The exact square footage that a roll of TPO covers varies significantly depending on the width of the roll. Generally speaking, you can expect each roll of TPO to cover between 25 and 100 square feet.
The larger the width of the roll, the fewer the number of square feet. The narrower the roll, the higher the number of square feet. The typical roll widths range between 6” and 15”. A 6” roll will cover around 100 square feet, while a 15” roll will cover around 25 square feet.
It is also important to keep in mind that this coverage also depends on the length of the roll. Many standard rolls are 100 feet and longer, so the square footage can vary quite a bit depending on the width and length.
Is TPO cheaper than PVC?
That depends. TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) is a roofing membrane that has become increasingly popular over the past several years due to its robustness and affordable cost. Comparatively, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) membranes have been used in roofing for much longer and have a solid reputation for durability and excellent performance.
Generally, TPO is known for being slightly less expensive than PVC in terms of cost per square foot. However, when both materials are installed over a deck with rigid insulation and other associated components, the cost of TPO will be close to or slightly more expensive than PVC.
Ultimately, cost should not be the only factor when selecting a roofing membrane. TPO offers more seam strength than PVC, has better puncture resistance, and provides better solar reflectance, so there are many other benefits to consider beyond cost.
When selecting a roofing membrane, it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of both materials and decide which product features are most important to your individual needs.
Is TPO more expensive than EPDM?
The price of both TPO and EPDM will depend on the quality of the material and the vendor or supplier that you purchase it from. Generally speaking, TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) tends to be more expensive than EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer).
TPO is a relatively newer type of roofing material, and due to its superior qualities – such as being reflective, energy-efficient, and more flexible – it is often the more expensive option. With both materials, you can purchase high-quality versions that are more expensive or basic versions that are less expensive, so the overall cost will depend on the product that you select.
How many years does a TPO roof last?
The expected lifetime of a Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) roof typically lasts 15 to 20 years, depending on its overall installation, maintenance, and the climate conditions of the roof’s geographic location.
The roof’s environment plays a huge role in the roof’s overall lifespan; areas with extreme cold, hot or windy conditions may result in a shortened expected life expectancy. To increase the length of your TPO roof, basic preventive maintenance is important.
This includes regularly clearing dirt and debris, checking for any punctures, tears or loose flashing, cleaning the roof with a mild detergent, and applying a reflective coating to limit sun damage. With proper maintenance, a TPO roof can last up to 20 years.
Can you walk on TPO roof?
It is not recommended to walk on a thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) roof. Including the potential to tear, puncture, and damage the roof membrane and underlying structure. This is especially true for roofs that are 10 or more years old as they can become brittle and more susceptible to damage.
Additionally, a person who walks on the roof could slip and fall, possibly leading to serious injury due to the height of the roof. As an alternative, it is recommended to use a walkway system or approved safety basis for accessing a TPO roof, such as a ladder.
It is also important to secure the walkway to the rooftop to prevent any movement or instability. Furthermore, the use of appropriate protective gear, such as fall protection and clothing, is necessary to ensure safety while on the roof.
Is TPO roof glued down?
Whether a TPO roof is glued down or not depends on the choice of the roofing contractor and the specific installation techniques used. Glue down installations are most often seen with smaller TPO membranes, usually under 25 feet in width.
It is done by applying adhesive to the roof deck, then rolling the membrane in place by hand. This helps to create a tight seal along the perimeter. The glue down technique is used primarily in low slope commercial roofs, however may be used on almost any TPO roof depending on the situation.
Alternately, many TPO roofs are mechanically fastened to the roof deck, where the membrane is rolled up and secured in place with metal plates, fasteners, and spikes. This is the preferred installation technique for larger roofs due to its strength and durability.
In either cases, TPO roofs require some type of reinforcing fabric to be installed between the membrane and the roof deck prior to being glued down or fastened in place. This helps to create a strong and seamless roofing system that will last for years.
How do you maintain a TPO roof?
It is important to maintain a TPO roof in order to ensure a long roof life, energy efficiency, and protection from the elements.
For general maintenance, inspecting the roof at regular intervals and removing debris from the membrane and installed systems can help prevent long-term damage. Paying special attention to flashing, sealants, gaskets, and gravel stops is especially important and can help find potential issues before they become problems.
Inspections should also include looking for cuts, damages, and blisters in the membrane. Checking drains, scuppers and other details should also be done to ensure they are in working condition.
Repairs should be done in a timely manner to prevent water and UV damage. This includes resealing seams, replacing damaged flashing and sealants, patching any cuts or blisters, and repairing any insulation.
To ensure long-term protection and energy efficiency, a professional should apply both a rooftop cleaner and a protective coating to the surface. This will help protect the membrane from UV light, heat, and water.
Regular maintenance is an important part of protecting a TPO roof, but it is not enough to prevent long-term deterioration and damage. An experienced roofing contractor should inspect the roof every 3-5 years to check for any issues that need to be addressed.
Is TPO waterproof?
Yes, TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) is waterproof. TPO has a high degree of water resistance due to its molecular composition and its resistance to cracking. TPO is a single-ply membrane consisting of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber that is reinforced with thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) fibers and coated on the surface with a protective layer of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber.
