Integrate Solar Panels For Clean Energy
The fourth benefit of TPO roofs is that theyre compatible with solar panels. Theres nothing more environmentally-friendly than solar energy to power your business. As long as the sun shines, you can enjoy electricity all year round while saving more money.
If youre concerned about the price, know that over time, solar panels are getting more affordable. And besides, their long-term benefits outweigh the upfront costs. Before installing solar panels, check that your area has no restrictions on these materials.
What Is Tpo Roofing Pros And Cons In South Florida
Pros and Cons of TPO roofing for your South Florida home
Flatroofing continues to gain popularity in the state of Florida since we startedseeing its use in the early 1990s, especially as more and more homeowners aregoing for that modern and simplistic look. Not to mention, TPO roofing, whichis made from thermoplastic polyolefin is low cost and offers resistanceto ultraviolet, ozone, and chemical exposure. Further, these single-ply roofingsystems are heat-reflective and energy efficient.
TPO is one of a few different types of rubber, usually a blend of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber. These single ply roofing systems are a dependable and energy efficient roofing system that lowers your homes overall construction costs. TPO roofing systems are quite common in both home and commercial roofs in Florida. The color and associated reflective properties, reduction in energy costs, and durability in hot climates such as in Florida, can mean a sizeable decrease in maintenance costs.
However,these roofs come with a variety of pros and cons, and homeowners need to thinkcarefully before selecting TPO in lieu of a more traditional option. The lifeexpectancy of a TPO roof is 22 to 30 years, far more than the standard 15-yearlifespan.
Thepros of TPO roofing for your South Florida home
The cons of TPO roofing for your South Florida home
The southern Floridaweather is a critical consideration for your roof
Choosing A Tpo Roofing Contractor
When choosing a TPO roof, carefully research manufacturers that offer a warranty and that have a lengthy track record of producing high quality TPO roofing systems.
Building owners entertaining the possibility of a new roof should evaluate the many pros and cons of TPO roofs. Discuss your next roofing project with the dependable roofing contractors at Reliable Roofing. Our team at Reliable Roofing provides roofing services for commercial properties, such as churches, restaurants, hospitals, office buildings and schools.
Don’t Miss: How To Insulate A Garage Roof
Tpo Roofing Installation Guide
Thermoplastic polyolefin systems use a single ply roofing membrane to create a watertight seal on your roof. This roofing system has grown in popularity since its first installation in 1986, and it is quickly becoming one of the most common new installations for flat residential or commercial roofing. TPO is easily recognizable by its distinct, bright color and celebrated for its many advantages. Now that weve answered, what is TPO roofing, lets get into its advantages and how to install TPO roofing.
What Is Tpo Roofing Made Of
TPO roofing is a single-ply roof system, which means only one sheet of TPO is installed. This TPO membrane is comprised of three bonded layers, which are as follows:
- Thermoplastic polyolefin base layer
- Polyester-reinforced fabric center, aka scrim
- Thermoplastic polyolefin top layer
Each thermoplastic polyolefin layer is made of ethylene-propylene rubber and manufactured with fillers such as talc, fiberglass, and carbon fiber. These fillers add to the TPOs strength and flexibility.
The center layer of reinforced polyester lends the TPO membrane even more flexibility, and the ability to be rolled out easily onto the roof.
Unlike other roofing options like PVC, TPO roofing does not contain environmentally-harmful chemicals such as chlorine.
You May Like: Is The Tesla Solar Roof Worth It
What Are Some Of The Characteristics Of A Travel Trailer Tpo Roof
- TPO is a single-ply thermoplastic membrane.
- It is installed in one single application, there are no multiple layers.
- It can be installed using several methods .
- TPO comes in mostly white, grey, and tan. It can be found in other colors as well.
- Warranties are available up to 30-years.
- TPO membranes are grease resistant.
- Naturally UV and heat resistant.
- High wind rating if properly installed.
