Should I Install a TPO Flat Roof? - tpo flat roof

One of the most common questions roofing contractors hear when discussing a new flat roof system with customers is, “should I install a TPO flat roof?”

What is a TPO roof anyway?  

TPO is an acronym for Thermoplastic Polyolefin. TPO roofing systems are heat weldable rubberized roofs. TPO roofs are known for their bright white energy efficient and UV reflective characteristics along with their ponding water resistance and wind uplift resistance. Another distinguishable characteristic of TPO roofs is that they are single-ply roofing systems, meaning the TPO is a single membrane system and the TPO is the lone water barrier of the roof.

Typically TPO roofing systems are installed on commercial or industrial buildings, as the standard width of the TPO rolls are 10 feet vs. the standard 4 foot width or built-up roofing rolls.  TPO can be installed on residential roofs as well, but some manufacturers will only provide warranties on commercial or industrial buildings.

Warranties for TPO roofing systems range from 20 to 30 years, depending on the manufacturer and installed thickness of the TPO membrane. The standard TPO membrane is 60 mils thick, whereas the upgraded TPO membrane is 80 mils thick.

Aren’t all roofing systems heat welded? What makes TPO different?  

Most roofing systems are sealed by heat, pressure and modified bitumen, but TPO roof laps are sealed by heat, pressure and the TPO membrane welding from one section of membrane to another with no additional sealants or chemicals. A benefit of this is you don’t see a spillover or bleed-out of tar characteristic in built-up coal-tar based flat roofs. Rather than sealing with hot tar, a torch or black self-adherable bitumen, the TPO is heat sealed with a handheld heat welder or robotic heat welder.

TPO roofing systems have many different attachment methods from mechanically attaching the system to the roof deck with screws and plates to adhering the TPO with bonding adhesive, slow rise urethane and even electromagnetically bonding the system to the roof deck with an induction welder.

Fleeceback TPO systems are rising in popularity as a budget friendly roof recovery system to lay-over an existing roofing system, rather than removing the entire old roof and installing a new roofing system to the existing roof deck.

Why would someone choose a single-ply system rather than a three or four ply built-up roofing system?

In South Florida, a UV reflective and white energy efficient roofing system is beneficial to homeowners and building owners looking for utility savings or for reducing their carbon footprint. Additionally, TPO roofs are very durable and can withstand the damage done by the sun’s heat rays due to the UV reflectivity in South Florida better than many other traditional built-up roofing systems where cracking is common after about 15 years. TPO roofs are also ponding water resistant for buildings where the roof deck was not correctly sloped when originally built.

Another benefit of TPO roofing systems is the pliability of TPO. The TPO membrane is better equipped to handle natural thermal expansion and contraction of building structures than other flat roof systems. TPO roofs may prove to be more economical than multi-ply systems, especially on larger more open roofs.

One disadvantage of TPO is that if a roof has a lot of penetrations or details or if the roof has a cut up shape to it, then built-up roofing systems may be more budget friendly. In addition, as with all roofing systems, the details need special attention. TPO details are more difficult to weld than sealing built-up roofing details, meaning your roofers need proper training and experience before installing your TPO roofing system.

Perkins Roofing Corporation is certified to install GAF, Versico (Carlisle) and Mule-Hide TPO roofing systems. Contact us today to schedule your free TPO or flat roof estimate.

Are you in need of a roofer to work on your South Florida residential or commercial TPO or flat roof project? Call us today for your free estimate! (305) MIA-ROOF or hello@perkinsroofing.net

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