The Pros and Cons of TPO Roofing

Owners of flat or gently sloping roofs all around Riverview and across Florida are using TPO roofing, thermoplastic polyolefin materials more often. It can provide your property with a sleek modern appearance. This material offers durability and energy-efficiency at a relatively small price point. But, is it the right roof for you?

With over 30 years of roofing experience, Certified Roofers & General Contractors, Inc. has the knowledge to help you with your roofing decisions. Take the time to read below and find out some of the good and the bad of using TPO.

What Makes TPO Roofing A Great Choice

• Cost – Cost is a considerable advantage of TPO materials. It is one of the cheapest roofing materials you can purchase today.
• Long-Lasting – TPO is inexpensive and long-lasting. Under normal conditions, TPO will last between 22 and 30 years.
• Energy Efficient – No matter your color of choice, black, white, or gray, TPO will keep your home or business cooler by reflecting the sun’s rays.
• Installation – TPO is a lightweight material that can be installed in a variety of ways. It can be used directly on your roof deck, installed with adhesives, and if you have chimneys or vents, you can use heat welds to install the material.
• Tough – TPO can withstand being punctured or torn under normal conditions.
• Less Cleaning – TPO is excellent at repelling dirt. Mold and mildew struggle to take hold and grow on the material as well. This leads to less pressure washing the roof.

The Not-So-Great Points

• Not All Equal – TPO is a cheap option for roofing. However, quality can vary from one manufacturer to another. Check reviews before purchasing.
• Can Crack – The top-laminated portion of the material can contract, causing damage to the overall material. This is more common amongst the cheaper quality TPO materials. Here again, it pays to read reviews before buying.
• Does Not Like the Heat – Although it reflects the sun’s rays well, TPO does not hold up well to hot temperatures. Prolonged heat exposure can damage and weaken the material. This leads to the roofing material needing to be replaced more often.

Can It Withstand A Storm?

It is no secret that Florida is one of the most hurricane-prone states in the country. And although no building is 100 percent Mother Nature proof, a flat roof with TPO will resist being torn off better than a steeper sloped roof. This is due to the flat roof being more aerodynamic, meaning it allows the wind to pass over it smoother and with less resistance.

The biggest issue from most storms will be standing water forming on the roof’s flat surface. If allowed to sit on your roof for an extended time, water could find its way inside the building. To minimize potential leaks, experienced builders will add a slight pitch to the roof. This allows water to work its way down to your gutters.

Contact Us

Is TPO roofing the right choice for Riverview and surrounding areas? Well, maybe, but to find out for sure, give us a call; Certified Roofers & General Contractors, Inc.