Are you looking for a reliable, cost-effective roofing solution for your Kansas City business? If so, a TPO roofing system is an excellent option to consider.
Before hiring a roofing contractor to install a TPO roof, it’s crucial to understand how each component in the roofing system works together to protect your business from water damage and energy inefficiency. Here’s a close look at what TPO roofing is—and why it’s such a popular option for commercial buildings across the country.
What Is a TPO Roof?
TPO, also known as thermoplastic polyolefin, is a single-ply roofing membrane that can cover flat roofs and low-slope roofing systems. These roofs have heat-welded seams to provide superior strength compared to roofing systems that are taped or attached using other methods.
TPO is a cost-effective, high-performance roofing option that offers excellent impact resistance and heat resistance for commercial buildings. TPO roofs have a white surface, which helps reduce the energy costs for your business. Plus, since the material is naturally flexible and fungal resistant, there is no need for plasticizers or biocides.
Crucial Components of a TPO Roofing System
Contrary to what you might believe, a TPO roof is more than a protective membrane. Each TPO roofing system has six key components that work together to maintain its long-lasting, energy-efficient, low-maintenance qualities.
Here’s a look at each component of a TPO roofing system—and the process your professional roofer will use to install it, starting from your roof deck.
1. Underlayment
First, your roofer will place an underlayment directly on the roof deck. Since low-slope roofs are more susceptible to water damage from wind-driven rain and ice dams, an underlayment provides a second level of protection against water penetration and the elements.
2. Vapor Barrier
A vapor barrier is applied directly on top of the underlayment. Vapor barriers help to prevent condensation from reaching the roof and creating an environment for mold, mildew, and rot to fester. There are two types of vapor barriers—loose or adhered. Loose-laid vapor barriers are simply a sheet of plastic applied before installation, whereas fully adhered vapor barriers are made from self-adhering membranes.
3. Insulation
Next, your roofer will install insulation. Insulation boards help to maintain the temperature in your building, despite the changing temperatures outside. Typically, your roofer will either attach your insulation mechanically with metal fasteners or glue them down with foam adhesives.
4. Cover Board
A cover board is attached between the insulation boards and the roofing membrane. This component provides a solid backing for the membrane, and it offers extra puncture resistance. Overall, a cover board helps protect your insulation and adds to the overall durability of your roof. It’s especially important to add a cover board to your TPO system if you will have contractors walking on your roof regularly.
5. Adhesive
One of the most critical components of your TPO roofing system is the adhesive—after all, it attaches the membrane to the rest of your roofing system.
Because the adhesion process is so crucial, Christian Brothers Roofing uses the cutting-edge RhinoBond process to mechanically adhere TPO roofing so you can enjoy maximum installation benefits.
Essentially, RhinoBond is a system of specially coated plates installed directly under the TPO membrane. Instead of gluing each component of the roofing system together, the RhinoBond process uses an electromagnetic induction welding process to completely bond the TPO membrane to the plates. Then, the plates are securely fastened to the other roofing system elements, and the entire system is attached to the roof deck.
The result? An even, consistent roofing system that protects your building from costly water damage, wind damage, as well as any nasty adhesive odors during and after installation. Plus, RhinoBond makes installation quick and easy so that you can enjoy the benefits of your new roof more quickly.
6. Membrane
Your roofer will install the TPO membrane at the same time as the adhesive. The membrane is the white thermoplastic polyolefin coating you can see when you look at your roof from above.
Thermoplastic simply means that the material becomes plastic when heated, and it hardens when it cools. When your roof is installed, a hot air welder is used to turn the thermoplastic material into plastic. After it’s pliable, your roofer will roll the membranes together to form a watertight seam.
TPO membranes are flexible, energy-efficient, offer excellent UV resistance, and provide the perfect solution for low-slope commercial roofing.
Install a Reliable, Lasting TPO Roof for Your Kansas City Business with Christian Brothers Roofing
When you’re ready to invest in a strong, long-lasting TPO roof for your Kansas City business, our friendly, award-winning team can help.
As a GAF Master SELECT commercial roofer, we’re proud to offer GAF’s commercial TPO roofing as the perfect solution to your roofing needs. TPO roofing from GAF is:
- Durable—Resists punctures, tears, and harsh weather
- Energy-efficient—Reflects sunlight to save on energy bills
- Low maintenance—Repels mold, mildew, rot, and moisture
- Lasting—Adds value to your building for years to come
Learn more about TPO commercial roofing to discover why replacing your old, outdated roof with this reliable, cutting-edge option is the perfect choice for your commercial property!
