.