TPO, an acronym for Thermoplastic Polyolefin, is a single-ply roofing membrane. Contrary to its name, TPO is not made of plastic but a blend of rubber, polypropylene, and ethylene-propylene rubber.
TPO single-ply roofing ranks amongst the fastest-growing commercial roofing systems. Thermoplastic polyolefin TPO single-ply roofing systems have gained massive industry acceptance with building owners and are amongst the fastest-growing commercial roofing products. The fast growth in the market was fueled by their performance level and various installation advantages. TPO single-ply roofing membranes offer an extraordinary resistance to chemical, ozone, and ultraviolet exposure. They are also made up of fire retardant chemicals. Their resistance offers a solution to the increased demand for energy efficiency and heat-reflecting in a roofing system.
Benefits of TPO Roofing Systems
One of the most significant advantages of having TPO roofing installed on flat roofs is that they are cost-effective. Compared to other roofing systems offering the same qualities. A TPO single-ply membrane will cost you way less than EPDM and other types of rubber roofing. TPO roofs' popularity in the market today sees them take up a lion's share of the commercial roofing market share. This combined with the roofing materials' affordability sees them preferred by those looking to save on cost.
TPO single-ply membrane is beneficial in its flexibility of installations. There are several installation choices for you to pick from. You can have it directly fastened or attached to the roof deck with adhesives. TPO roofing can also be welded in places around chimneys and other protrusions.
TPO roofing systems are resistant to break down and corrosion after contact with numerous materials. The single-ply membrane also doesn’t promote algae growth or mildew and won’t require pressure washing.
Commercial TPO Single-ply Roofing Membrane Installation
Once the substrate or surface that the TPO membrane is to be affixed on is cleaned, prepared, or removed, the insulation is put in place. Most thermoplastic membranes also come with reinforcements in the form of polyester. There are three main ways. There are several insulations with different thickness options that the building owner or manager can pick from.
Polyisocyanurate (Polyiso) - Polyiso is the most commonly used insulation factor option for roofing applications. Polyiso is more expensive than the rest but matches its price with its higher R-value rating.
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) - EPS has the highest R-value for each dollar and is used for wall, floor, and roof insulation. It’s a great option for ground contact since it doesn’t hold and retain water over time.
Extruded polystyrene XPS - in terms of performance and price, XPS ranges between EPS and Polyiso. It’s defined by pink, green, or blue color, semipermeable, and has a perm rating of 1.
Next, the TPO membranes are attached to the hoverboard using a bonding adhesive or mechanically fastened. Once the membrane has been rolled out, the roofing contractor will use a hot-air gun to weld the seams together using the hot air.
Industrial TPO Roof Repair and Maintenance
A TPO roof that is in good condition will typically reflect UV rays and resist any Chemical damage. The integrity of the roofing can inevitably, over time, get affected by structural stress, heat, or by exposure leading to shrinkage, or thinning. However, commercial roofing will also forever correctly maintain your TPO roof.
If specific issues such as surface cracking, seam penetration, protrusion flashing failure, they should be addressed by qualified maintenance. Maintenance prevents minor problems from becoming primary concerns. Problems such as the ones above could also be an indication that you should seek quality TPO roofing repair from us.
A TPO lasts approximately 15 to 20 years. After and within that time, flashes could fail, seams rip apart, and the membrane may get a puncture, among many other things that may all cause a leak.
The initial sign of TPO roofs requiring roof repairs is when the water begins to leak into your building. Contact our commercial GAF certified contractor to conduct your TPO roofing inspection.
During an inspection, roofing contractors can tell:
● How old is the TPO roof?
● Where is the water entering the insulation from?
● The condition the seams are in
After the inspection, our roofing contractors will explain your repair options or whether you need a new roof. They will also typically suggest the best manufacturers for your TPO roof.
Why Choose Dusty Greer Roofing for your Commercial TPO Flat Roofs?
Incorporated in 1998, Dusty Greer Roofing Inc. is equipped with 50 years of field experience in the roofing industry. We have completed thousands of new and re-roofing installations all around the South East. Our experience and growth have taken a great deal of discipline, principle, leadership, and better quality in our roofing services. We conduct all types of roofing and repairs and will do your single-ply membrane roofing spray foam roofing, steep slope roofing, vegetative/green roofing, solar panel roofing, and many others. A flat roof is especially challenging to an inexperienced contractor and instead of repairing or replacing it, you could create an even bigger problem. By choosing Dusty Greer Roofing Inc, you will be in the hands of a certified, reputable, and dependable commercial roofing contractor. Contact the Premier Commercial Roofing Company in Greater Atlanta for a service request today.