TPO roofs are very popular and are used quite often on travel trailers because its cheap and is usually white. The membrane of a TPO roof can be screwed in place or mechanically attached to the roof. You can also adhere in place. The seams are typically glued to heat-welded in place.
One of the distinguishing and prominent characteristics of a TPO roof is its laminated structure. Also important to know is that the material which you have seen on top is different from the material used on the bottom.
In addition to the top and bottom layers, there is a wearing surface and filler material on the bottom. The top is usually white in color and the bottom is gray.
Its not unusual to integrate a fiber reinforcement to your TPO roof. This makes it even more durable and stronger. However, this can result in a TPO roof that is rigid which can make it difficult to install.
If Youre Still Undecided
Both of these roofing systems are excellent at protecting your commercial building and the contents inside your home. Choosing one over the other may depend on your geographic location, taking into account heat, hail, and rain, or it may depend on external factors, such as your intent to mount solar panels on the roof. Both of these systems can be mechanically-fastened, which is advantageous in cold weather installation. Both also have the ability to be fully-adhered systems, which is the best approach for the sake of durability and warranty usage. If you cant quite make up your mind on which system would be better for your commercial building, please contact HomeGuard with any questions or concerns. Well be happy to provide you with an expert recommendation on the best roofing system for your circumstances.
You May Like: Does Replacing A Roof Increase Home Value
What Does Tpo Stand For Roofing
4.1/5
Also asked, what is a TPO roof?
TPO stands for thermoplastic polyolefin, a single-ply roofing membrane that covers the surface of the roof. The name is a bit misleading, because rather than being a plastic, TPO is actually one of a few different types of rubber, usually a blend of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber.
Similarly, what is the difference between TPO and PVC roofing? While TPO has superior weathering and slightly better tear and break resistance than PVC, PVC does have some characteristics that certain customers need or prefer. Also, PVC is slightly more flexible than TPO, which some contractors like. There used to be talk about welding differences, but both membranes weld well.
In this regard, is TPO roofing good?
TPO roofs are durable resisting dirt, bacteria, algae and debris build-up. The flexibility of the membrane makes it highly resistant to tears, punctures and impact damage. This flexibility also allows for a building’s movement and setting, without compromising the roof’s performance.
How much does a TPO roof cost?
TPO roofing material costs range between $160 and $500 per square. TPO roofing labor costs range between $500 and $800 per square.
Is Tpo More Expensive Than Epdm
TPO is slightly more expensive than EPDM. EPDM usually costs anywhere between $1 to $4 per square foot. By contrast, TPO costs between $1.5 and $5 per square foot, which is slightly more expensive .
Regarding labor cost, TPO also costs more to install since this type of material requires welding and thermal process to install.
On the contrary, EPDM labor costs around $4 to $8 per square foot.
Sometimes, the extra cost is worth it. TPO offers better insulation, UV protection, color options, and energy efficiency. However, if you are on a budget, then EPDM is the better choice.
Resources
Also Check: What Causes Swollen Gums And Roof Of Mouth
Ben Dykstra Rro Rewo Cqm Leed Ap Bd+cdirector Of Quality Management Indiana
Ben Dykstra is director of quality management for Pepper Construction in Indiana. He started his career in project management before transitioning to quality management in 2012, where his passion and commitment to quality extends beyond the planning and execution of the work to the overall functionality and performance of a building throughout its life cycle.
Ben holds a Bachelor of Arts in Engineering from Wheaton College and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Illinois Institute of Technology. He is a Registered Roof Observer , Registered Exterior Wall Observer , a Certified Level 1 Thermographer, and Army Corp. of Engineers Construction Quality Management certified. Ben also is a member of RCI, Inc. and is a Major in the Indiana Army National Guard.
