Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) Roofing
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TPO roofing has been a popular choice for large buildings, including commercial spaces, for decades. If this is a material you’re considering, you’ll want to learn more about it before committing to having it installed. At Action 1 Roofing, our goal is to make it easy to learn all you need to know. To help, we’ve shared some important information and tips about TPO roofing below. If you decide this is right for you (or just have questions), feel free to give us a call.
What Is Single-Ply Membrane Roofing?
This type of roofing is made of sheets of synthetic materials and sheets of rubber. It is made to adhere to the top of the roof to add protection from the sun and all weather conditions. It’s most commonly used on commercial buildings, including large warehouses that have tens of thousands of square feet.
There are two different types of single-ply membrane roofs that you can choose from, including TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) and EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer). While these do share similar qualities, they are uniquely different. Learning more about each can help you determine which is right for your building, budget, and expectations.
What Is TPO Roofing?
TPO roofing is also known by the more complex name of thermoplastic polyolefin. It’s a type of single-ply roofing that is commonly used on commercial buildings that have a lot of space to cover. This material is made in sheets of various sizes, ranging from 10-20 feet. To install, roofers will bring rolls of TPO onto the roof and install over polyiso, EPS, or XPS insulation. A bonding adhesive will be used to set the TPO in place and all seams will be hot air welded to prevent gaps that may allow air or moisture to leak down.
After being installed, this roofing material can last anywhere from 22 to 30 years. However, maintenance and repairs will be necessary to keep the material strong and avoid breakage. The most common repairs that will need to be done are those to the seams and flashings. The membrane may also need to be repaired if there is a puncture, as this can lead to leaks and water damage. We’ll talk more about TPO repairs down below so you know what to expect if you have this installed.
TPO Roof Installation and Costs
The process of installing TPO roofing is fairly simple and begins with preparing the deck of the roof. If repairs are needed, these will be completed before any additional work begins. When it comes time to apply the TPO, it will adhere with a hot air gun that melts the membrane to the roof and the seams together. The number of layers installed will depend on what is necessary for the building to have the best protection possible.
The average cost to install TPO roofing on a commercial building that’s over 20,000 square feet can range from $3.50 to $8 per square foot. This includes both labor and materials, although the price can fluctuate depending on many factors, including:
- Size of roof
- Repairs
- Accessibility
- Complexity
- Difficulty
- Existing roof condition
Advantages of TPO Roofing
Energy-Efficient
The white color of TPO reflects the sun rather than absorbing it. Additionally, the insulation installed under the membrane can help control the temperature of your building.
Cost Savings
TPO is one of the most affordable roofing materials available, making it easier to pay for out of pocket. Given the fact that it can last for years with minimal repairs, it’s a solid choice for a budget-friendly roof that will perform well.
Easy Installation
TPO doesn’t require extreme measures to install, which is why many business owners prefer it over other materials. The lighter weight of the material also means easier installation, which results in less labor and money savings to have it installed.
Durability
The flexibility of TPO makes it especially durable and able to resist punctures or tears from inclement weather. It also settles with the building, which can prevent tears at the seams or shrinking over time.
Hire an Expert Team for TPO Roofing
At Action 1 Roofing, we prioritize sharing as much information with our customers as we can on any type of roof they have. This is especially important when it comes to investing in TPO roofing, as there are many questions you might have about how we can help. The information below can give you more insight into what you can expect when you contact us for your roofing needs.
Inspection
When you call Action 1 Roofing, our representatives will ask questions about the work you need to have done. Whether this is the installation of a new TPO roof or you need repairs, we’ll make sure we have all the details that we need. With this, we will use our resources to find the roofing company that will work the best for you.
We partner with the most experienced roofing contractors in your area, so you can enjoy peace of mind that they’ll take great care of your roof. The first step in this process will be to come to your property to do a thorough inspection of the roof. This will include looking closely at the materials, climbing up to the roof to see if there is damage, and looking inside for damage on the ceiling.
Repair
The next step in prepping your roof will be taking care of any roof repairs that are necessary for strengthening your structure. Your roofer will explain in detail the work that needs to be done from start to finish. If you have questions, you can call us to clarify any information you need to know. We are always here to help you have a seamless experience no matter how many repairs you need to have done.
Replacement and Re-Roof
Once repairs are done, you’ll be able to begin the installation process for your TPO roof. We’ll make sure you know how much this will cost and the timeline before any work begins, as transparency is important to our company. Your roofer will also explain the details as well as any information you need to know before the work begins.
If you are having a replacement done, the process to update your roof will take longer. This is because the old material will have to be removed and hauled away before repairs and preparation can begin. However, once this is complete, the new TPO material can be installed as normal.
If you are having a re-roofing job done, it’s very likely you’ll save some time and money. The new TPO will be applied and damaged areas will be fully removed. This process is normally quick, especially if you work with one of our experienced partners.
