What You Need to Know About TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) Roofing Material
A well-installed roof enhances the aesthetics of your property while protecting your home against weather elements. However, your roof’s efficiency, functionality and performance depend on the type of roofing material you choose.
Unfortunately, the market is flooded with an array of roofing materials, and it can be daunting to choose the ideal roofing material for your living space. At Noah’s Roofing, we focus on helping you select the best materials for your roofing project in the Northern California area, including Sacramento, Roseville, El Dorado Hills, and beyond.
Today, we will look at the TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) Roofing Material and why it’s a premier roofing product for all your roofing needs.
What is TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) Roofing Material?
If you have noticed exceptionally bright white roofs dotting the Northern California landscape, you may be familiar with the TPO. TPO is arguably one of the most common roofing types for extensive commercial facilities and residential properties in California and the entire US. A recent report from the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) reveals TPO enjoys about 40% of the commercial roofing market share.
TPO is a single-ply roofing membrane that is made by blending polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber. Typically a TPO membrane consists of three layers:
- A top layer: Contains the polymers that provide the reflective quality
- The scrim: This is the middle layer reinforcing the rubber to guarantee stability and strength for high performance
- Bottom layer: The base contains performance-enhancing additives, including flame retardants.
The TPO membranes are typically available in a range of thicknesses. However, the 45 mil thick membranes are the most utilized option in several residential and commercial projects.
The Advantages of TPO Roofing Material
Cost-effectiveness
If you are considering a new roof installation or replacement, you are probably concerned the installation cost will be high. This concern is not far-fetched, especially if you are implementing a large commercial roofing project. The great news is that you can save money by opting for a TPO Roofing Material. TPO is a relatively cheaper option when compared to many other roofing materials out there, including PVC materials.
High energy efficiency
TPO roofs are made with shiny membranes that effectively reflect the sun’s heat to prevent it from being absorbed into your interiors. This helps avoid running your AC more frequently, thus saving you a lot in energy costs. Additionally, because TPO membranes are made entirely from recyclable materials, they have a minimal environmental impact compared to other popular roofing materials.
High durability
TPO roofs undoubtedly last for extremely long periods as compared to several other options out there. The roofs also resist several types of hazards, including long-term exposure to the sun’s UV rays. They also hold up well to puncturing, tearing, and water and frost damage. Best of all, the roofing material can resist bacterial growth and dust buildup, thus enabling easy roof cleaning. If you use TPO membranes in your roof, you can expect it to serve you well for over 20 years or more.
Ease of installation
Generally, TPO membranes are made with extensive sheets that are extremely lightweight. As such, the material is easy to install because they have fewer seams. Less work and time needed for an installation ultimately translates to direct savings for you.
Adaptable to several home styles
TPOs are typically made to look great on many different types of homes. They are also available in various colors, including white, light grey, and black reflective color options. Notably, the manufacturing process leverages the latest technologies to enable all colors of TPO membranes to be UV resistant and provide a cooling effect. This means that you won’t have to stick with a white roof to enjoy a TPO membrane’s energy-saving and reflective properties.
Why Are Some People Switching to TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) Roofing Material?
TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) is a single-ply membrane that has recently gained popularity as a roofing material. Unlike traditional asphalt shingles, TPO is highly resistant to heat and UV radiation. This makes it an ideal choice for locations that experience high temperatures or direct sunlight. In addition, TPO is also very flexible, which helps it resist wind damage. These properties make TPO an attractive and durable option for both commercial and residential roofs. However, the most appealing aspect of TPO may be its price. Due to its relatively simple manufacturing process, TPO can be produced at a lower cost than many other roofing materials. As a result, it is often the most budget-friendly option compared with other roofing types. For all these reasons, it is no surprise that TPO is becoming increasingly popular as a roofing material.
Signs Your TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) Roofing Needs Repairing
TPO roofing is a popular choice for commercial buildings because it is durable and resistant to heat and UV rays. However, TPO roofing is not indestructible, and it can eventually become damaged. Here are four signs that your TPO roof needs to be repaired:
- Cracks or splits in the membrane: Over time, the sun can cause the TPO membrane to become brittle and develop cracks or splits. These need to be repaired as soon as possible to prevent water from leaking into the building.
- Blistering or peeling: If the TPO membrane blisters or peels, it indicates that it is no longer adhering properly to the roof deck. This can be caused by several factors, including improper installation and exposure to extreme temperatures. Repair is necessary to prevent further damage.
- Ponding water: Ponding water is a common problem with flat roofs and can cause premature TPO membrane aging. If you notice ponding water on your roof, you should have it examined and repaired as soon as possible.
- UV damage: The UV rays from the sun can eventually cause the TPO membrane to break down, resulting in cracks, splits, and other types of damage. If you notice any of these problems, it’s time to call an expert roofer to repair your roof.
