As a trusted commercial roofer throughout Maryland, RoofPRO’s team is well-versed in nearly all flat roofing materials, including TPO! In this brief guide, we’ll address the benefits, drawbacks, and costs associated with installing a TPO flat roofing system on your commercial building. Read on or contact our professional team today for more information!
TPO is a Common Choice for Commercial Roofing
Many business owners end up choosing thermoplastic polyolefin roofing, or TPO roofing, as the perfect covering for their buildings. TPO is a single-ply roofing membrane that is durable and relatively simple to install, making it a favorite choice for many commercial purposes, from warehouses to factories to storefronts and more.
What Makes TPO Roofs So Popular for Businesses?
What exactly makes TPO the perfect fit for so many businesses across Maryland and the rest of the United States? Well, this material has a number of stellar qualities that business owners tend to prefer, including the following.
Energy-Efficiency and Reflectivity
TPO roofs are made of ultra-reflective white synthetic rubber, making them excellent for reflecting heat, sunlight, and UV rays with ease. This helps reduce the amount of warmth your roof absorbs in the summer months, keeping cooling costs low! TPO can also be particularly effective at keeping warmth in during the winter months.
This reflection not only means that TPO can help business owners reduce their impact on the environment, but it also means they will pay less per month in energy costs. TPO is CRRC rated and Energy Star listed – a clear endorsement of its keen energy efficiency benefits!
Lower Cost Compared to Other Materials
TPO has one of the lowest price points for a single-ply membrane material while still being of a high enough quality to be able to compete with other materials like PVC on durability, energy efficiency, resistance to weather, etc. TPO can also be installed for a relatively low cost, due to its ability to be hot air welded. TPO can often be installed over an existing roof or substrate, making it less of a hassle to install, too! This may additionally lower the labor costs of installation, since contractors would have to spend less time removing the existing roof and building a new roof deck.
Fire and Corrosion Resistance
In addition to being affordable and heat-reflective, TPO is also resistant to damage from fire and corrosion. Though popular with commercial building owners, many metal roofs may begin to break down and rust or recede from exposure to moisture or air, while TPO will not. This is due to its material makeup – corrosion namely will damage metal, while TPO’s qualities as a synthetic rubber make it able to withstand the daily wear-and-tear your roof is bound to experience. TPO is also flame-retardant, meaning that business owners don’t have to worry as much about the possibility of fire as they might if they had different commercial roofing systems.
Drawbacks of a TPO Roof
In spite of TPO’s many benefits, this roofing material has a few drawbacks that may be important to consider when choosing how to construct or replace your business’s roof in Maryland.
Quality of Material Warranties Can Vary
The quality of TPO membranes can vary depending on the manufacturer, particularly in terms of the warranty. Each manufacturer will have its unique fine print in the warranty, addressing aspects such as water ponding, wind resistance, maintenance, and more. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly review and compare these details. Some TPO products are only guaranteed to last 20 years, while others are expected to endure for up to 30 years. Although both options are durable, the 30-year TPO will naturally be more expensive. Warranties may also differ based on the installation method and roof decking. Therefore, it’s advisable to consult with your roofing contractor to understand the various features and considerations.
Installation Challenges and the Need for Technical Expertise
TPO roofing demands a higher level of technical proficiency for proper installation, along with the use of special tools. It is not a roofing system that should be entrusted to just anyone for installation. The method of installation and the specific TPO product can vary depending on factors such as the type of building and roof decking. Buildings that are taller and more susceptible to wind require different installation methods. Additionally, if ensuring proper drainage for the roof is a priority, especially for flat roofs with a low slope, incorporating a tapered ISO system may be necessary. This further emphasizes the need for an experienced TPO contractor.
FAQs About TPO Membrane Roofing
Below are just a few questions surrounding TPO and flat roofing that our team at RoofPRO gets while out in the field. Feel free to reach out today with any additional questions!
How Much Does a TPO Roofing System Cost?
While prices can vary depending on the manufacturer, your location, and the amount of labor involved, TPO roofing typically costs between $10 and $15 per square foot. This makes TPO one of the cheaper roofing materials to install and much more affordable for a business than some of the other roofing styles available.
How Long Do TPO Roofs Last?
Typically, TPO roofs last between 15-30 years, depending on how well the roof has been maintained by its owner. TPO is a notably durable material when compared with some other roofing styles. As a result, many business owners opt for this option over others that necessitate more maintenance. Keeping some simple maintenance tasks in mind, some business owners find that they are able to stretch the lifespan of their roofing, making the decision to install TPO an even more cost-effective plan than it already was!
What are the Alternatives for Commercial Roofing?
Business owners have a lot of excellent options at their disposal when it comes to selecting a roof system for their commercial buildings. In addition to TPO roofing, most roofing companies offer other flat or low slope systems like PVC, EDPM, BUR, and more, plus a number of sloped roofing styles that are also available to residential property owners. All of these styles of materials come with a variety of benefits, drawbacks, and price points. Contact our team at RoofPRO today to learn more about our commercial roofing solutions!
RoofPRO is a Trusted Contractor for Maryland Businesses
With nearly two decades of experience in the commercial roofing industry, RoofPRO has taken pride in helping companies all across Maryland by providing top-rated roofing services. Whether it be minor repairs or a complete roofing installation, our team has got you covered!
Providing Top-Rated Roofing Solutions Since 2004
Since 2004, RoofPRO has become a trusted roofing contractor for residential and commercial projects alike! Backed by our quality workmanship and dedicated customer service, we’re proud to be a go-to roofer for communities far and wide. Check out our past project gallery or read about our complete roofing solutions to learn more.
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Interested in learning more? Looking to find the right roofing system for your business or home? Contact us today for a free inspection and estimate on your next roofing project!
