What is TPO Roofing? Everything you need to know

Thermoplastic Polyolefin or TPO Roofing is one of the most widely consumed roofing materials in the United States. It is a single-ply roofing layer that is applied over flat roofs. It is gaining immense popularity because it has a natural reflective surface that can reflect ultraviolet rays.

It is noteworthy to mention that, according to the National Roofing Contractors Association, TPO Roofing has about 40% to 42% of the commercial market share. They are normally manufactured in the categories of 10, 12, or 20 feet wide.

What is TPO Roofing composed of?

It is only one sheet (membrane) of Roofing. This single sheet is composed of three different layers, which are as follows:

• The top and base layer is made up of thermoplastic polyolefin. These sheets are made from ethylene propylene rubber and other fillers such as Fiberglass, carbon fiber, or talc. These materials give the TPO structure the required strength and flexibility. 
• The middle layer is made from polyester reinforced fabric, which is also known as scrim. This gives it more flexibility, thus the ability to be rolled out and installed easily on any roof.

What to Consider When Acquiring TPO  Roof Material?

As TPOs are constructed in wide sheets, so greater the width, the fewer adjustments will be required. This will make your roof more strong and durable overall. On top of that, the installation process will speed up. 

To get the most favourable outcome for the roofing installation, here are some things to consider before acquiring it:

1) Precisely calculate measurements

Accurate Measurements can help you in the short and long term as well. Firstly, accurate measurements will ensure that Construction Cost Estimating Services are accurate. This will make the material acquisition process more efficient, eliminating any chances of over- or under-estimation.

2) TPO Thickness

At the time of getting TPO sheets, you have to make sure that they will be enough for your set requirements. Either for a Residential project or commercial. A tip for you is that the top layer must be the thickest to get the most out of your TPO roof.

Therefore, carefully conducted Construction Takeoff Services, assuring that your needs are met for your specifications.

3) How well can a TPO sheet be welded?

A premium quality TPO material can be easily welded. Furthermore, if they are easily weldable, then the consistency among the sheets will be seamless. This consistency can even be achieved at different temperatures as well.

TPO Roofing Costs in 2025

For an average commercial project of 20000 square feet typically costs around $5 – $ 10 per square foot. This figure is composed of combining both materials and labour. 

However, as of the current prices, they are higher because of the increasing demand. It has increased to $6 – $ 12 and can even be higher.

Hence, choose SMA Estimating LLC for your Roofing Estimating Services. They will make sure that your roofing tasks are up to the mark with cost-effective techniques. They do it by carefully assessing your roofing requirements and applying the most suitable roof. 

But what are the factors that impact the cost of TPO? Let’s have a look at them:

• What is the size of your roof?
• Is the access to your roof complicated?
• What is the condition of your existing roof? (if any)
• What grade or TPO sheet have you chosen?
• What is your choice of insulation?
  

Is TPO Roofing Advantageous?

A TPO sheet can last up to 30 years if the installation is proper and it has been maintained regularly. That being said, there are quite a few perks of TPO Roofing as well, such as:

• It can be highly fire-resistant because it is manufactured with fire-resistant chemicals.
• A client has multiple options when it comes to insulating their roof
• It is very reflective and can reflect heat and UV rays efficiently. In return, you will consume less energy in hot weather, saving money in the end
• It is extremely flexible, which makes it adaptable to tears, punctures, and any other damage during installation.
• It is environmentally friendly as it is 100% reliable

Let’s discuss some of TPO’s Roofing Disadvantages:

• For some, specifically residential projects, clients still go with the norm, as they are more reluctant to try a new product 
• Improper seams during the installation of roofs. It can arise because of the lack of proper equipment for the installation of roofs
• If a TPO sheet is not manufactured with standard quality materials, it can result in inferior TPO sheets.

To Conclude 

In the end, TPO Roofing installation can be very effective with proper planning. In addition to that, this article provides you with valuable insights if you select TPO for your next project. It discusses in detail how a TPO Roof is created and what factors to consider in getting TPO sheets. Also, it mentions various pros and cons of TPO Roofing for your project.