What Is TPO Roofing?
Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) is a type of single-ply membrane for roofing applications. Another type is Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer (EPDM).
A single-ply membrane is a sheet of roofing material that is mechanically attached, adhered, or ballasted to a building's insulation to create a layer of protection over a commercial structure.
TPO membranes are made from a blend of polymers and rubbers, usually polypropylene, ethylene rubber, and reinforced special fabric.
How to Install TPO Roofing
TPO's wide variety of attachment methods have contributed to its popularity. The membrane can be mechanically attached, adhered, or ballasted. We'll walk you through the different TPO installation methods.
Mechanically Attached: The TPO membrane is attached with mechanical fasteners (like screws) through the insulation and decking materials, usually at the seams. This method offers strong performance in high wind conditions at a very low installation cost. A complete line of fastening accessories assures the right attachment for the right condition.
Adhered: When a TPO roof is adhered, it is glued to the substrate with a special adhesive that forms a strong, chemical bond across the entire roofing assembly. Adhered (and self-adhered) systems offer a high degree of performance predictability, are aesthetically pleasing, and offer some energy savings compared to mechanically attached roofing systems.
Ballasted: The insulation and membrane are loose-laid with the membrane fastened at the perimeter. Ballast is laid over the top of the membrane to hold it in place. What's ballast? It's a mixture of small rocks, typically 2-3″ in diameter. Ballast is the preferred method when a job needs to be done as quickly and inexpensively as possible. In this method, the TPO membrane is not anchored or adhered in any way to the decking material.
TPO Benefits
Energy Efficient: The main benefit of TPO is its energy efficiency. The membrane is usually white and thus highly reflective. A highly reflective membrane reflects sunlight and heat away from the building, ultimately reducing the heat load on the roof's surface and maintaining a lower temperature than darker colored roof surfaces. The building's interior stays cooler and doesn't rely so much on A/C.
Eco-Friendly: The green building movement is a huge driver for TPO membranes. TPO is a valuable part of the equation when a building owner is trying to reduce peak electrical demand or limit a building's carbon footprint. TPO membranes are made from recyclable materials.
Highly Durable: TPO membranes offer exceptional resistance to tears, punctures, chemicals, and weather. TPO expands and contracts with the building and allows for movement as buildings settle. TPO offers more flexibility than other single-ply roofing membranes.
Little to No Maintenance: Thanks to its durability, TPO rarely needs to be cleaned. It resists dirt buildup and bacterial growth, so the membrane stays white for the long-haul.
Cost-Effective: TPO is one of the most affordably priced roofing materials on the market. It's cost-effective from an installation standpoint, too, since it can be installed with less labor time than other roofing options.
