When you’re a business owner, there comes a time when you need to repair or replace different elements of your property. One of these is your roof.
One type of roofing that’s quickly rising in popularity is TPO roofing. This means it’s an option worth researching, as it may save you money in the long run.
Here’s a quick guide to why you need a TPO roofing system, the benefits, and how much it costs.
What Is TPO Roofing?
“TPO” stands for “thermoplastic polyolefin.” TPO roofing materials are made of elastomers, which is very similar to rubber in its properties. Natural rubber is considered an elastomer.
So although the name suggests that it’s a plastic, it’s not that material. Instead, it’s made of elastomers or rubber.
TPO roofing is typically used for flat roofs, as it is bought in single-ply membrane rolls. In most cases, you’ll find it in rolls that are 10, 12, or 20 feet wide.
For businesses that would usually use hot tar roofing, many have now turned to TPO roofs as a better alternative.
TPO Roofing Installation
First, you’d either clean or remove the substrate on your roofing. If you don’t have a substrate, you’d still clean the surface to ensure better installation.
Then, you’d put down the insulation. Popular choices include polyisocyanurate (Polyiso), expanded polystyrene (EPS), or extruded polystyrene (XPS). The most commonly used type of insulation for roofing is polyisocyanurate.
Once the insulation is done, then the TPO membrane is attached or adhered to the surface. This is usually done with a hot-air gun.
What Are the Benefits of a TPO Roof?
When it comes to roof replacement, as we mentioned above, TPO roofs are better than hot tar roofs. But why? We’ll explain in the sections below.
It’s Very Durable
The very nature of TPO makes it so that it’s very durable, even in extreme weather. For instance, it’s mildew and algae-resistant, so even if it rains often, you won’t have to worry much. This also means it doesn’t require you to pressure wash your roof.
It Keeps Heat Out
You may not think much about the color of your roofing, but it makes a big difference when it comes to keeping heat out. For example, darker-colored roofing will absorb light, which in turn heats your building.
On the other hand, white roofing will reflect light, meaning your property will stay cooler more easily. TPO is white on top, meaning you won’t have to worry about a buildup of heat inside.
As a result, not only will you stay comfortable more easily, but you’ll also save some money on your utility bills. Your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard to keep the temperatures inside consistent.
It’s Fire-Resistant
When TPO roofing materials are being manufactured, there are fire-retardant chemicals added. These made it so they’re class A fire-rated by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
It’s Cost-Efficient
On average, you can expect to pay at least $7 per square foot. Of course, different contractors will set their prices, but even at $10 per square foot, TPO is a pretty cost-efficient roofing material.
It Has a Long Lifespan
When you consider the above benefits of TPO roofing, then it should come as no surprise that this type of roof has a long lifespan. Expect it to last you anywhere between 15 to 20 years.
So in addition to being very cost-efficient and durable, TPO has great mileage. This means that in the long run, you save a significant amount of money, especially when you consider that your utility bills will be lowered as well.
How Much Do TPO Roofs Cost?
Of course, several factors determine exactly how much TPO roofs cost. For example, one clear factor would be how large your roof is, measured in sq ft.
The larger it is, the more you’ll have to shell out. That means you can’t compare the price you’ll have to pay with your neighboring companies if their properties are significantly larger or smaller than yours.
Also, you’ll have to look at how much a company charges for TPO. As we’ve said above, expect to pay at least $7 per square foot. While this is the minimum cost, expect contractors to charge up to $15 or even more per square foot.
Another factor you need to think about is which type of membrane and insulation you choose. These choices alone can significantly impact how much you’re paying for your TPO roof.
If you want to cut down on costs, then you might opt for a shorter warranty or none at all. However, we don’t suggest going without one, as it’ll pay for itself (and then some) if anything goes wrong.
Lastly, you need to consider the labor that goes into the job. If your roof is in relatively good condition, the work should go quickly, which means lower costs. However, if there’s a lot the contractor needs to do before getting your TPO roof installed, then expect costs to be higher.
Get TPO Roofing for Your Business Today
Now that you know what TPO roofing is, what its benefits are, and how much it costs, perhaps it seems like a good solution for your business. This can be especially true if you previously had a hot tar roof and weren’t happy with it.
In that case, you’ll want to speak with professionals like DMV Roofing Pros, as we have years of experience in the industry. We can discuss your options with you to determine what’s best for your company.
Are you interested in getting TPO roofing for your business? Then get in touch with us today. We’ll give you a free same-day estimate!