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TPO Roofing Systems

Why Tpo Roofing Thermoplastics

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Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) roofing membranes were introduced in Europe in the 1980s and have been used in the US since the early 1990s. In the thermoplastic roofing systems category, TPOs are the fastest-growing segment of the commercial roofing market.

Although TPOs have been available here for almost 30 years, they are relatively new, compared with more established single-ply membranes, such as EPDM and PVC.

In fact, TPO was developed to combine the best qualities of those two technologies: the low cost of EPDM and the durability of PVC.

There are many reasons why TPO systems are popular.

Cost effective

Perhaps the most attractive TPO feature is its cost. TPO is among the least expensive membrane materials available in the commercial roofing marketplace.

With capital budgets tight in all areas of the country and throughout all industries, the initial low-cost outlay for a new TPO roof system is appealing.

Installation flexibility

Tpo Roof Custom Edge To Edge Fabrication

TPO systems can be installed using a wide variety of methods, including mechanically attached, adhered, and ballasted.

This versatility means that TPO roofs can be installed on virtually any type of building throughout the US.

Accommodates “settling”

Because TPO is a thermoplastic membrane, it’s flexible and able to accommodate a building’s normal “settling” as well as its expansion and contraction as seasons and temperatures change.

Energy efficient

In recent years, energy savings have been an important requirement for commercial building owners and managers, and TPO membranes earn high marks with respect to their reflectivity.

TPO roofs are “cool,” delivering lower utility bills in the summer, both because less heat is conducted into the building and because rooftop HVAC units don’t have to work as hard.

TPO membranes have another environmentally friendly attribute: they can be recycled after their life on the rooftop.

Durable and resistant

TPO systems are durable. Like all modern single-ply membranes, they are manufactured in varying thicknesses with a layer of reinforcement scrim – an industrial-fabric mesh – in the center.

This membrane composition allows TPO systems to resist punctures, impacts and tearing. It also can be treated to resist mold.

Lightweight and easier to install

TPO Membrane Roofing System Roll

It is lightweight and easy to install. A square foot of 60-mil membrane weighs about four-tenths of a pound. This means that a new TPO roof can likely be installed over an existing roof without an expensive tear-off that could disrupt building operations.

Local building codes and other factors will ultimately determine whether an “overlay” installation is possible. Because it’s lightweight and flexible, it’s easy to handle on the rooftop in all climates.

Although TPO roofing is, with respect to material cost, less expensive than alternatives and has other benefits, there are some factors to consider before having it installed on your commercial facility.

Varying formula

TPO formulations can vary widely from manufacturer to manufacturer. This is in part due to early trial-and-error attempts to address issues with cracking and other rooftop degradation, and some formulations continue to evolve to this day.

This could be an issue down the road for your TPO roof if, for example, it requires patching or needs to accommodate a new roof penetration. The new TPO membrane may not be completely compatible with the old – even if from the same manufacturer – and may not weld securely.

Not ideal in prolonged heat

Although highly reflective, multiple independent studies in recent years have shown that TPO membranes do not perform well in climates with consistently high temperatures. Florida and other southern states remain warm all year and in the summer time rooftops can stay hot for days or weeks at a time.

This ongoing extreme heat has been shown to weaken TPO membranes and reduce the roof system’s life expectancy.

Narrow temperature window for installation

Another drawback to TPO’s formulation is its relatively narrow temperature window for effective welding during installation. Once properly installed, it handles cold and snow well. But if you need a roof installed in the winter, cold ambient temperatures may prevent effective membrane welding.

Not ideal for restaurants

TPO systems are not a good choice for restaurants or other facilities that deposit grease or oily residue on the roof as the membrane will absorb oils and deteriorate over time. In fact, some TPO manufacturer warranties will not cover damage from oil, grease and some other materials.

Should you choose a TPO roofing system?

Tpo Roofing Systems Repair Installation

Sentry’s roofing system of choice is made by Duro-Last, Inc. It’s a PVC membrane and, although a more expensive product than TPO, we believe it delivers greater long-term value and watertight protection; your cost over the life of the roof will be lower than with a TPO system. This is due to several factors.

A Duro-Last system is prefabricated to fit the rooftop, saving material waste and labor during installation. PVC will weather better on the rooftop in all climates and conditions, lasting longer before needing to be replaced. It resists greasy restaurant exhaust as well as other chemicals that can damage TPO and other membranes.

If repairs or additions are needed, the new Duro-Last membrane will be compatible with the existing roof, no matter how old, and the repairs will be secure.

Have your commercial roofing system installed by Sentry

Regardless of the roofing system you choose, the quality of the installation will ultimately rely on the experience and proficiency of the contractor. Sentry Roofing has been installing commercial roofing systems for more than three decades and is are well-versed in all roofing technologies.

We would be honored to discuss the options in roofing systems with you and help you select the most cost effective solution for your facility!

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