TPO roofing is the go-to material for commercial roofers!
What is TPO Roofing?
TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin) is a single-ply roofing membrane used on flat or low-sloped roof. It’s made of a blend of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber and is designed to be incredibly durable, energy-efficient, and easy for commercial roof installations too.
TPO roofing has quickly become one the most popular single-ply roofing membranes in the country due to its many positive properties, including recyclability, UV resistance, and affordability. At Chaffee industrial roofing, TPO roofing is the most common type of material we use for commercial roof installations and commercial roof replacements.
While TPO is certainly a dynamic solution, it is not the absolute best option for every commercial roofing application. We’ll discuss when you may want to consider TPO vs PVC roofing or other roof types further down the page.
If you’re considering a commercial roofing project in the near future, make sure you do as much research as possible, and be certain to talk to your trusted local commercial roofer, like Chaffee Industrial Roofing!
Benefits of TPO Roofing
Energy Efficient: TPO roofing is available in many different colors, depending on the manufacturer, although most of the TPO roof colors you will find are white and gray. Bright colored TPO roofs reflect the sun’s harmful UV rays, helping keep internal temperatures cool while preserving the outer membrane of the roof.
Puncture Resistant: Punctures are one of the leading causes of leaks on low slope roofs. Punctures can occur from falling debris or human errors, but fortunately TPO is a strong membrane that is harder (although not impossible) to pierce.
Cost Effective: TPO roofing has become so popular thanks to its strength and durability as well as its low material and labor costs. When you choose TPO roofing you truly get the best of both worlds. A TPO roof is a sound investment because it doesn’t break the bank to install, and with the right preventative maintenance program in place, it can last up to 30 years or more!
Weather-tight Solution: TPO is a monolithic roofing structure that is heat-welded together, forming a strong bond that enhances weather resistance. Expert commercial roofers with the right tools can install a TPO roof and protect your building from the elements.
Is TPO Roofing Expensive?
If it’s a leading option for commercial roof replacements and new-build commercial roof installation, it has to be expensive, right? Wrong! TPO roofing is relatively affordable compared to many other options on the market. Depending on where you are geographically, TPO can cost anywhere between $4-10 per square foot installed, meaning a ‘square’ (100 square feet in roofer speak) would cost about $8,000 on average, plus installation.
When making a decision on roofing material, especially as it relates to pricing, be sure to factor in all of the variables. The cost of the roofing material and the cost of labor are typically the biggest cost factors that property owners and managers consider, so be sure to choose a reputable roofing company that has the knowledge and tools that are specifically needed for TPO roof installation!
Is TPO Roofing Difficult to Install?
There are many DIY projects that property owners can take on to save some money, but commercial roofing installation is NOT one of them! Here at Chaffee Industrial Roofing we recommend all commercial building owners and managers hire a trusted and experienced roofing contractor to install their TPO roofs.
The truth about TPO roof installation is that while it is not heavily labor intensive, like some other roofing options, it still requires the use of specific tools for the heat welding process that is critical to achieving a strong weld. Only professional roofing contractors are going to have these tools because they are heavy, require expertise to operate, and are quite expensive.
There are four main techniques for installing TPO roofing:
- RhinoBond: the Chaffee favorite, this method involves using the game-changing RhinoBond machine system that allows an experienced crew to adhere a TPO roof membrane to the underlying plates for a fast and incredibly strong heat weld.
- Adhered: with an adhered TPO roof system, the iso board and underlayment are fastened to the decking, while a layer of adhesive is applied to the sheet of TPO that is rolled out across the roof. The slightly overlapping sheets of TPO are heat welded together to create a strong seam that resists tears and weather infiltrations.
- Mechanically Fastened: this method involves installing screws, usually every 12 inches, at the ends of the TPO rolls in order to attach the sheet to the metal decking. Then, like other methods, an overlapping piece of TPO is heat welded to create a seam and weatherproof the membrane. This is another one of the most common installation methods.
- Ballasted: this method of TPO roof installation uses several tons of small rocks to hold down the TPO membrane onto the roofing underlayment with heat welded seams. Ballasted roofing is becoming increasingly rare in the roofing industry but is still used around the country.
Why Chaffee?
Chaffee Industrial Roofing has been Rhode Island’s #1 roofer for over 115 years, and one of New England’s top-rated commercial roofing contractors. We guarantee our customers will receive the highest quality products and the finest professional craftsmanship on every TPO roof installation we do.
Have more questions about TPO roofing? No problem! Contact us today and we will help you understand everything you need to know about the commercial roofing process before you make a decision for your property.
Our team guides the customer through the entire roofing process from start to finish, regardless of whether it’s a TPO roof installation or a commercial roof replacement or repair. Our goal is to make our clients completely satisfied by giving the best possible value in the roofing market. When in doubt, give Chaffee a call!
Contact Us
Get A Free Consultation Today!
Whether you have a question about types of roofs, the roofing process, or want to discuss your needs further, please fill out this brief form below, and someone will be in touch with you within 24 hours.
If you need immediate assistance our Emergency Phone is: 401-432-7670
"*" indicates required fields
