TPO
The most often used single ply roofing membrane in the United States, TPO roofing is loved by commercial and industrial building owners who are looking to gain LEED credits for their projects.
WHY CHOOSE TPO ROOFING?
TPO is one of the fastest growing commercial roofing systems, it is a single ply roofing membrane that gives amazing protection for the buildings it covers while providing extraordinary energy efficiency.
There is a high demand for commercial roofs that are able to reflect heat and provide energy efficiency. TPO roofing is able to deliver on both of these benefits, because it is a single ply membrane it is resistant to ultraviolet sun rays, chemical exposure, and ozone exposure. BMG Exteriors is pleased to have obtained expertise in this highly-ranked product and to uuse it as a feasible roofing option for both commercial and industrial buildings and structures.
WHAT IS TPO?
TPO came around about 20 years ago, and has quickly become the #1 choice for commercial roofing roofers, architects, and builders. Not only does it provide a going green solution for roofing, but also is 100% recyclable without any type of chemical byproduct.
Flexible Thermo Polyolefin, TPO, is a thermoplastic roofing product with no additional plasticizers. TPO may closely resemble other thermoplastics, but realistically the chemical characteristics differ greatly. It is designed to specifically address common issues with thermoplastics. TPO also has a similar characteristic to rubber but it has better seam puncture and tear strength.
TPO roofing can be mechanically fastened, fully adhered to the surface, or ballasted, but this will depend on the type of roof and any specific needs you commercial building might have. The seam strength is unparalleled in commercial roofing and will provide the ultimate protection from the elements.
TPO comes in large sheets that are welded together, the size of these sheets can come in any size up to 12 ft to cover the roof. Hot air welding is used on the material to give the roof a seamless surface that does not allow water to enter. This bond is formed because hot air welding is stronger than the material. We also use hot air welding around any flashing details like vent covers, and pipes. The larger sized sheets of TPO can help make the installation faster and easier by reducing the cost of your installation for your commercial building.
FAQ
Even though TPO is gaining popularity, many commercial clients have not heard of it and its broad range of commercial roofing benefits. Below you can find questions we have answered about the product, its sustainability, and the installation process:
WHAT TYPES OF COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS BENEFIT FROM TPO SINGLE-PLY ROOFING PRODUCTS?
TPO single ply is suitable in an array of commercial and industrial buildings with a low slope or flat roof.
AM I ABLE TO HAVE A TPO SINGLE-PLY MEMBRANE INSTALLED OVER MY OLD ASPHALT ROOF?
No, you would have to first have a wooden board installed if you don’t want to pull the old roofing material off.
WILL I NEED TO ADD SUPPORT TO MY ROOF BEFORE TPO CAN BE INSTALLED?
No, single ply TPO is extremely lightweight and will not typically need any extra support from the existing roof structure.
WILL THE TPO SHEET COVER MY AIR VENTS?
No, air vents and pipes are critical to your buildings air circulation and HVAC system. During installation, we use specialized accessories around all vents and pipes to ensure that they remain unobstructed and do not pose a risk for water infiltration.
WHAT DOES LEED MEAN?
LEED, Leadership in Energy & Environment Design is a certification program for green buildings, especially in the commercial and industrial industry. Buildings can be certified based on the positive environmental impact they have. The addition of TPO roofing is a LEED achievement and will earn you points towards certification.
WHAT DOES THE TERM REFLECTIVELY MEAN?
Reflectivity in roofing is a reference to the roofing materials ability to bounce ultraviolet rays off of the surface. White TPO is highly effective at this and has now been awarded an ENERGY STAR rating thanks to its ability to keep a commercial building cooler during hot weather season.