Tpo Roof Coating Systems We Provide
- Ure-A-Sil: The Ure-A-Sil System combines the superior strength and adhesion qualities of aromatic urethane coatings with the unsurpassed UV stability and waterproofing protection of silicone coatings. to learn more about Ure-A-Sil.
- Envir-O-Sil: The Envir-O-Sil System is comprised of advanced, high-solids, low VOC silicone coatings. It is the preferred eco-friendly roof restoration solution for areas governed by strict environmental regulations. to learn more about Envir-O-Sil.
To learn if roof restoration is right for your business, to speak with an American WeatherStar Approved Contractor near you.
TPO offers many advantages. If properly installed and maintained, it can last a very long time and will continually deliver UV protection and energy-efficient performance.
If youre considering a TPO roofing system or would like to learn more about any of the topics covered in this guide, to speak with an American WeatherStar Customer Service Representative.
The Ultimate Guide To Tpo Roofing
TPO roofing systems are an extremely popular choice for commercial and industrial buildings. TPO is a highly durable, UV resistant, and inexpensive single-ply roofing membrane which is best known for its ease of installation and signature bright-white finish.
But as with any type of commercial roofing material, TPO isnt without its faults.
In this guide, we aim to educate facility managers and property owners on a variety of topics relating to TPO roofing, including its advantages, limitations, installation methods, material cost, life expectancy, maintenance and repair, and more.
Lastly, we explore the many advantages of restoring TPO with elastomeric roof coatings.
Attention! Is your TPO roof in need of immediate repair? to schedule your free roof inspection with an American WeatherStar Approved Contractor.
How Long Does A Tpo Roof Last
A TPO roof can last anywhere from 15 to 40 years, depending on a number of variables.
As with all roof systems, the life expectancy of a TPO roof system depends on how well the roof was installed , the thickness and quality of the materials, the roofs maintenance history, and the local climate.
Another lifespan factor with TPO is the roof system attachment method. Fully-adhered systems generally last longer than mechanically-attached systems.
Thicker roof membranes typically last longer than thinner roof membranes this is reflected by the length of the manufacturer warranties available for each thickness level. Youll never find a warranty for 45-mil TPO that has a longer coverage period than a warranty for 80-mil TPO.
Manufacturer warranty periods are also a good predictor of roof life expectancy. After all, manufacturers know their product, and they have a serious interest in ending warranty coverage before a roofing material reaches the end of its service life.
They also have an interest in offering the longest warranty period they can, because that helps sell roofs. They have to strike a balance: a warranty that is as long as possible without ending up costing them money due to having to cover normal end-of-life roof failure.
So the warranty periods offered by respectable TPO roofing manufacturers tend to stop about 5 10 years before the average TPO roof will fail due to normal, predictable material aging.
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Thoughts On Pros And Cons Of Tpo Roofing
Roofer removed and replaced roof, down to the decking. He installed new 19/32 OSB, then covered with thin liner , then mechanically installed 0.060 TPO, made by GAF. I have two concerns:
1. Was it installed to code ? I was fairly certain, they are required to install insulation under the TPO, they did not use any additional insulation.2. I am a Commercial Estimator, so I have some experience with TPO, but I am not an expert. The workmanship looks terrible. After inspecting the completed job, 5 days after completion, we found several areas that were bubbling, lifting at seams, very jagged / crooked seams. I dont want to verify workmanship, after it rains and I get leaks everywhere. What can I do to verify proper install? Does the roofer require to be TPO certified?
Hi!!!I had TPO placed on slightly pitched flat roof approximately 7 months ago with the following now happening Bubbles along most of the outer edge mm away from the flashingPooling waterCracks at the circular adhering bracketsCaulking peeling upLeak with winter thaw,No active leak now
Roofing company states There is NO Issue
Please advise!!!
we have a TPO roof that is sweating and causing dripping when it hasnt rained in months.It is an open beam ceiling with tongue and grove. It has 4 ridged insulation and barely 1/2 above the insulation is the roof. Did the contractor install too thick of insulation causing it to sweat?
What Type Of Warranty Will Be Included With My Tpo Roofing System
A good warranty is an important ingredient of your TPO roofing system. There are two types of warranties:
- Manufacturers WarrantyThis covers manufacturing defects in your roofing materials. For example, if the lamination separates from the TPO membrane when temperatures rise, a claim should be made. You should receive a warranty certificate from your contractor after its installed.
- Contractors WarrantyThis covers the workmanship involved in your TPO roofing installation. It should include a list of what is covered, the date the warranty expires, and the situations that could void your warranty.
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Find The Right Roofing Contractor For You
Be sure to do your homework and identify a reputable roofing contractor that has experience working with this popular material and can advise you as to whether it is a viable option for you as well as what type TPO material is best for your particular project, taking into consideration factors like the size and condition of your roof and if additional insulation is required.
Benefits Of A Tpo Roof
A TPO roof offers substantial benefits over other roofing systems in key areas.
