As leading commercial roofing repair, replacement, and installation experts in Houston for over 18 years, we at Certified Commercial Roofing know a thing or two about thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) roofing systems. This increasingly popular roofing material has unique benefits and drawbacks building owners should understand before installing it on their structures.
Below we break down the main pros and cons of TPO roofing in Houston’s climate according to our years of first-hand experience:
Pros of TPO Roofing
Cost-Efficiency
One major advantage of TPO roofing is cost—it’s far more affordable than other commercial roofing materials like PVC. The lightweight sheets are cheaper to manufacture, ship, and install. These savings get passed onto building owners.
Low Maintenance Requirements
Once installed properly, TPO roofs require little upkeep compared to other roofing systems prone to mold, punctures, and tears. The durable material stands up well to weather fluctuations and resists UV rays.
Energy Efficiency
White TPO roofing membranes reflect sunlight instead of absorbing heat, helping reduce air conditioning bills in Houston’s long summers. This energy efficiency saves commercial building owners substantial sums over years of use.
Quick, Simple Installation
Large TPO sheets fuse together into a seamless waterproof barrier with far fewer seams than other roofing types. Certified installers can get TPO roofs up faster, also reducing overall costs.
Cons of TPO Roofing
Potential Lamination Issues
While rare with quality materials, some cheaper TPO roofing options can start laminating or degrading in extreme weather after a few years. This leads to weak spots and cracking.
Seam Strength Concerns
With all TPO roofs, seams form when fusing the rolled-out sheets together. Over time walking on the roof or weather fluctuations might cause these seams to loosen or split, allowing leaks.
Untested Long-Term Durability
As a fairly new roofing material, TPO does not have the 20+ year track record of other commercial roofing systems. We cannot yet confirm if lower-quality TPO will stand the test of time and extreme Houston weather.
Inconsistencies Between Manufacturers
Not all TPO membranes are created equal. Quality can vary widely between different suppliers, from excellent heat-welded sheets to flimsier varieties prone to early failure. Choosing the right TPO brand is essential.
TPO roofing brings notable benefits like cost-efficiency and energy savings to Houston commercial buildings and warehouses. But as experienced local roofing specialists, we have seen lower-quality TPO roofing installed that failed to live up to promises. Connect with Certified Commercial Roofing’s experts today for advice on the top TPO brands to trust with your next roofing project.
