What is TPO roofing material?

tpo roofing system

What is the life expectancy of a TPO roof?

A commercial structure will typically have a flat roof and it is often coated with a TPO roofing material. TPO stands for Thermoplastic Polyolefin and is a single-ply membrane installed no commercial roofing. This single layer of synthetics with reinforcing scrim has proven its ability to protect the building and its contents. 

Roofing is important to any structure and as the building owner, expense is an important issue as well. You’ll want a roofing material that will last and provide many other benefits.  TPO Roofing is the membrane to do all of that and more. 

In Missouri, we can’t guarantee our weather from one day to the next season. With a professional installation and proper maintenance and upkeep, a TPO roofing can last up to thirty years. 

Is tpo roofing good?

Yes, when it come to puncture resistance and tear resistance, TPO roofing is incredibly good for flat structure roofing.  It is dirt build-up resistance as well, which will help lower cooling costs because it isn’t holding heat in with the dirt. TPO roofing benefits include: 

  • TPO Roofing is Economical – this is one of the main attractions for commercial structure owners. As efficient as its biggest competitor, PVC, with energy efficiency and hot-air weldable seams, but cost less. 
  • TPO Roofing is Durable – when you compare TPO roofing to other thermoplastic membranes, it holds up better to dirt accumulation, mold growth, punctures, and tears.  When it comes to tpo roofing and hailstones, TPO comes out the winner. 
  • TPO Roofing Installs Easily – For your roofing contractor, this is important and for your cost of installing a new roof, with TPO roofing being easier to install, you’ll find quotes for installation are usually cheaper. 
  • TPO Roofing is Energy Efficient – TPO roofing is highly attractive to commercial building owners because of the savings on energy costs. Additionally, the reflective nature of TPO roofing reduces the building’s carbon footprint. 

What is the difference between PVC and TPO roofing?

When we look at tpo roofing vs pvc roofing, we see that both are thermoplastics materials and have some of the same characteristics. Yet, the have significant difference too with their composition and properties.

TPO roofing membrane is made up of ethylene or polyethylene thermoplastic that is then bound to ethylene propylene rubber. PVC roofing membrane is made from polymerizing vinyl chloride monomers, then plasticizers are added to increase its flexibility.

The original design of TPO roof was intended for it to be the superior over PVC roofing, but to date, there isn’t a definitive statement to that end. Both are an optimal commercial roofing solution. Both roofing membranes offer advantageous characteristics such as chemical resistance, grease resistant, oil resistant, and puncture resistant in different degrees. To decide which is the better, TPO roofing or PVC roofing, you’ll need the advice and input from an experienced roofing contractor. 

Is TPO roofing fire resistant?

The products used to create TPO roofing material are flammable, but TPO roofing itself, as single-ply roofing material, is a sub-specialty category. Meaning, it is combustionable and flammable.

How do you maintain a TPO roof?

An experienced roofing contractor will know to start cleaning TPO roofing with a low-pressure wash that will remove dirt and dust.  Next, using a long-handled, soft-bristled, brush, they will scrub a cleaning solution on and over the entire surface, then rinse thoroughly with clear water.

Installing TPO roof

Does TPO shrink?

This is one of the biggest benefits of TPO roofing over PVC roofing – it does not shrink. Durability is important for any commercial structure, especially when it comes to the roofing material. While PVC is puncture resistance with the right membrane thickness, TPO roofing excels for most clients because it isn’t as thick, making installation easier, yet it is still puncture resistant and shrink-proof. 

When making the investment for roofing on your commercial structure, investigate and research both TPO roofing and PVC roofing, as well as other materials. If you have a current roofing contractor, they will be able to provide pros and cons to all the different materials. Based on the climate and environment where your building is located will make an impact on which roofing material is the better choice. 

If you don’t have a current roofing contractor, get several quotes. The lowest isn’t always the best deal, you will likely get what you pay for. However, the higher priced contractor and material isn’t necessarily the best or the right roofing material for you and your commercial building. 

Be sure you get a warranty on the material and the workmanship, then follow through with a routine maintenance program with your own maintenance staff or the roofing contractor. The quote and the warranty should be in writing before the job starts. Call (573) 789-8367 today for your TPO roof installation in Osage Beach and Lake Ozark, MO.