TPO Roofing

What is TPO roofing?

Flat roofs typically have different coverage requirements than roofs with a significant pitch. While a variety of materials can be used on a flat roof, the most common is something called Thermoplastic Polyolefin or TPO. A single, reflective membrane of polymerized rubber adheres to the roof’s inner layers. This sheeting is usually white and reflects UV rays saving in cooling costs.

TPO Roofing Installation

TPO roofing is easy to install with a little know how and the right tools. An underlayment, vapor barrier, insulation and coverboard layers are first installed to the metal roof deck on the flat roof. At this point, there are two ways to install the TPO membrane.

The first is using an adhesive layer along the entire roof. This allows the TPO membrane to fully adhere to the layers underneath, making them more durable and weather resistant. While this method is the preferred way to install this type of roof, it is also expensive and difficult to do in low temperatures.

The second option is to mechanically attach the TPO membrane to the under layers. This is done by attaching membrane sheets through the insulation board and down to the roof deck beneath. These attachments are done every 12 inches on the center of every seam in the roof and then the seam is welded on these fasteners. While far less expensive than installing an adhesive layer, the membrane is only attached at the seams. If improperly installed, the membrane can tear, break, crack, or otherwise fail.

How long does a flat roof last?

One of the biggest disadvantages to a flat roof in general is that it typically does not last as long as its pitched counterpart. Flat roofs typically come with a 10 to 20 year warranty, depending on the type of material that is used. With proper maintenance, some flat roofs can last as long as 25 years. Curious whether your flat roof needs to be repaired or replaced? Want to know more about the flat roofs that Titan Construction installs? Call us for a free estimate and to discuss your roofing needs.