Here are a few benefits of a TPO roofing system:
Puncture Resistance
Punctures can lead to leaks. TPO offers increased puncture resistance over other commonly used roofing materials. The quality of substrate design and installation techniques can play a big role in puncture resistance, so be sure to choose a first-rate roofing contractor.
Energy Efficiency
Reflective TPO roof membranes come in white and other light colors and can help save money on energy costs compared to dark-colored EPDM. Some buildings see a dramatic drop in heat absorption when using a light-colored TPO roof.
Value & Cost-effectiveness
When comparing costs to other systems like commercial metal roofing, TPO roofing systems offer one of the most cost-effective roofing solutions available, offering a great balance between performance and price. Flexibility of materials and faster installation delivers a lower cost install.
Long-term Weather Resistance
TPO offers superior resistance to long-term heat and damaging UV rays from the sun. TPO resists shrinking so seams and sealants stay in place over time.
Welded Seam Strength
A weather-tight roofing system depends on the strength of its seams. Welded seams as part of a professionally-installed TPO roof system, create a monolithic membrane across your entire roof.
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How To Choose Between Tpo And Pvc
Both TPO and PVC roofing will serve most commercial buildings well. However, youll want to keep in mind a few factors when choosing between the two:
- The climate. TPO roofing works well in most climates PVC doesnt hold up as well in colder temperatures. Conversely, PVC tends to hold up better than TPO in hurricane-prone areas.
- The buildings purpose. TPO is fine for most general-purpose buildings . However, restaurants, chemical plants, and factories using high heat will most likely benefit from PVCs resistance qualities as opposed to TPO roofing.
- Your budget.TPO is considerably more affordable than PVC, so if you have a limited construction budget, TPO may be the way to go.
Answers To Common Questions On Tpo Roofing
TPO is Thermoplastic Polyolefin and is a single-ply roofing system. Its one of the most popular thermoplastic roof membranes in the industry and is made of ethylene propylene and a mix of fillers including fiberglass and talc.
TPOs flexibility makes it easy to work with and compatible with almost any type of commercial low and flat roofing structure. The fact that its seams can be welded and ensure an uncompromised connection between panels contributes to its popularity.
While commercial roofs used to be covered with either PVC or EPDM membranes, the recurring issues with these led to the development of a third option TPO.
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Inspect Often And Repair Accordingly
The best way to avoid problems on a TPO roof is with routine inspections. Roof inspections, sometimes referred to as roof surveys, are an integral part of any maintenance program and should be performed on TPO roofs at least twice a year .
In a nutshell, the purpose of a roof inspection is to determine:
- Signs of roof leaks
- Age of the existing TPO membrane
- Condition of the seams and flashings
- Saturation levels of the insulation layer
- Condition of the roof decking
Inspections should also be performed soon after episodes of severe weather and rooftop service work.
Side note: To learn more about what all is checked during an inspection, to download our 40-point roof maintenance checklist.
How Do You Clean Tpo Roofing
A standard low-power pressure washer can be used to get the majority of dirt and grime off of your TPO roofing. Use a gentle household cleaner with a soft-bristle broom to scrub and get your roofs bright color back to its original shine. Cleaning semi-regularly will help to maintain the reflective properties that make it a great insulator from ultraviolet rays and the suns heat.
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Where Does The Drip Edge Go On A Tpo Roof
A roof drip edge typically goes on top of the TPO membrane after it has been installed. The drip edge prevents moisture damage to the roof deck while holding down the edges of the membrane. Vents, skylights and chimneys usually require an extra layer of TPO flashing, which goes on after the roofing has been attached.
Tpo Roofing System Installation And Maintenance
In this article, you discovered what TPO roofing is, revealed further information about its components and installation, and answered some frequently asked questions about it.
Knowing how TPO roofing compares to other roofing systems will help you make well-informed decisions when determining which roofing system to install on your structure.
Not knowing how roofing systems compare to each other can lead to poor decisions when selecting a roof to protect your building and business.
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How Much Should A Tpo Roof Cost
The TPO roofing cost per square foot will differ from project to project, but in most cases, it will be between $3.50 and $9.50. Overall, most people can expect the price to range from $7,000 and $11,500. This product is typically cheaper to install than EPDM and can last longer with less maintenance. If youre interested in receiving a free estimate for installation or replacement, contact us today.
Next Steps How Does Tpo Compare With Other Commercial Roofing Systems
In our free guide, youll learn the pros and cons of the most popular commercial roofing systems out there, including:
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Depending on if its a mechanically attached or fully-adhered TPO roof, the glues/adhesives used to adhere the membrane to the substrate does have an odor. To people who dont install it on a daily basis, it may smell toxic. Manufacturers do have a low VOC adhesive that has a reduced amount of solvent in it. That does reduce the odor involved during the application, but it does not completely eliminate the odors involved in the adhesives. Mechanically attached typically require very little adhesive, if any. There are cleaners/primers that are required with either, but only during the installation. The odors do not stick around.
