If you own a commercial building of any size, then you likely already know how crucial the roof is to the structural integrity of the building and the protection of its tenants. If you are in the market for a new roof, however, it may be more difficult to know which roofing option is best. Every building's roof has its own limitations based on factors such as slope and climate, but for many low-slope commercial roofs, installing thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) is the smartest choice. Read on below to discover more about the reasons why.
A Simple Design
TPO falls under the category of single-ply membrane roofing materials. This means that it is installed in large sheets —each several feet wide — which are laid next to each other and cover the entirety of the roof. The membrane is easily attached to the roof's insulation through either adhesive or mechanical parts, and seams are usually welded together. Because it features so few components, the chances that any part of the roof will need to be fixed are dramatically lowered. In fact, TPO roofs can last for decades with only minimal repairs.
Greater Customer Flexibility
A TPO roof does not include the insulation that any commercial building requires. This is a major plus since it provides a significant amount of flexibility in choosing which type of insulation to install. Polyisocyanurate, expanded polystyrene, and extruded polystyrene are three of the most common materials used for insulation, but there are other choices available. This versatility is not a trait shared by all roofing materials, and so is something that many commercial building owners would do well to consider.
Reflective Properties
The popularity of TPO roofing is due in part to its extremely reflective properties. Unlike asphalt roofs, which absorb the sun's ultraviolet rays and usually result in a higher temperature inside the building, TPO roofs reflect the sun's rays and so do not retain as much heat. This can directly translate to much lower energy bills at a large commercial site located in a climate with hot summer months.
A Variety of Colors
Because of its reflective properties, you may assume that all TPO roofs are white. While some are, the good news is that thermoplastic polyolefin sheets are actually manufactured in a variety of colors, all of which are capable of reflecting ultraviolet rays. This means that no matter what your commercial building looks like, you're almost certain to find TPO roofing sheets that complement its appearance.
To learn more, contact a commercial roofing contractor in your area such as JM General Contractor LLC.