Pros and Cons of TPO Roofing

TPO is a single-ply roofing system that consists of a thermoplastic polyolefin membrane. This membrane is composed of three layers, TPO polymer base, polyester-reinforced fabric center, and thermoplastic polyolefin compounded top ply. As with any roofing material, TPO roofing material also has its advantages and disadvantages. Read below to find out more about the pros and cons of TPO roofing.

Benefits of TPO Roofing

TPO roofing is a great choice as it has many advantages.

Economical

Whether you are looking at TPO roofing for residential or commercial, one of the factors that makes it a good choice is that it is an economical option. TPO roofing is similar to PVC roofing as they both have good energy efficiency, but TPO roofing is lower in cost compared to PVC roofing.

Durable

TPO roofing is made to be flexible and allows for natural movement or settling of a home. Reinforced TPO is designed to handle when a building expands from temperatures more effectively than other roofing products. In comparison to other roofing materials, TPO is less susceptible to mold growth, dirt accumulation, tears, and punctures.

Energy Efficient

The energy efficiency of TPO roofing membranes makes it a great option for homeowners who want to have the benefits of savings on their energy costs as well as reducing the carbon footprint. The TPO material has a reflective surface to keep the interior thermally comfortable on hot summer days while reducing your air conditioning costs.

Disadvantages Of TPO

Just as there are advantages to TPO roofing, there are also disadvantages to this material.

Questionable longevity

One of the biggest disadvantages of TPO is that it is a newer roofing technology. It has been around only for about 10 years and manufacturers are still trying to figure out the best chemical formula that will make the product durable and long-lasting while maintaining a competitive price. New and improved formulas continue to be tested, but it is not possible to tell at this point how long a new TPO roofing product will last. If you are looking to install a TPO roofing membrane, it is advisable to hire a roofing contractor that has years of experience with this material.

Thickness Disparities

Some buyers mistakenly believe that a thicker TPO roof will be long lasting. In reality, the thickness of a TPO roof has no impact on its quality or durability. Again, since TPO roofs are so new on the market, there is little evidence and research done to say how long this type of roofing membrane will last. Generally, roofing experts estimate a TPO roof will last 10 to 20 years.