Weather the Storm with Confidence: Your TPO Roofing Partner in DFW

Are you thinking of installing TPO on your property?

It can work for residential, but it is most commonly used for commercial properties with flat or low slope roofs. 

Out of all of the flat roofing options, TPO is relatively new and one of the fastest-growing options for commercial properties. 

They are known to be energy efficient, resistant to UV rays, and quite budget-friendly for finance-conscious property owners. 

If you require your commercial roof to be inspected or installed, contact us at American Dream Roofing & Construction. 

We have provided quality roofing solutions for residential and commercial properties for the past decade. 

The last thing you want is a deteriorating roof that affects your business operations revenue and drives away potential customers. 

Overview of TPO 

TPO stands for ‘thermoplastic polyolefin’. 

It is a single-ply thermoplastic membrane. 

TPO consists of ‘the thermoplastic polyolefin base layer,’ ‘the polyester-reinforced fabric center,’ and ‘the thermoplastic polyolefin top layer.’ 

It is made from a combination of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber. 

They are offered in three thickness options: 45, 60, and 80 thousand of an inch. 

TPOs are manufactured in sheets 10, 12, 16, or 20 feet wide. 

The installation of TPO is relatively easy due to its simple procedure and lightweight material, but it still requires professional expertise. 

Lastly, if a TPO roofing job is done well, it can last for 20 years or more. Manufacturer warranties can survive 15 to 20 years easily. 

Installation Guide 

TPO can be installed in three different ways. Here’s the list:

Mechanically Fastened

In a mechanically fastened system, TPO membranes are mechanically attached to the deck using fasteners such as screws or plates. 

The seams overlap one another and then fasten for stability. 

It is the most common and cost-effective; it requires less labor and equipment. 

In regions like Dallas-Fort Worth, it provides excellent wind uplift resistance and suits areas prone to strong winds. 

Fully Adhered

In a fully adhered system, the membranes are glued directly to the roof on the deck or insulation system using a formulated adhesive. 

The seams also adhere together, creating a constant and bonded roofing system. 

It is more expensive than the mechanically fastened system. 

Fully adhered roofs can exhibit superior wind uplift resistance, making them suitable for regions like Dallas-Fort Worth, where we experience high wind during storms. 

The fully adhered system also produces a much smoother and visually appealing surface.

Induction Welding

Out of all the installation methods, induction welding is the least common. 

Also, it is a bit more expensive. 

It involves the usage of hot air or specialized equipment to heat-weld the seams of TPO membranes. 

It helps to create a strong and combines the membrane sections, forming a watertight seal. 

The induction welding system produces seams that are exceptionally strong and highly resistant to separation, resulting in more durability and longevity of the roof. 

Due to the watertight seals, it reduces the risk of leaks and water infiltration. 

Also, it provides one of the best resistance towards wind uplift and severe weather conditions that regions like Dallas-Fort Worth face all year round. 

Advantages of TPO Roofing 

Energy Efficiency

With TPO, you can expect to lower the cooling costs of your property. 

The material helps reduce the roof’s heat absorption, a considerable benefit in hot climate cities like Dallas-Fort Worth. 

TPO has a high Solar Reflectance Index (SRI). 

A roof can reject solar heat; the higher the score, the better. 

Let’s illustrate an example of a Weatherbond TPO membrane SRI score. 

They offer three color variations and have three different scores. 

White TPO; 110, Tan TPO; 88, Gray TPO; 55.

From this, you can conclude that white TPOs reflect most UV rays while Gray TPOs are the least. 

Cost Effective

TPO is generally considered budget-friendly compared to other commercial roofing materials such as metal. 

The material cost, on average, is $1.00 to $2.50 per square foot. 

In a 2,000 sq feet home, you can expect the roofing cost to be $4 to $10 per square foot. 

And the installation investment can amount to as low as $8,000 to as high as $20,000. 

Lastly, TPO can last up to 20 years or more if installed correctly, making the investment worthwhile for businesses. 

Durability and High Resistance

TPO can withstand harsh weather conditions that cities like Dallas-Fort Worth face. 

It is resistant to various chemicals and ozone exposure.

Also, TPO surfaces can typically resist mold and algae growth, helping to maintain a clean look over time. 

Recyclability 

For environmentally-conscious property owners, TPO is recyclable. 

On the other hand, there are asphalt shingles, which are commonly discarded and cause environmental pollution.

It helps to contribute to sustainability efforts and minimize the environmental impact during the next roof replacement project. 

Disadvantages of TPO Roofing

Punctures 

TPO roofing can be more prone to punctures compared to other roofing materials. 

In cities like Dallas-Fort Worth, where we experience intense heat, high winds, and hailstorms, punctures can occur. 

Also, if there is heavy foot traffic, punctures can be susceptible.

But, if properly maintained and installed, such issues can be avoided. 

UV Degradation 

TPO can withstand harsh weather conditions, but they may also experience UV degradation over time. 

With this degradation, it reduces its reflective ability and its overall performance over time. 

Membrane Shrinkage 

If not installed properly, TPO may experience membrane shrinkage. 

It can lead to water damage, leaks, and, in worse scenarios, affect the indoors. 

Membranes usually shrink due to extreme weather or temperature conditions, affecting their overall performance in the future. 

Installation Challenges

To avoid any issues, hire a reputable contractor. 

It’s not a DIY project; proper installation of TPO requires skilled contractors. 

If you want an easier option, EPDM can suit your property quite well. 

As mentioned above, improper installation can damage and leak the building’s roof and interior. 

Other Alternatives to TPO

• EPDM
• PVC
• Modified Bitumen
• Metal

Last Few Words: TPO is Suitable for Dallas-Fort Worth

TPO roofs protect commercial buildings in harsh weather regions like Dallas-Fort Worth.

If you require your commercial roof to be inspected or installed, contact us at American Dream Roofing & Construction.