Thermoplastic Polyolefin Roofing, also referred to as TPO, is a popular choice among business owners and commercial real estate investors.

If you fall into one of those two categories, it’s important that you understand the types of roofing options that you have at your disposal. Being informed about different roofing materials will ensure that you make the right choice when the time comes for you to have a new roof installed on your building.

What is TPO Roofing?

TPO roofing is a type of single-ply membrane roofing. Thanks to its benefits, TPO roofing is one of the fastest growing types of commercial roofing on the market. TPO roofing systems are a single layer of reinforcing scrim and other synthetic materials that cover flat roofs.

TPO roofing comes in sheets that are 10 feet, 12 feet, or 20 feet wide. Thanks to the flexible nature of TPO roofing, installers can roll these sheets up before transporting them to your commercial facility.

Benefits of TPO Roofing

TPO roofing has become a popular choice among business owners because of its many benefits. One of the biggest reasons for this boom in popularity is the fact that it allows you to choose the type of insulation that you want to use on your roof. Since single-ply roofing does not include insulation, you can choose the best type of insulation for your roof based on the climate where you live.

Unlike other types of roll roofing, TPO roofing reflects UV rays from the sun. There are several benefits of UV reflectivity. First of all, this keeps yourbuilding more energy efficient during warm weather. The reflective nature of TPO roofing also helps extend the lifespan of your roof. When the sun’s rays can’t penetrate your roofing system, the system lasts longer.

TPO roofing is Class A fire rated, making it one of the most fire-resistant roofing options in the industry. Having a fire-resistant roof does not protect your commercial facility from fire, but there are benefits. If you live in an area that experiences wildfires, these roofs can help prevent a single ember from destroying your building.

Insurance companies also offer lower premiums to property owners who take measures to protect their building from fire. An investment in TPO roofing can result in lower insurance rates, which is great for your bottom line.

Is TPO Roofing Expensive?

According to national averages, TPO roofing costs somewhere between $3.50 and $7.50 per square foot. It is important to note that the cost of roofing materials fluctuates. At the time of this writing, TPO roofing prices are closer to $8.00 to $12.00 per square foot. This is largely due to the increased cost in all building materials.

The national average regarding the size of a commercial facility is 20,000 square feet. Based on that average, TPO roofing should cost between $70,000 and $150,000. Due to the current state of the economy and the price of roofing materials, that price is between $160,000 and $240,000.

Other factors that impact the cost of installing a TPO roof on your building. The size of the roof will affect the price. If your roof is 20,000 square feet, it will cost significantly more than a smaller roof that is only 10,000 square feet.

Since TPO roofing only provides a single layer, you will also need to choose a type of insulation, which will add to the cost of the project. Depending on the climate where you live, you may also need to choose a type of membrane to further protect your building from the elements. This will add to the cost of your roof.

Roofing contractors will consider the condition of your current roofing system when determining the price of your new TPO roof. If the roof is not in major disrepair, the new TPO sheets can be easily installed. However, if multiple layers must be removed from your roof, the cost will be higher.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ

How long should my TPO roof last?

New TPO roofs typically last between 15 and 20 years.

Should I repair or replace my TPO roof?

When choosing between TPO roof repair and replacement, contractors will evaluate how much of the roof needs repair. If they find more than 25% of the roof needs patching, they will probably recommend that you have a new roof installed.

Is TPO roofing easy to maintain?

Yes, it is. TPO roofing maintenance usually only involves annual inspections and cleaning.

A quality TPO roof can protect your commercial facility for years. If you believe that a TPO roof is the right choice for your commercial facility, contact multiple commercial roofing contractors in your area to ask for estimates.