What Is TPO Roofing?

When it’s time for a roof replacement, or you’d like to restore your existing system, you have several options to choose from. However, a TPO roofing system is one of the best kinds for Atlanta, Georgia, businesses. Learn more here.

Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) roofing systems are made of a polymer blend that’s chemical resistant, impact-resistant, and lightweight. It also doesn’t break down when exposed to UV light. However, its name is deceiving. This single-ply roofing system isn’t plastic; it primarily consists of rubber and other industrial synthetic materials, including talc, fiberglass, and carbon fiber. These qualities make TPO an excellent choice as a commercial roofing membrane. It’s also known for its white finish, making it one of the most energy-efficient commercial roofing systems on the market.

Before professionals install TPO they clean the substrate and rid the area of any debris. They also make sure any holes or cracks in the surface are patched up before they get started. Once the roof deck is prepared, roofers apply the wide, lightweight sheets of TPO onto the surface. They’re careful to lay the sheets evenly, so there won’t be any air bubbles or creases that can negatively affect insulation and, ultimately, the entire system’s integrity. Lastly, roofers tightly secure the TPO sheets to the roof deck with an an industrial adhesive or fasten it down mechanically. Along with how it’s secured to the roof, you can also choose the insulation qualities, fire-resistance ratings, and the finish of a TPO roofing system. Since a single-ply roof like TPO doesn’t include insulation, you have the flexibility to choose the most appropriate insulation for your facility. TPO membranes meet your specific fire rating requirements, plus, the finish is customizable to get the best reflectivity.

Consistent sunshine and excessive heat are hard on roofing systems. Atlanta buildings benefit from advanced roofing structures that hold up well under high temperatures. Atlanta’s relentless sunshine doesn’t faze TPO roofing. Instead, it returns sunlight to the atmosphere, keeping the roof’s surface much cooler than a traditional roofing system. When the roof’s surface isn’t overheated, your Georgia commercial business stays much cooler inside.

TPO roofs provide several benefits to building owners, including cost-effectiveness, energy savings, and simple installation. TPO is generally more affordable per square foot compared to other single-ply roofing materials, yet it still offers the same durability and quality. Since the sheets are so wide and require fewer materials, they also result in fewer seams and are easier to install. This reduces installation time and saves you money. As mentioned before, since TPO roofs have white coatings, your building’s roof surface is reflective, so there’s no need to overwork the air conditioner. As a result, this saves you money, especially during the hot Georgia summers. Additionally, since TPO sheets are wide and lightweight, they require fewer seams. Therefore, they’re easier to install, minimizing downtime and saving you more money.

Closely related to TPO roofing, PVC roofs are another popular single-ply membrane material comparable to TPO roofing. While they have similar qualities, they’re slightly different in a few ways, including:

• ✔Cost
  TPO is cheaper per square foot than PVC, with both materials requiring similar installation times. Sometimes, TPO can be slightly more labor-intensive to install since it’s not as flexible as PVC. More complex jobs are also more expensive.
• ✔Installation
  Depending on whether you select glued or welded seams for your TPO installation, it may require more work than a PVC roof. Glued seams cost more and take longer than welding.
• ✔Energy Efficiency
  Both TPO and PVC have natural reflective characteristics, which dramatically increase the energy efficiency of your building during Atlanta, Georgia’s hot summers. The smoother the surface, the better the reflectivity because it’s more difficult for dirt and debris to build up over time.
• ✔Service Life and Durability
  Since TPO roofing membranes lack plasticizers, they generally last longer than PVC roofing systems. They tend to weather better and stand up against long-term heat exposure. However, PVC roofs provide higher resistance to chemicals.

No matter if you already have a TPO roof or are exploring this system as an option for your next commercial roof installation, the experts at New Image Roofing Atlanta can help. We specialize in installing, repairing, and maintaining TPO roofs of all sizes. Plus, we can help you decide which type of single-ply membrane to install on your commercial building. If you’re looking for a roofing contractor in Atlanta, Georgia, contact us today. We’re confident in our capabilities to install the roofing system you’ve been needing. Schedule a free roof inspection or project consultation to get started. We back all of our services with a lifetime labor guarantee, so you can always be confident the job gets done right the first time around.