What Is TPO Roofing and Why Does Your Commercial Roof Need It?

Around 40 percent of flat or low-sloped commercial roofing projects use TPO. While the TPO industry is now valued at an impressive $2.2 billion (and still growing quickly!), that means TPO roofing projects are still in the minority.

Are you getting ready for a commercial roof replacement and considering a TPO roofing system? You’ll need to know what really makes this material stand out. If you’re both environmentally-conscious and enthusiastic about making your commercial building more energy efficient, you have plenty of reasons to go with TPO roofing — but this roofing system isn’t right for every building.

 

What Is TPO Commercial Roofing?

TPO roofing (or thermoplastic olefin roofing) is a single-ply roofing membrane system that first entered the commercial market in the early 1990s. Made from a mix of synthetic rubber and plastic reinforced with fiberglass and installed with adhesives and fasteners, TPO roofing consists of several distinct layers.

Commercial roofing companies “unroll” the membranes in overlapping patterns to give your building a waterproof, energy-efficient, and climate-resistant seal. We then weld the seams to create a durable TPO roofing system that can protect your commercial building for over three decades. (That’s right — some of the earliest installations are still going strong today!)

 

Why TPO Roofing Might Be Ideal for Your Commercial Building

If you’re looking into commercial roofing options for your warehouse, factory, office building, apartment building, or retail space, you probably have a few goals in mind. You want your roofing system to be cost-effective, help you bring down energy costs, and last as long as possible — even when it’s confronted with extreme weather conditions.

TPO helps with all those points. Because commercial TPO roofs are designed to withstand ozone, UV, chemical, and harsh climate exposure, your TPO roofing system can far outlast many other commercial roofing choices.

Another advantage? A TPO roofing system is more affordable than a PVC or EPDM roof coating system in terms of material costs, and because your commercial roofing company can install a TPO roof quickly, you’ll save money on labor costs, too.

 

Does That Mean Commercial TPO Roofing Is a One-Size-Fits-All Solution?

No. The TPO roofing market is one of the fastest-growing parts of the commercial roofing industry, and TPO roofing systems offer plenty of benefits — but even the most enthusiastic commercial roofing contractor would admit that TPO isn’t suitable for every flat-roofed commercial building.

You’ll want to consider other options, like PVC, metal roofing, EPDM, or BUR roofing, if:

• People (whether employees or other professionals) frequently have to access your roof for some reason. TPO offers great weather resistance, but it’s not puncture-proof in the face of foot traffic.
• Your building, including your roof, is routinely exposed to oil, acid, or solvents — true for certain businesses, including those operating in some industrial zones. These exposures can cause damage to TPO roofing membranes over time.
• Your roof is routinely exposed to extreme heat, not just from hot weather but from industrial processes.

 

Are You Considering TPO Roofing for Your Commercial Building?

TPO commercial roof can make your building more energy efficient to cut down on your cooling and heating costs — and these roofing materials are both hardy and durable. If you’re seriously considering a TPO roof, there’s no better option than Conklin — which has been leading the way in manufacturing high-end commercial roofing materials since 1977.

White Roofing Systems’ network of commercial roofing contractors has you covered. Our experienced local teams can offer you a free commercial roofing inspection and consultation. Together, we’ll work out what commercial roofing system is best for your situation — and when you’re ready to work together, our roofers take the installation process to a whole new level of efficiency!