Single Ply Roofs Tpo And Epdm
MidSouth Construction is certified in Single-Ply roof systems with a wide range of commercial roof manufacturers. When you work with a certified commercial roofing contractor like MidSouth Construction, you will receive the best solution to your specific roofing needs. MidSouth Construction installs flat roof systems with both EPDM and TPO. Both of these roof materials provide exceptional durability. MidSouth Construction is certified with Firestone, Carlisle, GenFlex, Sika, GAF, MuleHide, Derbigum, Versico, and American Weatherstar which allows us to offer commercial roof warranties for up to 30 years!
Recommended Reading: How Much Does It Cost To Install Roof Vents
Durable And Easy To Repair
There are many factors that could decrease the lifespan of roofing materials. For example, foot traffic as a result of having to go up the roof to check HVAC and other equipment.
If we compare TPO to other single-ply membranes, TPO resists tears, punctures, and blistering. With repetitive exposure to these factors, TPO roofs sustain damage. However, an experienced roofing contractor can repair them with ease owing to the fact that theyre heat-weldable.
To ensure increased strength, have your roofing contractor install a thicker membrane. Remember: Thicker is always better when it comes to TPO.
What Is A Tpo Roofing System
TPO Roofingroofing membraneroofing systemsTPO roofing systemsroofs
. Considering this, what does TPO roofing stand for?
The term TPO stands for Thermoplastic Polyolefin. Believe it or not, TPO is actually in a broad family of rubber roofing materials. TPO is a blend of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber. EPDM stands for Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer.
One may also ask, what is the life expectancy of a TPO roof? 20 years
In this way, is TPO roofing good?
TPO roofs are durable resisting dirt, bacteria, algae and debris build-up. The flexibility of the membrane makes it highly resistant to tears, punctures and impact damage. This flexibility also allows for a building’s movement and setting, without compromising the roof’s performance.
What is the average cost of TPO roof?
Nonetheless, your total TPO roofing cost should range between $700 and $1,300 per square. Since once square covers 100sf, TPO roofing prices range between $7 per square foot and $13 per square foot.
You May Like: How Often To Get Roof Replaced
What Does Tpo Mean In Roofing
Allpoint ConstructionCategories :News
When you are in the market for a new roof, there seems to be an endless amount of decisions: independent contractor or roofing company, re-roof or full replacement, what type of materials are bestthe list goes on and on. With so many choices, often decisions are left to the roofing contractor let the expert tell you what to do. While most professionals will guide you to make the best choices for your particular roofing project, its helpful to be armed with a bit of information going into your project.
When evaluating roofing systems, it can become an alphabet soup of potential options. You will likely hear of TPO early in your search.
What is TPO Roofing?
TPO is a kind of single-ply roofing membrane and the acronym stands for Thermoplastic Polyolefin. TPO refers to the primary chemical composition of the roof membrane.
The National Roofing Contractors Association defines two main categories within the single-ply roofing industry: thermoplastic membranes and thermoset membranes. The thermoplastic membrane category includes TPO. When you are starting a roofing project, your top concern is keeping your home dry and ensuring the roof lasts for a long time. The chemical composition of your roofing membrane isnt what keeps you up at night, but it is important
What are the Characteristics TOP?
Commercial Size Roofs Massive Discounts
In the price example above we used a small size roof. Now what happens if the project is 10,000 or even 50,000 square feet? Sure contractors will get bigger discounts, but GenFlex TPO is already at $0.56 per square foot. How much lower can it go? Lets say $0.50 or even $0.45 . You still have massive amounts of expensive peel and stick accessories, primer, cleaner, and extra labor involved.
And be sure that IB Roof Systems and other PVC manufacturers also provide volume discounts. Once again IB is one of the most expensive PVCs out there, and yet its cheaper than TPO. At the end of the day, the extra discounts on volume will be offset by extra labor, and the final material price will be nearly the same.
Read Also: How To File A Roof Claim
Tpo Roof Installation Company Near Austin Texas
Our commercial and industrial TPO roofing experts work the entire region: Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Leander, Killeen, Temple, San Marcos, Waco, Hutto, Copperas Cove, Harker Heights, Kyle, Belton, Taylor, Buda, Lockhart, Lakeway, Marble Falls, College Station, Bryan, Elgin, Lago Vista, Burnet, Bastrop, Lampasas and all surrounding neighborhoods!
