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Do You Need To File An Insurance Claim
South MS: (601) 520-3183
North MS: (662) 636-7663
North AL: (256) 692-5527
Meridian, MS: (601) 841-3218
Do You Need To File An Insurance Claim
Posted on November 16, 2024
You’ve probably noticed those white, flashy roofing systems on many commercial buildings, and they’re what are known as TPO roofs. The reflective, shiny surface of this roofing membrane is not just designed for looks, but to keep buildings cooler by reflecting sunlight, which can help lower energy costs.
If you are planning to install or replace the roofing system of your commercial roof, garage, or any low-slope roof, this article will give you the information you need on TPO roofing membranes to make a decision that benefits you for years to come.
Thermoplastic Polyolefin, or TPO for short, is a single-layer roofing system that combines the strength of modern materials with simple installation methods to create a protective covering for your building. Made out of rubber and plastic, this roofing system is strong enough to withstand various types of weather events and is loved for the energy-efficient properties it offers.
Choosing the right roofing material for your building is an important decision that can affect your property’s protection and value for many years to come. TPO roofing membranes offer several important benefits that make them worth considering. For instance, TPO roofing material naturally reflects sunlight to help keep your building cooler during warm months, which can lead to noticeable savings on your energy bills. It provides excellent protection against water damage and common roofing problems, and it’s made to resist dirt and debris that gathers on the roof’s surface over time. Additionally, TPO is manufactured to be environmentally friendly, which means you’re making a responsible choice for both your building and the planet.
When you invest in a new roof, knowing how long it will last is one of the most important factors in your decision to ensure longevity for years to come. TPO roofing membranes typically last between 15 to 30 years, depending on several important factors that affect their durability. These factors include the quality of the installation, the specific weather conditions in your area, how thick the TPO roofing material is, and how well you maintain it over time. For longer durability, you also need to maintain a specific checkup routine for your roof.
The cost of TPO can vary depending on various factors like the size of your roof, geo-location, and the product you choose according to your needs. However, the typical cost of a TPO roofing membrane can be between $5.50 and $12.00 per square foot. Do not forget that you need to hire professionals to install TPO, which will add a labor cost to the final total you spend.
The initial stage of a roofing installation needs a thorough inspection of the roof. The process carefully carried out by professionals will help you to search for any damage or leaks on the roof before initiating the entire process. This inspection will also help you to determine the need for any additional insulation or requirements before installation.
Preparing a deck requires the professionals to clean the roof carefully and remove old, damaged roofing materials if necessary. They also repair the damaged roof and make sure to turn it into a smooth and clean surface before laying out the TPO membrane over it.
The professionals will finally roll out the TPO membrane on the roof with proper overlap at the seams. To install the TPO membrane properly, hot air, and mechanical fasteners are used to install the roofing system effectively. After successfully laying out the membrane, they use flashing around penetrations like chimneys and vents to [protect them from any future leaks.
The final installation process requires attention to detail for a durable roofing system. Fastening the TPO membrane to protect it from further water, air, or weather damage is necessary. After finishing all the necessary steps of the installation process, they also need to recheck the entire roof to make sure they have not missed anything.
Due to their white color and highly reflective properties, TPO roofing membranes help your roof reflect sunlight away from your building and maintain a cooler atmosphere indoors. This reflection also helps keep your indoor spaces warmer during winter, making it the best choice for both cooler and warmer climates. This helps you reduce air conditioning costs and the overall energy consumption of your building.
The material composition of TPO creates a strong barrier against common roofing problems, including tears, impacts, and punctures. The membrane remains flexible yet tough, which allows it to withstand regular foot traffic during maintenance while maintaining its protective properties. This durability helps ensure that your roof continues to protect your building effectively over its lifetime.
Professional roofers appreciate TPO roofing membranes because their lightweight, single-ply designs make installation more straightforward compared to traditional multi-layer roofing systems. The heat-welded seams also create strong bonds that help prevent water infiltration, and the material can be easily fitted around roofing features like chimneys and vents.
When you compare TPO to other commercial roofing options, you’ll find that it not only provides an easy installation process but it’s also comparatively cost effective. Due to the low cost, efficient installation process, and energy-saving qualities, TPO roofing membranes are a budget-friendly material for most business owners.
TPO is often manufactured to be environmentally friendly and recycled at the end of its useful life. The energy-efficient properties of TPO membranes also help reduce your building’s carbon footprint by lowering energy consumption for cooling, making it a responsible choice for environmentally conscious building owners.
Even though TPO has a lot of advantages, it still possesses some disadvantages that a business owner needs to know before installing it.
As you know, installing a roof isn’t a simple DIY job, it requires a lot of precision and expertise, so hiring a professional for the job is a must. While you’ll get quality work, it can be significantly expensive depending on the contractor.
Different climate conditions can affect TPO roofing systems in various ways. In areas with extreme temperature fluctuations or intense sun exposure, some TPO formulations may experience accelerated weathering or degradation. Understanding your local climate and choosing the right TPO product for your specific location is crucial for long-term performance.
Although TPO membranes generally require little maintenance, regular inspections and maintenance are still necessary to ensure the performance of the membrane. Neglecting maintenance can lead to premature aging and potentially costly repairs, so you will need to commit to a regular maintenance schedule to protect your investment.
To understand the different properties of any product, it is always a good idea to compare them to similar options in order to gain a better understanding of which one is a better investment for your property.
When comparing TPO to EPDM, you’ll find that each material has its own strengths that benefit different situations. TPO offers better energy efficiency through its naturally reflective surface and often comes at a lower cost, while EPDM has been used for longer in the industry, and might be more flexible in certain conditions. The choice between these materials often depends on your specific building needs and local climate conditions.
While TPO and PVC roofing materials might look similar at first, they are both entirely different products made out of different, materials. While TPO typically offers a more budget-friendly option while keeping in mind a flexible, and environment-friendly roof, PVC often provides superior chemical resistance and has a longer history of proven performance in the field.
The comparison between TPO and modified bitumen represents a choice between modern and traditional roofing approaches. TPO offers a simpler installation process and better energy efficiency through its single-layer system, while modified bitumen provides excellent durability through its multi-layer construction but typically requires a more involved installation process.
Choosing the right material for your commercial building is one of the most important decisions and it requires specialized installation or replacement. You need to opt for a material that will not only enhance the appearance of your building, but also be durable, valuable for the price, and reliable. With over a decade of experience in the roofing industry, our consultants at B & A Roofing and Gutters have been providing quality TPO roof installation and repair to property owners across the community. So, if you need any help regarding your TPO roof replacement or installation, do not hesitate to give us a call at (601) 520-3183.
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