This creates what is known as an impervious membrane which prevents water and other liquids from penetrating the surface of the material. In addition to its waterproofing characteristics, TPO also offers superior strength, flexibility, and puncture resistance.
It is also highly resistant to UV rays, which makes it an ideal choice for outdoor applications such as roofing because it prevents the buildup of molds and mildews that can occur on unprotected roofs.
What is the longest lasting flat roof?
The longest lasting flat roof is dependent upon several factors, including the quality and type of material used, the climate the roof is exposed to, and the amount and type of maintenance performed.
Generally, flat roofs that are made from a high-quality, durable material and are properly maintained can last anywhere from 20 to 30 years. The longest-lasting flat roofs can be made of materials such as single-ply synthetic materials (such as PVC, EPDM, and TPO) and cold process-applied, asphalt-based roofing systems.
It is important to note that regular maintenance of a flat roof is paramount in terms of increasing its lifespan. Regularly-scheduled inspections and repairs of any damages found can make a big difference in the life of a flat roof system.
Additionally, preventative measures such as the application of a reflective coating can help to reduce temperature fluctuations and UV exposure, which can make a flat roof more resilient and extend its lifespan.
Which is better TPO or EPDM?
The answer to which roofing material is better, TPO or EPDM, will vary depending on the application. TPO is a white, single-ply membrane that’s often used in commercial roofing systems. It’s made of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber polymers that are thermally bonded together.
Benefits include its affordability and energy efficiency, as well as its reflective nature. It’s available in a range of colors and thicknesses, though it’s not a very durable material and can be punctured or damaged easily.
EPDM is another type of single-ply membrane, made of ethylene-propylene-diene monomer rubber. It’s also affordable and energy efficient, but also highly resistant to weather, ozone and UV degradation.
It’s available in a range of colors and is often used in residential flat roofs. It’s also very durable, allowing it to be installed over existing structures.
Overall, both TPO and EPDM have advantages and disadvantages depending on the application. EPDM tends to be more durable and withstand more extreme weather, but may be more expensive depending on the geographic location.
TPO tends to be more affordable and easier to install, but isn’t quite as durable. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer – it’s important to consider the specific application and geographic location to decide which material is best for the job.
Is TPO roofing expensive?
TPO roofing can vary greatly in terms of price depending on the size of the roof, the complexity of the installation, and the materials being used. Generally, more complex roofing requires more time and materials to complete, making it more expensive.
To get a more accurate estimate of the price for a specific TPO roof, it is best to contact a licensed contractor to assess the project. On average, TPO roofing can be roughly 20-50% more expensive than traditional roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles or metal roofing.
However, the long-term savings of TPO can be significant due to its energy efficiency, requiring less energy to cool the building, and its longevity, with a life expectancy of 20-30 years or more. Therefore, although TPO roofing may require an initial greater expense than traditional materials, it is a great long-term investment for any building.
Is TPO good for flat roofs?
Yes, TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) is a versatile and reliable choice for flat roofs. TPO offers excellent protection from weathering, tears, punctures, and UV exposure, making it a great option for flat roofs.
Its ability to resist harsh chemicals, ozone, and other elements makes it highly durable, and its lightweight design makes it easy to install and maintain. Additionally, its design flexibility allows for installation over a variety of surfaces and structures.
Furthermore, TPO is typically more cost-effective than other roofing materials. TPO can provide excellent energy efficiency, as it reflects more of the sun’s rays away from the roof and decreases the temperature inside the building.
It also offers better flame-resistant properties than many other roofing materials, making it a safe and reliable option. All in all, TPO is a great choice for flat roofs due to its durability, cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and energy efficiency.
Does TPO need underlayment?
Yes, depending on your specific roofing project, an underlayment may be necessary. An underlayment is a material that is put between the roof deck and the roofing material. Its purpose is to provide an extra layer of protection against water and other weather-related damage.
Depending on the type of roofing material being used, the underlayment may range from non-permeable membranes, specialized fabric and rubberized compounds. For TPO roofs, a fully-adhered TPO underlayment is sometimes used to prevent any water from leaking into the roof deck.
This type of underlayment also provides improved soundproofing and fire-resistance. In addition, a high-temperature underlayment is used under the TPO membrane to help protect the membrane from high temperatures that can occur during shop fabrication and installation of TPO systems.
Always consult with a professional contractor for the most accurate information and to determine if an underlayment is required for your particular project.
Can you put TPO over existing roof?
Yes, it is possible to put TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) over an existing roof. This process can help extend the life of an existing roof system and provide extra protection. In order to successfully install TPO over an existing system, the existing roof needs to be in good structural condition and free of leaks.
Additionally, if the existing roof has asphalt shingles, they need to be completely removed before the installation of the TPO roofing system can begin. The process of installing TPO over an existing roof typically involves installing a vapor barrier, insulation, and tapered board to ensure proper water drainage, and then securing the TPO membrane to the roof.