Choose A Thicker Tpo Membrane
Remember that thicker membranes perform better. TPO roofing cost may be higher but the membrane itself offers enhanced protection. Itll resist hail and foot traffic better. Usually, thicker membranes come with additional warranty coverage. Membrane sheet thickness ranges from 40 mils up to 90 mils.
Read Also: Why Is My Roof Leaking When It Rains
Repair Options If Your Tpo Roof Has Less Than 25% Saturation
After the infrared survey is complete, its determined that the roof doesnt have much saturation. If your roof is under 25% saturated, then what can be performed is a silicone restoration membrane system.
What will happen during a silicone restoration membrane installation is:
- The saturated areas will be removed and replaced with similar material
- The entire field of the roof will be power washed and cleaned
- The seams of the TPO roof will be strengthened and reinforced
- Then silicone coating will be applied to the entire field of the roof
- Then a new 10-20-year warranty will be granted
Heres a video showing a silicone restoration membrane installation from start to finish:
Another scenario that happens is that although theres less than 25% saturation, the seams are in too bad of condition to restore with a silicone restoration system.
In this case, if theres only one roofing system in place, is to install a cover board over the TPO roof, cut the flashings off, and then install a spray foam roofing system. This will save you money from completely tearing off the existing roof and installing a new TPO system.
If you already have two roofing layers and the seams are in too bad of a condition to restore, youll need to remove all the TPO and install new TPO, or a new roofing system.
You Can Install A Roof Garden And Walkway Pads On Tpo
Its great to know that maximizing building space is possible with TPO. Two options are roof gardens and walkway pads. Vegetation cools your building even more and blocks sound from the outside. On the other hand, walkway pads provide safer access to rooftop equipment. This reduces the impact of foot traffic and the possibility of puncturing.
Also Check: How To Install Metal Roofing Over Asphalt Shingles
Failed Promise Of Tpo
25 or so years ago, large EPDM manufacturers decided to compete with the likes of Sarnafil, DuroLast and FiberTite, and take away their market share of high-end flat roofing. They began experimenting with TPO, which to this day is about 10% more expensive than EPDM and 10-30% less expensive than PVC .
They marketed the new material as providing: PVC quality at the price of rubber.
Since these companies already had a large pool of commercial contractors and distribution in place, getting TPO to market wasnt difficult. Roofers readily bought into the idea of a cheap PVC alternative. After a few years and millions of square feet purchased, TPO became the number 1 commercial roofing material installed .
Because PVC was seemingly a lot more expensive, many architects, specifiers and building owners chose TPO membranes . Seeing the success of this product, many other manufacturers jumped on the band wagon.
Can You Walk On Tpo Roofing
One question that many people have regarding TPO roofs is whether they can walk on them. If you need to get on your roof to perform repairs to HVAC equipment or perform a semi-annual or post-storm inspection, it is entirely possible to do so. TPO membranes are strong, durable, and capable of being walked on.
However, it is important to take into consideration the surface when walking on the roof. For instance, like other flat surfaces, TPO membranes can become very slippery when wet, snowy, or icy. Therefore, it is imperative that you are extra cautious when walking on the roof during these conditions.
Don’t Miss: Can I Pressure Wash My Roof
What Is Epdm Roofing
EPDM = ethylene propylene diene terpolymer material
In simple words, EPDM roofing is a single ply, elastomeric roofing sheet that is recommended for either re-roofing over a variety of deck types or installation on new roofs.
Acting as insulation, this rubber-like material resists fire, holds up to extremely low temperatures and it tolerates damaging wind, hail and UV radiation exposure.
Manufactured in lightweight rolls that are cold-applied to roof decks, this popular material requires a professional install if it is to perform to manufacturing standard over long periods of time.
