TPO RE-ROOFING SERVICES FOR A SCOTTSDALE HOME
WE SERVE SCOTTSDALE, PHOENIX, FOUNTAIN HILLS, GLENDALE, QUEEN CREEK, TEMPE, and TUCSON
Despite being a relative newcomer to the roofing industry, TPO roofing systems have become highly popular thanks to their flexibility, ease of installation, and lower long-term costs. TPO stands for thermoplastic polyolefin and refers to a single-ply roofing membrane consisting of three layers.
The three layers include the thermoplastic polyolefin base and top layers, with a center layer manufactured using polyester reinforcing fabric, also known as a scrim. This combination of materials gives TPO roofing superior strength and durability.
The three layers are welded together to create a seamless membrane. Factories manufacture the TPO membrane as sheets of varying widths and thicknesses. The sheets are then rolled up and delivered on-site.
Contractors use TPO roofing to cover flat or low-slope roofs that many commercial buildings and homes use due to their cost-effectiveness. These popular roofs are easily recognizable by their shiny and reflective appearance.
A TPO roof is most commonly bright white as this color offers the highest level of reflectivity and, thus, UV protection. However, home and business owners can also select other colors, such as black, gray, and tan.
TPO Roof Installation
The fast, easy, and innovative installation process represents one of the most significant advantages of TPO roofing.
Before starting the process, the contractor typically removes the existing roof. Alternatively, the roof can be cleaned and prepared since a TPO membrane can be installed on top of existing roofs, provided they are in good condition.
After prepping the roof, the contractor adds insulation to the roof surface. Insulation allows TPO roofing systems to have higher thermal resistance or R-value. The exact R-value of a TPO roof depends on the insulation type that the home or business owners choose.
If they choose a less strong insulation material, contractors must add a cover board before installing the TPO membrane. A cover board is a thin yet sturdy substrate that will protect the insulation layer from hail, wind, or fire damage.
The final step includes securing the TPO membrane to the roof or the cover board. Contractors can secure the membrane in two ways: with mechanical fasteners like screws and plates or with a bonding adhesive. Finally, the contractor uses a hot-air gun to heat the seams and weld them together, creating a watertight roofing membrane.
The installation process's length depends on the surface area's size, the roof's complexity, and the number of penetrations such as vents, pipes, and chimneys.
TPO Roof Replacement
TPO roofs are long-lasting. However, they can age prematurely if property owners don't maintain them promptly or adequately address existing issues, such as mold, algae growth, or damage from harsh weather.
Sometimes the contractor will determine that the roof's condition is such that restoration is impossible. In that case, they will suggest tearing off the existing roof entirely and installing a new TPO membrane. The installation process looks the same as installing TPO roofing for the first time.
TPO Roof Repair
A leak is typically the first sign that a TPO roof needs repair. A roof leak can result from seams ripping apart, flashings failing, or membrane holes. Since a leak can cause extensive damage, commercial and residential property owners will benefit from regularly inspecting the roof. This way, they can catch the first signs of trouble before the issue escalates.
During the inspection, the contractor will check the condition of the seams, flashings, and decking and the saturation level of the insulation layer. Once the contractor identifies the issue, they will act quickly to resolve it. For superficial damage, such as tears, splits, and punctures, using a sealant should do the trick as a temporary solution. A more permanent solution includes installing a roof patch to the affected area.
For more extensive damage, contractors will determine whether to restore, re-cover, or replace TPO roofing. Restoring TPO roofing involves applying a silicone coating to the TPO membrane. Re-covering requires adding a new TPO membrane directly over the existing one. These repair options are only possible if the roof has less than 25% saturation. Otherwise, replacing the existing roof becomes the only viable solution.
Pros of TPO Roofing
Thanks to its many advantages, TPO roofing has quickly gained popularity for residential and commercial applications. This roofing system is:
Durable.
A TPO roof is highly resistant to UV rays, punctures, and chemicals. Moreover, heat welding during the installation process guarantees the TPO membrane is resistant to leaks and moisture infiltration. As a result, this roof is highly durable and long-lasting.
Flexible.
TPO roofing systems come in various colors and finishes, allowing home- and business owners to choose an option that best complements the look of their property. A TPO roof can also conform to different house designs, making it an excellent solution for complex roofing systems.
Easy to install.
A TPO roof is lightweight and comes in wide sheets with few seams, making it easy to maneuver. In addition, the flat or low-sloped roofs make the job even more accessible. As a result, installing a TPO roof is faster than other roofing types and costs less.
Energy-efficient.
A TPO roof naturally reflects a large number of UV rays. As a result, it eases the workload of HVAC units and reduces cooling costs in the summer while keeping all occupants cool and comfortable.
Environmentally-friendly.
TPO roofing is made using thermoplastic, making it recyclable. Thermoplastic can be heated again until it becomes liquid. Then, it can be remolded into a new shape.
Low-cost.
A TPO roof is relatively inexpensive, especially compared to its benefits and longevity. In addition, it doesn't require costly maintenance as most roofing materials do.
Cons of TPO Roofing
While TPO roofs offer many benefits, commercial and residential owners should also consider a few potential drawbacks. Namely, a TPO membrane lacks fire resistance and insulation and can require costly repairs. However, these drawbacks can be remedied by adding additional layers during the installation process and adequately maintaining the roof.
How long does TPO roofing last?
The lifespan of TPO roofing depends on several factors, including the quality of the materials and installation and the level of maintenance. In general, these roofs last between 15 and 20 years. However, property owners can ensure their TPO roofing system lasts well beyond 20 years by having it installed and maintained correctly and inspected regularly.
How much does TPO roofing cost?
The cost of TPO roofing can vary. Factors such as the roof's size and complexity can impact the overall cost. On average, installing a smaller TPO roof runs $14 and $17 per square foot. In comparison, slightly larger projects typically cost around $12 per square foot.
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