If done incorrectly, the roof could experience issues with ponding water, leaks, and improper drainage, so it is important to hire experienced and licensed professionals to ensure a proper installation.
What is the difference between PVC and TPO?
The primary difference between PVC and TPO is the type of material used in construction. PVC, or Polyvinyl Chloride, is a thermoplastic material made from ethylene and chlorine, while TPO, or Thermoplastic Polyolefin, is made from polypropylene, ethylene, and propylene.
PVC has been in use since the 1950s, and is extremely durable, heat-resistant, and versatile. It is commonly used for roofing, plumbing, siding, and even medical applications. TPO, while a newer material, is just as durable and weather-resistant and also offers some additional benefits.
TPO is more cost efficient than PVC, is completely recyclable, and it provides excellent insulation values. Both PVC and TPO can be used for a wide variety of applications, but depending on the intended use and budget, one material may be a more viable choice than the other.
How do you tell the difference between TPO and PVC roofing?
TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) and PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) roofing membranes are two of the most popular single-ply roofing materials on the market. Both materials offer a variety of advantages, but there are clear differences between them that you should consider when choosing a roofing material.
TPO roofing is a reflective, heat resistant membrane. It is highly resistant to tears and punctures from physical damage and can also stand up to chemical exposure, making it a popular choice for industries that use harsh chemicals and solvents.
It is also resistant to UV radiation and is durable against extreme weather. However, TPO roofing is not as flexible as PVC roofing, which can make it difficult to install around complex roof structures.
PVC roofing is a semi-flexible membrane that is very strong and resistant to tears, punctures, and chemical exposure. It is also highly reflective which helps to reduce energy costs and is more flexible than TPO roofing, making it ideal for more complex roof structures.
However, PVC roofing is slightly more expensive than TPO roofing and is also not as resistant to extreme temperatures as TPO.
When choosing between TPO and PVC roofing, it is important to consider your specific needs. If you need a robust, heat-resistant membrane for harsh chemical environments, TPO might be the best choice for you.
If you need a more flexible membrane for complex roofs and have a slightly higher budget, PVC might be the better option.
How reliable is TPO roofing?
TPO roofing is generally considered to be reliable and is backed by industry-leading warranties. TPO stands for Thermoplastic Polyolefin, which is a type of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) with excellent chemical, thermal, and weather resistance while maintaining flexibility and strength.
TPO membranes are widely recognized for their excellent performance in harsh outdoor environments and can last up to 20 years when installed and maintained properly. That said, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s specific recommendations for installation, and always consult with a licensed roofing professional for any modifications or repairs.
Additionally, regular inspections and maintenance are necessary in order to extend the longevity of the roof. This includes identifying and repairing roof damage in a timely manner to avoid further costly repairs down the road.
With all of these considerations, the overall reliability of TPO roofing can largely depend on the specific application and how well the installation and maintenance guidelines are followed.
How much should a TPO roof cost?
The cost of installing a TPO roof can vary significantly depending on the size and complexity of the job and the materials used. Generally, a basic TPO roof installation of a simple, low-slope roof of 1,000 square feet can typically range from $5 to $8 per square foot, with the average project totaling around $7 per square foot.
Factoring in additional characteristics such as the height of the building, slope of the roof, and extra features like solar installations or insulation may add additional cost – pushing the price to anywhere from $6 to $12 per square foot.
In most cases, labor cost makes up around 35%-45% of the total material cost.
Overall, the price for a good TPO roof should be around $7,000 to $12,000 for a 1,000 square foot roof (which includes the price of materials and labor). It is always a good idea to get multiple estimates so that you can compare the prices, services, and quality of the contractors.
Is TPO better than tar and gravel?
In general, TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) is considered to be a better option than tar and gravel for roofing. TPO is a single-ply membrane with a range of advantages when compared to tar and gravel.
TPO membrane is extremely lightweight, heat-weldable, highly reflective, and UV-resistant. Additionally, it is permeable, which allows vapor to escape and reduces the risk of buildup. It is also more durable than tar and gravel, with a longer lifespan of up to 25 years.
TPO is also much easier to repair, as opposed to tar and gravel, which requires tearing up the entire roof in order to repair any damaged patches. Finally, TPO is less expensive than tar and gravel and its installation requires fewer resources, making it a great choice for those looking to save on their roofing costs.
Can you reroof over TPO?
Yes, you can reroof over TPO. It’s important to make sure your existing TPO roof is in good condition before you reroof. Inspect the roof for any damage or failures such as splits, holes, or tears. If damage is found, it needs to be repaired before reroofing.
Additionally, you should ensure that the existing TPO roof has enough slope for drainage.
When you’re ready to reroof, you can use a variety of materials including asphalt shingles, metal, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Your choice of material should depend on the style of the building and how long you want the roof to last.
Ensure that all fasteners and adhesives used meet code requirements and that the roof is properly ventilated. Adequate ventilation will help regulate temperature and humidity levels and prevent ice dams in the winter.
If you decide not to reroof over your existing TPO roof, you can also tear off and replace the roof. However, an expert roofer should be consulted to help you make the best choice for your building.