TPO Roofing Can Save You Cash With No Compromise to Quality
The cost of a new roof installation can cause many commercial building owners to start sweating.If your low-slope roof is coming to the end of its lifespan or starting to spring leaks, you know your budget will take a huge hit.
But what if it didn’t have to be that way? Imagine a durable roofing material with a cost-effective installation process. What if there was a roof that could actually save you money rather than drain your wallet?
Well, there is. TPO roofing can give you all that and more – which is why it’s been taking the roofing industry by storm.
What Is TPO?
Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) is a single-ply roofing membrane made of highly elastic and durable polypropylene. This chemical compound is resistant to heat, moisture, and chemicals, so using TPO material for your roof guarantees you’re protecting your property from the elements.
Single-Ply Roofing Membranes
Single-ply membranes are types of roofs made of large sheets of elastic polymers. Single-ply membranes use less material than multi-layer roofing systems like modified bitumen. This means the installation cost is typically lower than systems with many layers.
Besides TPO, there are two other primary single-ply roofing products on the market: ethylene-propylene rubber (EPDM) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
EPDM
Ethylene-propylene rubber (EPDM) is great for frigid climates because it keeps the building warm. It’s one of the cheaper roofing options on the market.
When compared to TPO, it is less resistant to punctures and doesn’t reflect UV rays as well. EPDM is more likely to need roof repairs and absorb heat, making it more expensive to cool your property down in the summer.
PVC
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) used to be the go-to when it came to single-ply roofing membranes. It’s still popular, but TPO outshines it in the modern market. PVC roofs are extremely tough and energy-efficient — but they’re more expensive and don’t hold up as well in the cold.
The Advantages of TPO Roofing Membranes
Of course, installing a new roof costs money – but TPO goes easier on the budget without compromising on quality.
Cost-Effective TPO Roof Installations
While TPO is a little more expensive than EPDM, the installation process and materials are cost-effective compared to other types of roofing systems. Typically, you can expect to pay $4 to $10 per square foot.
There are a few ways you can make a TPO installation cost less than other roofing materials.
No Need for Cover Board
You can install TPO right to the insulation without a cover board substrate, which helps reduce installation costs. However, it is important to note that cover boards can add extra protection and fire resistance to flat roofs.
Install a TPO Membrane Over an Existing Roof
You can make a TPO installation cheaper than most by avoiding a complete tear-off. While many other roofing materials need to be installed on the roof deck, you can install TPO on your existing roof.
Keep in mind that the old roof needs to be in acceptable condition (and dry) at the time of installation. If moisture gets trapped between the TPO and the old roof, it can cause major rot issues.
If you have roof leaks in your existing roof, talk to an experienced roofer for the next steps. They will let you know if you need a roof repair, a complete tear-off, a roof replacement, or if installing TPO over your existing roof is an option.
TPO Roofing Systems = Energy Savings
TPO can actually save you money after installation.
TPO membranes are (usually) white and have high reflectivity. The material redirects UV rays from the sun, lowering the roof’s temperature. The cost of cooling your building during the summer months lowers after you reroof with TPO — so you can see more energy savings each month.
Not only that, but TPO exceeds Energy Star’s requirements for UV resistance, which could qualify you for a tax cut once installed.
TPO’s Durability
TPO is a highly durable roofing option, which can save you money on future roof repairs thanks to its resistance to tears and punctures.
Since it’s resistant to UV rays, it also resists shrinkage. Depending on how the seams are sealed, it’s also one of the most resistant to wind uplift and prevents algae and mold growth.
To get the most durable TPO possible, choose heat-welded seams. The hot-air welded seams make it ideal for roofing systems with an abundance of penetrations. If you have a flat roof dotted with HVAC machines or skylights, TPO is a great way to avoid leaks.
Lifespan
TPO’s average lifespan is complicated because it’s one of the newer roofing materials. There are records of TPO surviving over 25 years, but a new formula developed in the late 2000s could extend that.
Typically, you can get a 10 to 20-year warranty on a TPO installation, but this is something you should speak to your roofing contractor about before getting started.
What to Keep in Mind
There are a few things you should know before you start planning your TPO installation. While TPO is durable, some things can affect the material’s performance.
Slippery When Wet
TPO can be very slippery when wet, so tread with caution after a storm. If you need to walk across your roof often and live in a rainy area, you may want to consider a less slick roofing material.
Get the Right Thickness
Thinner TPO doesn’t perform as well as thicker TPO. You want to make sure your TPO is 60 mil or up. Talk to your expert roofing company to determine the best thickness for your roof.
The Way It’s Installed Matters
Mechanical fasteners can help you cut labor costs and installation time, but they don’t perform as well as fully adapted systems. Mechanical fasteners make it more prone to penetrations, punctures, and wind uplift.
Get an Expert Roofing Contractor
WHO installs TPO is also important.
While many roofers say they can install TPO, not all know how to do it right.
If they fail to weld the edges, adhere to the material, or apply any necessary sealants correctly, you can end up with moisture trapped under your TPO. This can cause major damage to your substrate and roof deck, leading to a whole system replacement.
We know you may want to cut costs, but remember if a quote sounds too good to be true, it probably is. The best way to keep your wallet healthy is to make sure you’re paying for quality work upfront.
Don’t Skip Maintenance
To get the most out of any roof, you want to stay ahead of any developing issues. This means having regular inspections done.
TPO also needs regular cleanings to keep any dirt and debris from interfering with its UV reflectivity.
While it can be hard to remember, you want to make sure to have your roof inspected at least twice a year. We understand that this can be a lot to juggle when you’re already managing the day-to-day operations of a commercial property – but it doesn’t have to be. Our roof asset management service helps you stay on top of all your roof needs and see the status of your commercial roofs easily.
TPO Roofing Is Taking the World by Storm
TPO roofing has become a titan in the world of commercial roofing.
It’s no surprise why. Its installation process and UV resistance make it a wallet-friendly material that doesn’t compromise durability. If you want the most durable TPO roof possible, go with a fully adhered system.
Partner with a reputable roofing company who can do the installation right – or risk voiding your warranty and ruining your roofing system.
