What is TPO Roofing?
TPO stands for Thermoplastic Polyolefin. It was introduced in the commercial roofing industry in the 1990s as an efficient and cost effective alternative to PVC roofing products. The single ply roofing system consists of three layers. These are:
- TPO polymer base
- Polyester-reinforced fabric center
- Thermoplastic polyolefin compounded top ply
TPO manufacturers use several fillers to come up with this commercial roofing system. Some of these are:
- Fiberglass
- Talc
- Wollastonite
- Carbon fiber
- Metal Oxy Sulfate
At the same time, manufacturers use various types of rubber, such as ethylene-propylene rubber and EPDM, to create TPO.
How to Perform TPO Roofing Installation
The pre-installation stage involves cleaning and removing the substrate. Once you have removed the place where you intend to install the membrane, fix the new insulation. With insulation, you have three options.
Polyiso or Polyisocyanurate- This is the first insulation option. Polysio is one of the most common solutions. Even though it is costly, the insulation suits business owners who are interested in the high R-value rating, which indicates its high ability to withstand heat.
EPS or Expanded Polystyrene- EPS insulation also has an extremely high R-value. Due to that, it is suitable for flooring and floor and wall insulation. And due to its high water resistance quality, contractors often use it when they need to establish a reliable connection to the ground.
XPS or Extruded Polystyrene- The colors of this insulation are green, blue, or pink. The performance and cost of Extruded Polystyrene is in the range between EPS and Polyiso. This semipermeable material has a 1 per rating, which indicates the amount of water vapor that flows through the material’s square foot. A low rating, such as one, shows that only a small amount of water vapor passes through the roofing material.
TPO Adherence- TPO roofing installation experts mechanically fasten TPO membranes by using an adhesive that securely bonds to the board’s cover. After rolling the membrane into the right place, they weld the seams together using a hot-air type gun.
How TPO Saves Money
The bright white TPO material has exceptional reflective qualities. The installation has the capacity to reflect lots of UV rays and prevent them from converting into heat. This way, the roofing material is suitable for reducing electric energy usage during the summer.
When to Repair TPO
TPO has an average lifespan of 15-20 years. During this time, you may need to repair whenever seams rip apart, membranes are punctured, flashings fail, and more.
Whenever you notice that some water is entering your commercial building, you should look for a commercial roofing Houston professional to fix the mess. This is always the first sign that you need repair.
Pros & Cons of TPO
From the features of TPO roofs, we can notice several benefits. Some of these are:
- Energy efficiency
- Cost efficiency
- Durability and long lifespan
Easy to Install- TPO systems are also easy to install. They are lightweight and come with wider sheets. This translates to savings on the installation cost.
Fits Numerous Building Styles- Another unique benefit of TPO roofing is that it fits a wide variety of commercial property styles. The manufacturers intentionally design the material to look awesome on a wide variety of buildings. Other than white, it is available in black and grey. Given the impact of the latest technology, color has limited influence on the reflectivity of TPO roofing. All of the variations are UV resistant.
Cons of TPO Roofing- The longevity of TPO roofs is questionable. It is a young roofing technology that has been around for slightly more than 20 years. Manufacturers are still trying to improve its quality. If you want to purchase TPO material, you should get it from a manufacturer that has been in the business since the onset of the production. You should also work with an experienced contractor who understands it and partners with reliable manufacturers.
High thermal loading may also cause the increased weathering of TPO roofs.
Give Us a Call!
If you need more information, contact our experienced and competent commercial roofing Houston experts at KSI Commercial Roofing Houston. We have decades of experience offering roofing solutions to businesses in the area. We are happy to help you get high-quality commercial roofing solutions that meet your budgetary needs.