What is TPO Roofing?

TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) are thermoplastic single-ply roofing membranes that have heat-welded seams. Both are considered “cool” roofing materials and can save you money on energy bills. They’re also installed using a similar process. The differences between the two materials lie in their chemical formulas. Both are designed to conform to the movement of the roof; however, PVC has better chemical resistance and tends to be more flexible than TPO. TPO tends to be the more affordable option of the two and offers better thermal expansion properties.

More on TPO Roofing Materials 

 TPO, a single-ply (meaning one-layer) roofing membrane is one of the fastest-growing commercial roofing products on the market. These types of roofs are incredibly popular because they’re generally simple to install; they’re also incredibly versatile and durable. These factors combine to make using TPO roofing materials a smart choice for many business owners – particularly when it comes to saving some cash.

TPO roof membranes come in sheets that are 10, 12 or 20 feet wide. Your installers will choose the appropriate width to minimize the number of seams on your roof. The fewer seams there are, the more water-resistant your roof will be, so this is a way your contractor helps minimize your risk of leaks.

Some of the other benefits of TPO roofs include:

• Exceptional water resistance
• Naturally reflective surface that repels UV rays, which can damage building components
• They’re made from a single layer of synthetic materials and reinforcing scrim, so they’re generally very affordable
• You can choose what type of insulation you want to use with TPO roofing materials
• TPO is Class A fire-rated, and there are fire retardant chemicals added to the product during the manufacturing process

How Can TPO Roofing Save You Money? 

Particularly when compared to black roofs made from materials such as EPDM, TPO roofing reflects UV rays and heat from your building. You’ll save money on energy use to cool your building indoors. Additionally, it’s one of the more affordable roofing materials available.

TPO Roof System Installation 

TPO is a durable yet cost-effective membrane designed for commercial and industrial single-ply systems. TPO is known for its:

• Economic benefits
• Ease of installation
• Energy efficiency
• Thermal expansion properties

Many people choose to have TPO roof systems installed because the process is much less labor-intensive than it is with other types of roofing materials, and that’s another way building owners can save money.

Insulation on TPO Roofs 

All roofing materials need some type of insulation. With TPO roofs, you can generally choose from:

• Polyisocyanurate, or Polyiso. Polyiso is the most-used insulation type, and although it’s more expensive than other types of insulation, it has a higher R-value rating.
• Expanded polystyrene, or EPS. EPS is used on roofs, walls and even floors because it has the highest R-value when measured against its cost. It can even be used for ground contact, and it doesn’t retain water over time, which makes it an attractive choice for many commercial building owners.
• Extruded polystyrene, or XPS. XPS insulation is generally blue, green or pink, but you won’t see it through your roofing materials. This is a middle-of-the-road insulation when it comes to price and performance, and it’s semipermeable.

What is R-Value? 

R-value is a measure of how well a material resists heat flow. The higher a material’s R-value is, the more capable it is of insulating. R-value is incredibly important when you’re choosing commercial roofing materials, because the thicker your insulating layer is, the more thermal resistance your roof will provide. If you’re insulating a roof on a building that must remain cold, for example, you’ll want an insulation with a very high R-value and thickness.

So what R-value do you need? Your commercial roofing contractor will guide you, but here’s a quick look:

• Attics need between R-30 and R-60
• 2×4 walls need between R-13 and R-15
• 2×6 walls need between R-19 and R-21
• Floors and crawl spaces need between R-13 and R-40

For your purposes, depending on the specifics of your building, your commercial roofing contractor will likely recommend an insulation with an R-value of between R-30 and R-60.