Is TPO a cool roof?

TPO, also known as a “Cool Roof”, is a very durable and energy-efficient roofing system. TPO roofing can reduce heating and air conditioning costs by as much as 25 – 35% once installed and completed. TPO can be used in many applications from commercial to residential flat roofs.

What type of roof is a cool roof?

A cool roof is designed to reflect more sunlight than a conventional roof, absorbing less solar energy. This lowers the temperature of the building just as wearing light-colored clothing keeps you cool on a sunny day. Conventional roofs can reach temperatures of 150°F or more on a sunny summer afternoon, sun.

What are the advantages of TPO?

TPO membranes are highly durable.

They hold up well to long-term exposure to the sun's ultraviolet light, and they are highly resistant to puncturing, tearing, or water damage. They are even resistant to bacterial growth and dirt buildup, so it will be easier for you to keep your roof clean.

How many years does a TPO roof last?

80-mil TPO roofs come with up to a 25-year warranty and with the appropriate maintenance, it is not uncommon for a TPO roofing system to last as long as 30 years.

Which is better TPO or PVC roofing?

While PVC offers better resistance to puncture and weathering, TPO (like PVC) is recyclable and environmentally friendly. Its reflective surface reduces UV radiation and helps with energy efficiency.

4 Reasons Why You Should Install TPO Roof

Which is better EPDM or TPO?

TPO has better dimensional stability than EPDM. EPDM is more likely to shrink which can cause a variety of problems on your roof.

Is TPO good for flat roofs?

TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) is a single-ply white membrane used in both commercial and residential roofing. Due to TPO being a white membrane, it reflects heat instead of absorbing it. If you have a flat roof or a low-slope dormer over a bedroom, TPO is a great option because it'll keep the room below cooler.

Is TPO roofing good for residential?

12. Versatility: TPO can be used on both residential and commercial roofing systems. It can not only be used on flat roofs but low sloped roofs as well.

Does TPO have an R value?

A single-ply roofing system (TPO or EPDM) has a 0.24-0.33 R-value with a typical installed thickness level, therefore you'll need considerable thickness of insulation to get you to an R-30.

Is TPO roofing expensive?

Although many different factors can influence the price of your roof, in most cases, you can expect to pay between $3.50 and $9.50 per square foot. Overall, TPO roofing costs typically range between $7,000 and $11,500.

Is TPO roof slippery?

TPO is a single-ply material and is not designed to take on heavy foot traffic, which means certain types of footwear may damage the roof. Despite the relative flatness of such roofing, high winds and the risks of slipping (TPO can be slippery when wet) are safety concerns that professionals are prepared for.

Can you walk on a TPO roof?

Flat Roof Surfaces You Can Walk On

Whether its BUR (Built-up Roofing), TPO (Thermoplastic polyolefin), Modified Bitumen, or Single Ply Roofing, your roofing professional can apply the right waterproofing membrane to make it possible to walk on.

Can you repair a TPO roof?

If you're dealing with a TPO roof that failed before its time, a solution like a Fluid Applied Reinforced Roof (FARR) can help repair and even restore your system. It provides a fully adhered continuous surface with no seams, improving the TPO's waterproofness and protecting your interior building systems.

What is cool roof coating?

Cool roof coatings are special reflective pigments – usually white – that reflect light. Think of them as really thick paint that protects the roof surface from ultraviolet rays and chemical and water damage. In addition, cool roof coatings offer high thermal emittance and solar reflectance.

What color roof is the coolest?

Since dark surfaces are better heat absorbers, traditional cool roofs are white. Berkeley Lab research has demonstrated that raising the solar reflectance of a roof from about 20 percent (dark gray) to about 55 percent (weathered white) can reduce cooling energy use by 20 percent.

Are cool roofs expensive?

Although costs will vary greatly depending on location and local circumstances, cool roof coatings on a low-slope roof might cost $0.75–$1.50 per square foot, while single-ply cool roof membrane costs vary from $1.50–$3.00 per square foot.

How thick should TPO roofing be?

TPO is typically sold in thicknesses of 45 mil, 60 mil and 90 mil. In Indiana, we typically see 45 mil and 60 mil specified. The thicker the membrane, the better the long term durability.

Can you paint a TPO roof?

Then, based on recommendations from a national coating and paint company in Canada, the best paint to use to paint a TPO roof is elastomeric paint. If you use a good quality elastomeric paint, then that will eliminate the need to use a surface primer first.

What is the minimum slope for a TPO roof?

Thermoplastic single-ply roofing systems are plastic sheets (PVC, TPO, CSPE) that are welded together with hot air. This creates a shingle sheet that provides the weather protection for the building. Both the Thermoset and the Thermoplastic must be installed at a minimum one- fourth-inch-per-twelve-inch slope.

Is TPO better than tar and gravel?

Often times you will find that TPO is actually cheaper with many advantages whereas Tar & Gravel has more disadvantages. When it comes to environmental questions both help with UV light in that it will reflect or absorb the UV light for roof longevity.

What is the maintenance on a TPO roof?

A mild household detergent and water should be used in cleaning the membrane's surface. This should be followed by completely rinsing the roof using a low-pressure power washer. After cleaning, the roof should be inspected for damage and any incidental damage should be repaired according to GAF's guidelines.

Is TPO better than modified bitumen?

TPO roll roofing is generally less expensive to purchase and install but does not have the long-lasting appearance that modified bitumen roofing has. Modified bitumen systems are excellent at keeping moisture out of roofs but require added drainage systems to continue working correctly.

Which is cheaper EPDM or TPO?

EPDM roofs are the most economical choice for single ply roofing membranes. TPO roofing membranes are more expensive than EPDM. Regardless of which membrane you choose, it is better to spend more money and invest in a thicker membrane. Both EPDM and TPO roofs perform better and last longer if they are thicker.

Which type of flat roof is best?

PVC Roofing

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) roofing membranes have been heralded as one of the best flat roofing materials in the single-ply roofing industry.

Whats cheaper TPO or EPDM?

The main advantage of TPO is that it is typically the lowest material cost for single ply membrane roofs, costing less than EPDM and other types of rolled rubber roofing.