When these signs appear, it’s essential to have your TPO roof inspected and repaired as soon as possible. By acting quickly, you can ensure that your roof remains in good condition and continues to protect your building for years to come.
How Are TPO Roofs Installed?
The installation steps in TPO roofing can vary depending on the installation method you choose to go with. However, the basic steps include:
Step 1: Measurement of the roof
The first step is to measure the size of the roof to ensure enough material is purchased and allocated.
Step 2: Roof preparation
Next, the roof is cleaned of large debris and moisture. Trapped water underneath the TPO causes mold and other problems.
Step 3: Installation of the insulation foam
After the surface is adequately prepped, the installation of the insulation foam begins. The roofing expert from Noah’s Roofing will stagger the foam to achieve an added strength, smoother surface, and better insulation.
Step 4: Setting up the TPO
The TPO experts will set up the TPO by rolling it out and making adjustments to make sure it is straight. TPOs that contain wrinkles or are not straight are adjusted appropriately. Once the TPO has been set and is straight, the experts will then secure it down to the roof surface and insulation boards.
How Are TPO Roofs Repaired?
A TPO roof can last for approximately 15 to 20 years without a need for repairs. However, with time, the roof takes a lot of wear and tear abuse, leading to failed flashings, punctured membranes, and ripping. The first sign your TPO roof needs repairs is when you notice water leaks that enter the interior spaces of the roof.
At this stage, it is time to call a TPO roofing expert from Noah’s Roofing to perform a robust roofing inspection. Once on-site, our roofing experts will perform an infrared inspection to check the amount of saturation in the insulation. During the inspection, the experts will be able to determine:
- The age of your roof
- The place where water is entering your insulation
- The remaining layers in the roof
- The condition of the seams
The repair or replacement options will depend on the results of the infrared inspection:
- A TPO roof under 25% saturated can be repaired using a silicone restoration membrane system. During the restoration process, the saturated areas are removed and replaced with new TPO similar materials.
- However, a TPO roof with more than 25% saturation is in very bad shape and cannot be restored. The only available option will be to install a new TPO system.
What Qualities Make a Strong Roofer?
A roof is one of the most vital components of a house, so it’s crucial to choose a roofer who will do a good job. Several qualities make a strong roofer.
First, a good roofer must be able to properly identify the type of roof that is needed for a particular house. There are many different types of roofs, and each requires different materials and installation methods. A good roofer will be familiar with all the different types of roofs and will be able to recommend the best one for your home.
A solid roofer must also be able to install the roof correctly. This means having a thorough understanding of the installation process and being able to follow instructions properly. To assess a prospective roofer’s level of skill, it is vital to ask for references and examine past projects. Ask them detailed questions about the installation process to see if they can answer them. If you find yourself unsatisfied with the answers or not secure in their knowledge, it is best to look elsewhere.
A good roofer must be able to troubleshoot any problems that may arise during or after the installation process. This includes being able to identify leaks and other damage and being able to fix them quickly. Present your specific problem to any prospective roofer to see how knowledgeable and experienced they are in dealing with such issues. If there are large hesitations or doubts in their answers, it is best to move on.
Finally, a good roofer should be honest and reliable. It is important to make sure that the roofer will be around to honor any warranties or service agreements. Ask for references from past customers and take the time to research the roofer to make sure they are trustworthy.
An expert roofer is essential for any roofing project, so it is important to find one who is knowledgeable and experienced. These are just some of the qualities of a good roofer. When choosing someone to work on your home, be sure to find a roofer who has all these qualities. That way, your roof is in the best possible hands.
The Benefits of Having a New Roof Installed
A new roof is a major investment, but it can also provide important benefits. Here are just some of the reasons why you should consider having a new roof installed:
- A new roof can help improve the energy efficiency of your home, reducing your heating and cooling costs. This happens because newer roofs are designed to be more airtight and better insulated, meaning that less hot and cool air will escape. With TPOs, you can also get the added protection of a reflective membrane, which helps to keep your home cooler in the summer.
- It can also add value to your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers. Anyone searching for a new home will appreciate the fact that they won’t need to worry about costly repairs or replacements anytime soon. This could encourage them to pay more for your home if you choose to sell it.
- A well-constructed roof can also provide added protection from the elements, keeping your family safe and dry during extreme weather conditions. No one wants to worry about water damage or mold growth, so having a strong roof is essential to feeling secure during a storm.
Ultimately, the decision to install a new roof is a personal one. However, if you are considering making this investment, be sure to weigh all the potential benefits before making your final decision.
Get Help from the Professional
At Noah’s Roofing, we work with highly trained and experienced roofing experts with a proven track record of installing thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) roofing membranes for residential and commercial properties. We service an extensive Northern California area, including Sacramento, Roseville, El Dorado Hills, Elk Grove, Cameron Park, Carmichael, Fair Oaks, Davis, and beyond. Contact us today to schedule a free estimate.
