What Is TPO roofing?

How long will a TPO roof last?

TPO roofing has a relatively long lifespan, varying by thickness. Typically, the thicker the material, the longer it will range. For TPO thicknesses range from 45 mil to 80-plus mil. At 80 mil, a TPO roof comes with a 25-year warranty, but with regular maintenance, it can last 30 or more years.

Is TPO a good roof?

Among single-ply roofing systems, TPO has over the past few decades begun to surpass PVC and EPDM in popularity. Why is this? Its many advantages outweigh its disadvantages. Some of the benefits of TPO include:

• Cost-effective: It tends to be offered at a lower price point than similar materials like PVC
• Strength and durability: It has a strong ability to resist tears and punctures as well mold and dirt build-up, especially at the seams. Its seam strength is three times stronger than other rubber roofing systems.
• Energy efficient: UV resistance properties will ease cooling costs in warmer months.
• Easy installation: It requires less labor time to install than other membranes like EPDM.

One of the few drawbacks of TPO roofing is its difficulty to manage extreme heat. This is primarily a concern in warmer climates.

Which is better, TPO or EPDM?

In many cases, the roofing system you choose will depend on your needs and budget. In general, single-ply membranes like TPO or EPDM are valued more than older systems like built-up roofing. Energy efficiency is a big draw with these systems.

The choice between TPO or EPDM often comes down to price. EPDM is typically less expensive than TPO roofing but it also has weaker seams which leads to greater risks of leaks. Even though TPO is a little more expensive to install, it takes less time to install and its seams are much stronger, so water intrusion is less likely. It’s also typically easier to repair than EPDM, most often just requiring patch over the damaged area.

EPDM can save you money if you’re working on a larger roof. It also fares better in coastal regions where high winds and salt spray are common.

Can you recoat a TPO roof?

If your TPO roofing is damaged or beginning to show signs of wear, you might not have to go to the expense of tearing it off and completely replacing it. Depending on its condition, one repair option is to coat the roof with a silicone or acrylic coating. These coatings seal up leaks and make TPO even more energy efficient.

Better still they’ll extend your roof’s life by 10 or more years and can be recoated. FIVE STAR ROOF SOLUTIONS, INC. specializes in roof restoration coatings. We are also happy to upgrade your warranty when the roof is recoated.

Can you walk on a TPO roof?

One myth that seems to be upheld with single-ply roofing membranes is that you can’t walk on them. But this just isn’t true. You can walk single-ply membranes like TPO. They can handle light foot traffic, which may be necessary for repairs or maintenance.

However, to avoid damaging the roof, we recommend wearing soft-soled shoes. If heavy foot traffic is anticipated, special membranes can be placed over the areas such as around HVAC systems where traffic is expected.

You also should take care to avoid dropping heavy tools or equipment or leaving these materials on the roof as this could lead to damage.

Can TPO roofing be repaired?

Although TPO roofing is highly tear- and puncture-resistant, it’s not immune to damage. Fortunately, TPO is one of the easier types of roofing systems to repair. Because the material is heat weldable a simple puncture can be repaired with a patch.

Another way to repair TPO is to cover it with either a silicone or acrylic roof restoration coating. A new coating can be added as time passes.

Check your warranty before making a repair to make sure the warranty won’t be voided by the repair.

Can TPO be painted?

Although most TPO roofing is bright white, the material can be installed in a variety of colors that match your building’s look. Darker-colored TPO may lose some of its effectiveness with cooling the building. These darker colors might also begin to fade over time. To match the rest of the building, some building owners may elect to paint the roofing material. This is perfectly fine.

If the paint job is a DIY affair, you want to take precautions not to damage the integrity of the material. You want to make sure the paint you use is compatible with the material. If you do not use an elastomeric paint, you will need to prime the roof with a water-based primer and use an acrylic resin emulsion paint.