8 reasons to consider TPO

By MuleHide.  

With decades of use in the industry, TPO has proven itself to be a durable, versatile, efficient and high-performance roofing option.

TPO roofing, or thermoplastic polyolefin, is a type of roofing membrane that has been growing in popularity with building owners and property managers. Traditionally a bright white color, this membrane is typically used on new or reroofing low-slope projects. It is liked for many reasons, including being eco-friendly and weather resistant. In this article, the experts at MuleHide explore these benefits and more, to help you get a full understanding of why TPO roof systems are a great low-slope solution.

1 - 30-year track record

First used in the United States in the early 1990s, TPO is now the leading low-slope roofing choice. Installed on buildings of all types from coast to coast, it makes up nearly half of the low-slope roofs in the United States and is the fastest-growing commercial roofing membrane type.

2 - Versatility

TPO membranes are lightweight and do not add excessive weight to the roof deck, making them at home in new construction, reroofing and recover (retrofit) jobs.

TPO also gives contractors and designers tremendous flexibility in tailoring roofing systems to meet specific job requirements. A variety of installation methods are available, with most TPO systems being fully adhered, mechanically attached or induction welded. TPO is compatible with a wide range of roof insulation and cover board types, including polyisocyanurate (poly iso), expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS), gypsum and fiber board.

3 - Tough, strong and durable

TPO roofing systems deliver years of hassle-free, watertight performance under even the harshest conditions. Their high breaking strength and tearing strength, along with outstanding resistance to punctures, extreme temperatures and ultraviolet (UV) radiation, mean that TPO can withstand blazing sun, scorching heat, bitter cold, driving snow, torrential downpours, pounding hail and foot traffic. Further:  

• TPO membranes stay flexible in hot and cold temperatures, allowing them to compensate for thermal shock and building movement without cracking and splitting.

• TPO provides excellent resistance to airborne bacteria, algae, mildew, mold and industrial pollutants, such as air-conditioning coolants.

• TPO sheets are welded together to create exceptionally strong, waterproof seams. If done right, the seams will be stronger than the membranes themselves.

4 - A “cool roof” choice

White TPO roofs can significantly enhance the energy efficiency of buildings in warmer climates. They reflect much of the sun’s rays away from the roof and then emit much of the energy that is absorbed back into the atmosphere. This lowers temperatures on the rooftop and inside the building, keeping occupants comfortable while maximizing the performance of HVAC equipment, reducing cooling costs and helping mitigate the “urban heat island effect.”

5 - Membrane options

MuleHide offers a variety of TPO membrane types in a range of sheet sizes, lengths and thicknesses, helping maximize crew efficiency and giving contractors and designers the tools to create systems that best meet the needs of each job.

• Standard TPO: A durable, high-performing, cost-effective choice.

• Self-adhering TPO: Goes on three to five times faster than traditional TPO roof systems, thanks to a factory-applied, pressure-sensitive adhesive.

• Fleece back and fleece back plus TPO: A polyester backing gives these membranes exceptional hail resistance, enhanced puncture resistance and outstanding wind uplift performance. The fleece backing also allows the membrane to be installed directly over a variety of existing roof systems with no additional cover board or layer of insulation needed.

• TPO colorway: MuleHide offers membranes and matching accessories in five specialty colors – medium bronze, patina green, rock brown, slate gray and terra cotta.

• CLEAN film: The optional CLEAN Film – a temporary protective film factory-applied to the top surface of the membrane – protects the membrane from dirt left behind by foot traffic during installation. The membrane retains its bright, clean aesthetics and optimal solar reflectance, without the need to clean the roof upon project completion.

• Fire-resistant standard TPO and fleece back TPO: Additional flame retardant allows these roofing systems to achieve steeper-slope UL fire ratings.  

6 - Repairable and coatings-friendly

TPO membranes are easily repaired, with a wide variety of compatible accessories, sealants and flashing materials available. Pressure-sensitive accessories can further streamline repairs by eliminating the need for generators and other heat welding equipment.

TPO membranes also resist the growth of mold, mildew, bacteria and fungi, keeping the membrane cleaner long-term to maintain its reflectivity and aesthetics.

An aging, but still-sound, TPO roof can easily be coated with silicone or acrylic roof coatings, returning it to near-new performance and delaying for years (even decades) the need for a far more costly and disruptive roof replacement.

7 - Recyclable

TPO membranes are recyclable. Scrap and old material can be used as feedstock for producing new TPO membranes and in manufacturing such products as vinyl flooring, rooftop walkway pads and concrete expansion joints.

8 - Warranty options

MuleHide offers a variety of warranty options to meet building owners’ needs and budgets. These include materials-only and no dollar limit system warranties of up to 30 years.

Original article and photo source: MuleHide