As previously stated, commercial roofs in the Midwest tend to withstand unique circumstances, allowing them to accommodate the necessary equipment for substantial building needs, 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, significantly reducing the lifespan of their roofs. You may have heard that thermoplastic polyolefin, or TPO roofing —a single-ply roofing membrane—is one of the fastest-growing commercial roofing systems on the market, and can benefit your commercial roof. In this blog, we will discuss the various thermoplastic polyolefin options available, their applications, and 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 composed of synthetics and reinforcing scrim used to cover flat roofs, such as those found in commercial buildings 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. According to the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), TPO accounts for 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 will be 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 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 of TPO Roofing
There are several benefits to the single-ply membrane roofing system, primarily that the roof can last up to 30 years if installed and maintained correctly. Here are a few other advantages to this specific roofing system:
- Class A Fire-Rated – TPO membranes can achieve Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Class A fire resistance listings by incorporating fire retardant chemicals during the manufacturing process.
- Custer Choice of Insulation – Since single-ply roofing systems do not include insulation, as a customer, you have more options to choose from for insulating your facility’s roof.
- 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.
What is single-ply TPO roofing?
Single-ply TPO roofing refers to Thermoplastic Polyolefin roofing systems that consist of a single layer of synthetic materials and reinforcing scrim. These systems are used to cover flat roofs and are popular due to their energy efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness, making them a rapidly growing choice in commercial roofing.
Maintenance of Your Roof
Like any roof, it is vital to maintain and inspect your roof regularly to ensure its longevity and proper warranty maintenance. Be sure to understand the specifics of any warranty coverage on your new roof.
Contact your roofing experts at Southwest Commercial Roofing for more information about your specific warranty details.
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.
