What Is TPO Roofing?

If you want a low-slope roof for a commercial center or home, your roofer may suggest thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO). TPO is a fairly new material in the roofing market, but it is quickly gaining popularity due to its outstanding performance. Learn more about TPO roofs below.

What Is TPO

TPO is a single-ply roofing system like EPDM and PVC. TPO stands for thermoplastic polyolefin, and it is made of ethylene-propylene rubber and polymerized polypropylene to help repel moisture. 

Manufacturers add fillers like fiberglass and talc to make TPO membranes flexible and strong. While TPO roofs have only been around for 30 years, they are more dependable because of technological advancements. The material has a characteristic white color but is available in black, tan, gray, and other shades.

TPO Installation

Standard roofing materials come in tiles, sheets, and shingles, which roofers lay individually across the roof. In contrast, TPO comes in large rolls that are 4-12 ft. wide and 45, 60, and 90 mils thick. Since the material is flexible, roofers can roll the sheets before moving them to your house or commercial building.

The TPO installation process starts by preparing the roof and installing the insulation. Then, the roofers roll the membrane over the insulation while screwing fasteners to secure the roof to the deck. Heat welding is also necessary to join panels and create a watertight seal. You should leave TPO installation to the experts to ensure your roof can withstand the elements without leaks and other damage. 

Benefits of TPO Roofs

The ease of installation is one of the primary benefits of TPO roofs. Roofers find it easy to maneuver TPO sheets on roof surfaces, while the wide sheets reduce the number of seams that roofers need to weld. The lightweight nature of TPO membranes also puts less pressure on your roof. 

TPO installation saves time and money compared to traditional roofing materials. Other TPO benefits include the following:

Cost Effective 

TPO is less costly than other commercial and residential roofing materials, making it increasingly popular with roofers. However, the cost of your TPO roofing system depends on the type of insulation, the roof size, and the condition of your existing roof.

Energy Efficiency 

TPO sheets are highly reflective and interrupt heat absorption by the areas beneath the roof. As a result, your interior stays cooler in summer, reducing your cooling costs. TPO can potentially keep your roof 50 degrees cooler than traditional roofing materials. 

Durability and Flexibility

TPO withstands UV exposure, extreme weather, water damage, impact damage, and biological growth. The material is also incredibly flexible and is less likely to crack due to temperature changes. 

TPO Lifespan

New TPO roofs last 10 to 25 years, depending on the installation quality, maintenance, and weather conditions. Many building owners buy thicker TPO sheets in hope that they will last longer. 

However, manufacturer quality has a greater impact on a TPO roof's lifespan than thickness. While TPO is a relatively new roof material, manufacturers have made great advancements in its quality, so your roof can serve you for a long time.

TPO vs. EPDM and PVC

EPDM and PVC are the largest single-ply competitors of TPO. Manufacturers make EPDM into rolls like TPO, but the former is primarily black rather than white. Black EPDM sheets don't suit warm climates because they don't reflect solar rays as well as white TPO roofs. 

TPO and PVC look similar, and you may only be able to tell the materials apart with a roofer's expertise. TPO is typically cheaper than PVC and holds up better in colder weather.



TPO is suited for various commercial and residential roofing applications due to its flexibility, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. At All Coast Roofing, we have extensive experience in TPO roofs and other single-ply membranes. Contact us today for a durable and reliable low-slope roof.