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Fully Adhered Tpo System
You may be wondering…
What is TPO roofing material made of?
The single-ply TPO roof membrane actually consists of at least three layers, bonded together to create a single membrane.
Thermoplastic Polyolefins are polypropelene based materials that have been modified to provide better tension strength, flexibility and impact resistance, while retaining the chemical resistance of PP products.
While TPO membranes contain thermoplastics, they may also contain EPR or EPDM rubber and other compounds like talc, fiberglass or carbon fiber to amplify durability and effectiveness.
TPO membrane formulation include things like: pigments, fire retardants, antioxidants, lubricants and UV absorbers – all designed to enhance performance.
A single-ply re-inforced TPO roof membrane contains the following layers:
- A top layer formulated with UV blockers and abrasion resistant compounds
- An encapsulated middle layer called “scrim” which is a high-strength polyester mesh material designed to add structure to the membrane, while increasing puncture resistance and tensile strength
- A base layer compounded for strength, adhesion and flexibility
Some TPO membranes also include a fleece backing that is used for certain installation requirements.
Which Is Better: Epdm Or Tpo Roofing
Posted
What is TPO roofing versus EPDM roofing is not an uncommon question asked in the commercial roofing industry. The short answer is that they are two kinds of synthetic rubber roofing membranes used widely in commercial roofing systems to seal roofs. Which material is better is another question, with the application of one or the other depending on several external factors.
Unlike the steeply pitched roofs of most residential housing, as a matter of design and functionality, most commercial roofing generally has flat or very low sloped roofs that require various sealing requirements. Due to this design, in the commercial roofing sector, single-ply membrane roofing is the most frequently used material to meet sealing requirements.
Single-ply membrane roofing materials consist of elastomeric compounds, a type of polymer more commonly referred to as synthetic rubber. The compounds are combined with other binding agents, manufactured in sheets of varying widths and lengths, and rolled for shipping and delivery. The single-ply membrane sheets then are easily unrolled on roofs to be mechanically fastened, ballasted, or chemically adhered to the surface.
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How Much Does Tpo Roofing Cost
TPO roofing is a relatively inexpensive rubber roofing material thats most often used on commercial buildings. TPO stands for Thermoplastic Polyolefin its made primarily from recycled rubber, and sold in rolls that are held together by seams that are glued together using heat.
If youre considering using TPO, or other types of rubber roofing on your home, its important to know that this type of roofing is best suited to flat roofs, or those with a very low pitch. While this type of roofing can be very cost-effective, it does come with a unique list of pros and cons. Here, well discuss those and much more, including typical TPO roofing costs and TPO roofing material prices.
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Any Time Water Pools On The Roof Your Home Becomes More Suspectable To A Leak
It is important to note, however, that flat roofs arent really completely flat . Contractors do add a slight angle to the roof, even just a few degrees. This is so that water can work its way to the gutter and away from the home. Again, this only works when gutters are free and clear, and that water can make its way to the downspout.
Whatever roofing style you select for your home, make sure you have a conversation with everyone involved. Your insurance company may have guidance for you on the best roof based on where you live. They can also see based on their history with insurance claims. While insurance is designed to help you if you need a new roof, it is always best to look for options that will result in the least chance that you will need to file a claim down the road. If something goes wrong with your roof, it is altogether possible that you have experienced other damage in your home as well. And that is no picnic.
Further, a conversation with your contractor can assure you of their experience working with various materials. They can also assess your home in detail to ensure that the style you are looking for can be executed. Taking the time to have these conversations before making a decision will pay off in the long run.
Have any questions about this blog? Leave us a comment below!
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Jm Tpo Peel And Stick 6 Inch Reinforced Termination Strip
Use: To secure the field membrane at any angle change greater than 2 in/ft . JM TPO 6″ RTS can be used in lieu of fastening through the field membrane with screws and plates at angle changes.
Materials: 45 mil thick reinforced TPO membrane with 30 mil thick, factory-applied peel and stick adhesive tape.
Color: White
Use: Used to seal uneven penetrations through the membrane that are difficult to flash. The penetration pan is comprised of two pieces that allow for positioning around objects to be flashed. A welding tab is included to seal the penetration pan once positioned.
Material: Two-piece molded TPO pocket with a rigid vertical wall and preformed flange.
Color: White
Use: A smooth, cone-shaped boot, for traditional or split-pipe flashing applications to securely seal the penetration. Pipe boots eliminate the need for field fabrication.
Material: Flexible, smooth, non-reinforced TPO cone-shaped boot with preformed flange.
Colors: White Grey and Tan
Get Expert Tpo Roofing Installation Today
Have you chosen to go with TPO roofing materials for your commercial and residential roofing system? You need to work with a highly experienced roofing contractor on the project.
At PRS Roofing, we have a rich history of TPO roof installation in Debary, FL. Call us today at to book an appointment.
Are you worried about warranties? We will explain what roof warranties cover during the consultation process.
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