TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) roofing has become a standard in commercial and building trades as one of the most durable types of roofing on the market today. Traditionally developed for pond liners, TPO has been used extensively for roofing in the last two decades.
What TPO Is And How It Works
This single-ply membrane is made from a polymerized combination of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber that can be attached to a roof with adhesive or mechanical fasteners. TPO offers an effective and low cost choice for low slope and flat roofs, and due to its material being a highly reflective white, it is a great choice for hot and sunny climates.
However, this product does come in grey and black, which are used more so in colder climates and in areas where white would not work as well. TPO can be installed directly over the existing roofing material, or it can be applied to a bare roof deck, making it a versatile product that can save time and money in re-roofing scenarios.
Installing TPO
Roofers and contractors typically use one of two methods to adhere to a TPO membrane to a roof. Mechanical fasteners that consist of screws and large plastic washers are one way to adhere the membrane to the roofing structure. The other way is through the use of a solvent or water based adhesive that attaches the membrane to the surface of the roof or deck. In more extreme circumstances where neither method will work, river rock can be used to hold the TPO membrane down and securely in place.
As TPO is a single layer membrane, it does not offer much insulation by itself. However, many installations can include a layer of rigid foam secured to the roof, and a slip sheet can also be installed that provides a low friction barrier for the roof so that it can expand and contract freely.
Benefits Of TPO Roofing
TPO roofing falls into the mid-range cost category, and it has many advantages over the other products traditionally used in roofing. TPO is durable enough to resist punctures, yet flexible enough to stretch during any settling that the structure may experience. Maintaining its integrity throughout a wide range of thermal expansion and contraction.
The highly reflective properties of the membrane also earned TPO an Energy Star rating for energy efficiency. Its ability to reduce cooling costs during hot weather and the fact that it is completely recyclable, contributes to its status as a green product, making TPO a perfect choice for the environmentally conscious consumer.
Choosing TPO Roofing
Durability, cost effectiveness, ease of installation, and environmental responsibility are all reasons that TPO is a popular roofing choice today. Contact Roof X to find out more about how TPO roofing can be a perfect choice for your needs.