TPO ROOFING
What is TPO ?
A Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) roof is a new generation of single-ply flat roofing system that was introduced to the U.S. market in the late 1980s. Since then TPO roofing systems have gained an ever-increasing market due to their combination of performance, durability, and energy-savings.
Things to Consider When Buying a TPO Roof:
There are a number of differences between TPO roofing systems. In order to choose the one that’s right for your home, keep the following points in mind:
Color:
A TPO roof is sold as light white membrane, with the principal coming in the form of energy savings. While a white membrane reflects significant amounts of heat and is a great choice for areas such as Florida or Texas, it might actually be less energy efficient in a Northern climate. Be sure to ask a potential contractor which color roof is best for your climate.
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Thickness:
The most common thicknesses for TPO roofing are 0.045MIL and 0.060MIL. The difference between the two, as you might imagine, comes down to performance. A thicker membrane provides better protection against UV degradation and puncture resistance and also increases the life of your roof and improves your return on investment.
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Means of Adherence:
TPO roofs are fully adhered (i.e. the roofing is attached to the substrate with a specialized adhesive), also mechanically fastened which is most common (the membrane is attached with fasteners and plates), or held in place with a ballast (typically made from river rocks or concrete pavers). Ask your contractor which type of roofing solution is best for your home.
Benefits of TPO Roof Installation
No matter what type of TPO roof you purchase, you can count on it to deliver the following benefits:
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Performance
TPO roofs, because they have heat-welded seams, are often described as being monolithic (seamless). Although not technically true, A TPO roof nonetheless delivers superior water protection in addition to cold-weather flexibility and resistance from heat and UV, chemicals, algae, tears, impacts, and punctures.
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Environmentally Friendly
TPO roofing is recyclable, doesn’t contain harmful chemicals, and in most cases, comes with an Energy Star rating. For these reasons, it is considered a “Green” building material.
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Cost-Savings
Not only will a TPO roof slash your cooling costs, but it is also long-lasting and should give you at least 10-20 years of maintenance-free protection.
TPO Roof Costs
Please note that your actual TPO roofing cost will depend on factors that include the materials selected, your location, and the complexity of the installation (i.e. roof pitch and home height).
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