Is a TPO Roof Good?

TPO Roofing

Commercial TPO Roofing

TPO roofing is one of the most commonly used roofing materials for commercial structures today. Why? Here in Texas, buildings need roofs that can take the change in weather. We’re at 110 degrees one day with the sun beating down and a week later, we maybe under ice with a hailstorm in between those changes. 

TPO roofing has benefits that fit the needs here are well worthwhile: 

  • The Cost: You can have TPO roofing installed on your commercial structure for as low as $5.00 square foot, a viable option that homeowners and commercial structure owners should consider. 
  • The Durability: Algae, bacteria, chemical exposure, dirt, and UV rays cannot damage or destroy TPO roofing. Impact and puncture resistant, a big plus here in Texas where hailstorms are common. 
  • Straightforward Setup: This lightweight roofing material is flexible, making installation easier than many other types of commercial roofing materials. This is a money saver because the roofing contractor doesn’t have to factor in hours of manual labor. 
  • Energy Efficient:  The savings in energy expense that TPO roofing material gives will repay the installation cost several times over the lifetime of the roof. With a reflective white surface, the energy star requirements of the EPA are high rated. 
  • Fire-Rated – TPO roofing is rated by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) as a  Class A fire resistant roofing. 
  • Insulation: When a customer desires to have their, tpo roof with insulation, they can choose the insulation they want. 

How many years does a TPO roof last?

Thermoplastic Polyolefin, aka TPO roofing, is a single-ply membrane and taking over the commercial roofing system market.  With a single layer of reinforcing scrim and synthetics, TPO roofing is a perfect material for covering a flat roof.

Because of its ability to reflect the UV rays, the lifespan you can expect from TPO  roofing is up to 20 years. Proper maintenance is a must along with routine inspections. Without inspections or proper maintenance, TPO roofing will have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. When TPO roofing does need repairs, that can extend the roof lifespan another 15 years. 

Without proper care and maintenance of your TPO roofing, you can expect that it will have a shorter lifespan. Possibly less than 10 years, depending on the climate and other factors that can affect a roof. 

How do I protect my TPO roof?

Protecting your TPO roofing is important to get the longest lifespan possible. The first thing to do is schedule and follow through with regular inspections, once a month by your maintenance staff and once a year by a professional commercial roofing contractor. 

This inspection should include observation of any possible problem areas that need attention for repairing. After any significant weather event, a roof inspection is recommended to check for any hail damage. The smallest dent or hole can grow bigger fast. 

Next, your roofing contractor should do an annual cleaning and if your TPO roofing needs to be recoated with a protective layer, this is the time to have it done. Most TPO roofing is topped with an acrylic and asphalt emulsion solution. This is a cost effective product that will extend the roof’s lifespan.  

The recoating process isn’t needed annually. Most commercial roofing can go up to 5 years before needing recoating, but your commercial roofing contractor is the better person to advise you on that schedule. The weather and area where your building can affect TPO roofing and more frequent recoating is recommended. 

Is TPO better than EPDM?

When comparing tpo roof vs epdm roofing, TPO is known for its dimensional stability, whereas EPDM is known to shrink, leaving your roof in a compromising situation for a variety of problems.  TPO roofing is easier to install and repair, the seams are welded on TPO roofing, making them strong than the taped seams of EPDM roofing. Most important to many commercial structure owners is the energy efficiency of TPO roofing is better than EPDM as well as being more puncture resistant. 

Is TPO waterproof?

TPO roofing is used mainly on slow sloped roofs because of its waterproof feature. Other roofing materials may be waterproof, but they may attract insects, are easily punctured, and aren’t as UV ray resistant. 

TPO roofing

How do I know if my roof is TPO?

The TPO roof details will tell you the difference TPO roofing is available in several different colors, but most building owners have white installed. TPO is a hardy, stretchy plastic with a shiny surface that is slick with welded seams.  

EPDM will be black or white and feels like tire rubber, with a matte finish and taped seams. Of course, if you aren’t sure even with that comparison, call a professional roofing contractor to inspect the roof (which it probably needs if you’re asking this) and they can advise you accordingly. Call (817) 677-6664 today for your TPO roofing needs in Arlington, TX.