As previously stated, commercial roofs in the Midwest tend to withstand some unique circumstances allowing them to accommodate for equipment necessary to accommodate substantial needs in the building, such as air conditioners. Flat roofs are prone to ponding, especially given our heavy Midwest spring rainfalls, and harsh summer sun, which is known to cause premature aging of roofing materials. This can become problematic and detrimental for local business owners and will decrease the life cycle of their roof significantly. You may have heard that thermoplastic polyolefin, or TPO roof system, a single-ply roofing membrane that is one of the fastest growing commercial roofing systems on the market can benefit your commercial roof. In this blog, we will discuss what thermoplastic polyolefin options exist, how they are applied, and exactly how Southwest Commercial Roofing can help you protect and extend the longevity of your roof using this system.
What is TPO roofing?
TPO, or thermoplastic polyolefin, is a single-layer roofing system made up of synthetics and reinforcing scrim used to cover flat roofs, such as those commercial roofs prominent in the Midwest. The membranes are manufactured in sheets 10, 12, or 20 feet wide. These sheets are then rolled up and taken to the commercial facility where they will be used for commercial roof restoration projects.
TPO has gained popularity and acceptance in the industry due to its naturally reflective surface that reflects UV rays and protects against premature aging of the roof. It has been reported by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) that TPO takes up approximately 40% of the commercial roofing market share.
Installation
The existing substrate will be prepared, either by removing the existing roof (and materials) or by cleaning, and the insulation is installed. Next, there will be several different types of insulation options the facility or project manager/owner may choose from. Southwest Commercial Roofing, your local roofing contractor, is the best source of information as to which option is best to utilize for your commercial roofing project needs.
The TPO membrane is attached to the cover board using a bonding adhesive or it is mechanically fastened. After the membrane is rolled out on the roof, the contractor will return and use a hot-air gun to weld the seams together.
Advantages to TPO Roofing
There are quite a few benefits of the single-ply membrane roofing system, primarily being that the roof can last up to 30 years if installed and maintained properly. Here are a few other advantages to this specific roofing system:
· Reflective or Retentive- TPO is generally white in color and highly reflective, as previously mentioned, which reflects UV rays and heat away from the building, saving money during the summer months by decreasing energy usage.
· Class A Fire Rated- TPO membranes can achieve Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Class A fire resistance listings by adding fire retardant chemicals during manufacturing.
· Custer Choice of Insulation- Due to the fact that single-ply roofing systems do not include the insulation factor, as a customer, you have more options to choose from to insulate your facility’s roof.
Maintenance of Your Roof
Like any roof, it is vital to maintain and inspect your roof on a regular basis for its longevity and/or proper warranty maintenance. Be sure to know the specifics as to any and all warranty coverage on your new roof. Contact your roofing experts at Southwest Commercial Roofing for more information regarding your warranty specifics.
The first sign that your TPO roof will need repair is water entering the building. This typically happens when seams lose adhesion, allowing water to enter the roofing insulation. In this situation, it’s time to call your commercial roofing contractor at Southwest Commercial Roofing to perform a routine roofing inspection.
