Another benefit of an EPDM roofing system is its energy efficiency offered in white or black which is designed to reflect or retain heat.
EPDM can be resistant to thermal shock and hail damage and can accommodate structural movement without damage to the membrane. An EPDM membrane can last up to 30 years or longer with the proper maintenance and the material is fully recyclable when it does come time to replace. One of the oldest commercial roofing materials, a metal roofing system is also one of the longer-lasting with an average age of years but up to 45 years or more with maintenance.
Metal roofing systems use corrugated galvanized steel, although aluminum and tin can also be used. Metal tends to be more adaptable to steeper sloped roofs and comes in a variety of weights and finishes that also have an impact on the overall life of the roof.
TPO membranes composed of a blend of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber. They come in white, gray and tan colors. There are quite a few other benefits of single-ply membrane roofing systems:. The most common TPO material is bright white with highly reflective properties. This bright white roof installation can reflect UV rays and heat from the building, saving money during the summer months from decreased energy usage to cool the building interior.
A TPO will last approximately years. During this time, seams can rip apart, flashings can fail, the membrane can become punctured, etc. The first sign of a TPO roof needing repair is when water has begun to enter the building. This usually happens because the seams have been ripped open, allowing water to enter the roofing insulation.
Once the insulation accrues so much water, it enters your roofing deck and eventually starts leaking on the inside of your building. What comes out of this conversation is what repair options the building owner has. Say the roof is 12 years old and the seams are slightly uplifted, like this:. On this roof, the seams are getting close to the point of failure. They will come out to your roof about 30 minutes after the sun goes down. As the foam cures, it hardens to form an incredibly dense, yet lightweight insulation membrane.
Additionally, SPF roofs can be recoated numerous times every 10—15 years throughout their lifespans. Aged TPO membranes are excellent candidates to receive a restoration coating system. The aging process provides a matte, semi-textured finish that is far more conducive to coating adhesion.
Conversely, newer TPO bears a slick and shiny surface that can be rather difficult for coatings to stick to. Generally speaking, in order for a roof restoration system to perform properly on TPO, the membrane should at least be anywhere from 3—5 years old.
Roof coating systems provide a seamless and watertight membrane and are proven to stop leaks, extend life, reduce energy costs, and improve sustainability. Best of all, roof restoration cost about half as much as conventional roof tear-offs and replacements. It also provides minimal interruption during installation. Additionally, most roof coating manufacturers offer a variety of long-term labor and material warranty options. For a more in-depth look at the many benefits of commercial roof restoration, click here.
Ideally, the best time to restore a TPO roof is before leaks and other issues become too widespread. Commercial roofs, in general, are subjected to constant exposure from the sun and other elements, so a proactive approach is always best. At a minimum, the roofing assembly must be structurally sound and free of saturated insulation. The existing membrane must also be age-appropriate. TPO roofs that meet these requirements are likely suitable candidates for a roof coating system.
Solvent-based coatings such as silicones and urethanes are generally the best choices for flat and low-slope TPO roofs as they offer the greatest resistance to ponding water. Acrylic coatings are a more cost-effective option, but they are not recommended for use on TPO roofs—or flat roofs in general. As a water-based material, acrylics will break down rather quickly in ponding water. Click here to learn more about the various types of commercial roof coating. To learn if roof restoration is right for your business, click here to speak with an American WeatherStar Approved Contractor near you.
TPO offers many advantages. If properly installed and maintained, it can last a very long time and will continually deliver UV protection and energy-efficient performance. Researching commercial roofing problems and their solutions can be quite overwhelming. To help with this process, we break down some When it comes to longevity and performance, few commercial roofing materials are more impressive than spray polyurethane foam SPF. Spray foam…. Over the years, roof restoration has become an increasingly popular alternative to roof replacement.
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Since we respect your right to privacy, you can choose not to permit data collection from certain types of services. However, not allowing these services may impact your experience. Stop leaks, improve performance, and save money! Lastly, we explore the many advantages of restoring TPO with elastomeric roof coatings.
Table of Contents. What is TPO roofing? How long do TPO roofs last? Cost-Effective TPO is less expensive than most other commercial roofing materials. Energy Efficient TPO systems provide a highly reflective and UV resistant finish that significantly reduces roof surface temperatures and cuts down on interior cooling costs during warmer summer months. Longevity Concerns There is some question as to exactly how long TPO roofing systems last, but most estimates are between 10 and 25 years.
Excessive Heat Loads Excessive heat on TPO membranes can cause the seams and flashings to pull apart and cracks to form within the material. Quality Variations As a newer single-ply membrane, TPO formulations are still being perfected so material quality can vary greatly from one manufacturer to the next. Below, we break down the installation process for TPO roofs. Insulation First, insulation must be added to the roof surface.
What this means is choosing the right installer is just as important as choosing the right flat roof membrane. Consult with a roofing professional with expertise and experience in applying all three types of membranes.
Maintaining a flat roof is an important factor in determining how long the membrane will last. If flat roof slop ponding occurs, eventually this will seep through and cause costly damage to the surface underneath.
Checking the seams, flashings, and all around the rooftop penetrations, periodically and after rainstorms should be done. A typical commercial flat roof membrane should last on average years before needing to be replaced.
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