Urban settlements make up 55% of the world’s population, but do you ever stop to think about what materials buildings are made from? Like, what is the best material for a commercial roof?
For instance, a TPO roof is the best choice for people looking to keep a commercial property in top condition for many years.
Compared to other types of roofing, thermoplastic polyolefin has been around for decades and is built to withstand varying weather conditions and climates. So, keep reading to learn more about this great material.
What Exactly Is a TPO Roof?
A TPO roof is a single-ply roofing membrane commonly found on commercial properties and is a popular choice for its durability and strength.
This roofing material comprises a single layer of synthetics and reinforces scrim on flat roofs. TPO membranes are often manufactured into sheets 10, 12, or 20 feet wide.
So, they can be installed on a range of roofs that come in large or wide sizes.
Once you’ve decided on a TPO roofing, you’ll need to know about the installation process to prepare enough time in advance. The installation for TPO roofing is straightforward when you hire a professional to work with.
But, there are a few different installation options available when placing TPO roofing on a commercial property. For instance, the most common options are as follows:
- Polyisocyanurate (Polyiso)
- Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
- Extruded Polystyrene (XPS)
The TPO membrane can either be attached to the cover board with a bonding adhesive or mechanically. Both choices will ensure that the TPO roofing is safely in place.
A professional roofing company will take care of the installation, so you’ll be sure there are no issues with the roof after it’s been secured.
Benefits of a TPO Roof
One of the main reasons to choose TPO roofing is that it is built to last. If correctly installed, you can expect to have this type of roof for years without having to replace it.
Therefore, you don’t need to worry about financing a roof repair or replacement every few years. Another benefit of a TPO roof is that you can also choose the insulation.
TPO roofing is also great for reflecting UV rays and is normally found in white, making it a neutral choice for your property.
This feature looks fantastic on the roof’s appearance, but it can also save you money. Most of the time, businesses lose money during the summer months when indoor space becomes too hot.
So, instead of paying for constant air conditioning, you can install a TPO roof and naturally decrease the heat from entering the building. This will be better for everyone inside and save you money.
Common Problems To Know About
Even though you shouldn’t experience too many issues when installing a TPO roof, there’s always a tiny possibility that you might need a minor repair or upgrade.
For example, one typical problem is punctures when you have a TPO roofing material. Although this material is sturdy and can be flexible to bend to different shapes, it’s not invincible.
Sometimes punctures can appear over time after the TPO roofing has been on the property for a while. As commercial properties experience more foot traffic on the roof, there is more chance of wear and tear.
If the TPO roofing isn’t reinforced, debris like stones or branches can break the material. Leftover tools and screws from other construction work can also lead to issues and punctures.
Degraded Adhesive
If you decide to attach the TPO membranes with adhesive, it’s also possible that the substance will degrade and make the material lose after several years, especially if there’s heavy rainfall in the region.
But, exposure to UV rays can also degrade the material and leave the property vulnerable to rising temperatures and less insulation.
Besides issues from extreme weather, there can also be issues related to poor installation. If you don’t work with a reliable and professional roofing company, you could end up with a faulty roof.
Here are some signs of a poor-quality roof installation that you need to consider:
- The roof slope is too low
- Bulges after installation
- The seam is separating in a few weeks
- Punctures from debris hitting the roof
When you ask about reviews and the roofing process in advance, you can double-check that the team you’re working with has experience installing TPO roofing correctly.
How To Ensure Your Roof Will Survive
There’s never a guarantee that you’ll have no issues with roofing material, but TPO is one of the safest and most sturdy options if you want to protect your property from heat damage and punctures.
The most important thing is to keep a close eye on detecting problems as early as possible and getting them fixed before they develop and cause severe implications for the building’s infrastructure.
You can also take extra steps to secure the material, like insulation, and do regular maintenance checks several times a year. This is particularly important if you have a property in a cold, wet climate.
Likewise, you should have the roof checked in summer to ensure that the heat isn’t causing tears on the material. Luckily, our team can take care of the installation process for your roof and any repairs or replacements.
That way, you won’t need to explain to a new team about the roofing material. We can inspect the material and check for issues before they become further complications arise.
Install a Roof Made To Last
A TPO roof will give you better insulation during summer, look great, and be flexible for various buildings. So, you can use this material on all roofs if you have one commercial property or several buildings.
Only a few issues can appear when installing TPO roofing, but they can all be resolved with the right team. But, you need to get the first installation stage perfect to reap the benefits of this roofing material.
Let us know about your next roof installation, and contact our team to learn more about our services.
