What is TPO Roofing and Why is it Popular?

What is TPO?

TPO stands for Thermoplastic Olefin, which is a mixture of polypropyleneand ethylene-propylene rubber. Polypropylene is a common plastic known for its versatility, durability, and perhaps most appealing, its cost-effectiveness. Ethylene-propylene rubber, also known as EPDM, is particularly useful in the roofing sector due to its UV and weather resistant properties. The blend of polypropylene and EPDM creates an extremely durable product at a cost-effective price, which has allowed roofing contractors to offer their customers the best of both worlds.

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In addition to being extremely durable and cost-effective, TPO is also highly reflective. This property aids in reducing energy costs in the hot summer months by reflecting UV rays rather than absorbing them, giving TPO a distinct advantage over other roofing materials such as shingles or metal. It makes TPO an excellent choice for commercial buildings located in warm regions.

Benefits of TPO Roofing

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The benefits of TPO extend well beyond its cost, durability, and energy efficiency. TPO is a very flexible material, meaning that it can be molded and shaped around curves and ridges easily without concern for delamination.This is a convenient benefit for roofing contractors who must manage a variety of roof shapes daily. TPO’s flexibility speeds up installation and indirectly reduces the project cost through time savings.

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Maintenance, or the relative lack thereof, is another benefit to TPO. Because it is resistant to mold growth, you don’t have to be concerned about standing water on a flat roof. More importantly, it is almost impossible to puncture a TPO membrane, making water intrusion to the underlying structurea non-issue. TPO is applied as a smooth surface, so cleaning is also quite easy. Dirt and debris will wash away with a water hose without the need for high powered pressure washing.

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For businesses looking to reduce their impact on the environment, TPO shines in that regard as well. There are no toxic chemicals involved in the manufacture of TPO, and both polypropylene and EPDM are highly recyclable compounds.

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The installation process for TPO is another reason for its rise in popularity. It is supplied in roll form and can be fastened to the roof with either adhesive or mechanical fasteners. Some TPO even comes with an adhesive pre-applied to the roll, eliminating the step of applying adhesive on the job site. Because of its ease of installation, TPO allows contractors to reduce labor costs and offer faster project completion timelines.

TPO Installation Process

Because TPO is a membrane that adheres to the roof, the first, and most crucial step in the installation process is surface preparation. The surface of the roof should be thoroughly cleaned of any contamination such as oil, grease, dirt, or chemicals to allow the adhesive to make a proper bond. Even though TPO is conformable to ridges, if there are unnecessary irregularities in the surface of the roof, contractors should consider smoothing them out if possible, to prevent bulges in the finished product. Working with an experienced contractor for your TPO roof installation is essential to ensure your roof performs to its maximum potential.

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After the surface has been prepared, insulation can be applied to the roof to further enhance the energy efficiency of TPO. While this is not a required step, many businesses opt in for insulative panels during their roof construction. These panels also provide a better bond substrate for the TPO than the native roof surface.

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If the TPO is adhesive-free, an adhesive will be applied to the back of the insulation panels or roof surface if no panels were installed. The TPO will then be rolled out and bonded to the adhesive. Alternatively, TPO can be attached with mechanical fasteners if the contractor or business prefers. Once the TPO is in place, the seams where the rolls butt together are heat welded to create a waterproof seal.

Maintenance Tips

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While TPO is relatively low maintenance compared to other roofing materials, it is wise to perform routine maintenance to prevent any issues from occurring. This includes a proper inspection of the membrane to check for any signs of damage, and periodic cleaning to wash away dirt and debris. To best clean a TPO roof, use water and a mild detergent. Avoid using high pressure washing systems as they can damage the surface, especially at the seams.

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Speaking of the seams, the most important aspect of TPO maintenance is the inspection of the seams for damage. If TPO is going to have an issue, this is the most common area of occurrence. Fortunately, if the seams are showing signs of damage or wear and tear, it is easy to repair if caught early. Simply reseal the seams with another heat weld, or, cut and remove the damaged portion and replace with a fresh panel of TPO. And while TPO is highly UV resistant on its own, you could coat it with a UV repellent to further enhance its lifecycle.

Conclusion

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TPO roofing offers a compelling combination of energy efficiency, cost savings, and durability, making it a strong choice for commercial roofing applications. By understanding its benefits, installation process, and maintenance needs, building owners can make informed decisions to protect their investments. Whether you're replacing an old roof or installing a new one, TPO roofing can provide a reliable and sustainable solution for your roofing needs.