TPO roofing material possesses an abundance of beneficial characteristics—one of them is longevity. If you are interested in knowing how long does TPO roof last and other related details such as its common issues and maintenance guide, continue reading the following post.
How Long Does TPO Roof Last
Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) refers to a type of single-ply roofing membrane that has experienced a rapid increase in popularity in the roofing industry market. A single layer of this roofing material is made of scrim-reinforced synthetic, which can enclose flat roofs. It has become a favored option within the industry due to its reflective characteristic of UV rays.
TPO roofing system, with the help of proper maintenance, can last up to 30 years. On average, the life expectancy of a TPO roof is between 15 to 20 years.
Beyond these mentioned advantageous traits, the material is also known to be cost-effective—compared to another material EPDM roofing. A lot of different factors may affect the price of a roofing project, but in general, TPO roofs cost about $3.5-$9.5/sq ft.
TPO roofing system can also be layered by a waterproofing membrane, which is usually done by a roofing professional. This layer adds more positive characteristics. For example, if you wonder can you walk on the TPO roof, the answer is most likely yes if it has been treated with the waterproof membrane.
TPO Roofing Problems
Throughout its lifespan, the TPO roof may suffer through problems. Some of the most common ones are ripped seams, failing flashings, punctured membranes, and more. These can result in a roof leak.
If you notice water that starts to get into your house of building, this can be an early sign that your TPO roof requires repairs. Typically, this occurs due to ripped open seams, which let water get into the roofing insulation.
After the water collected inside the insulation reaches the maximum amount, it will begin to travel through the roofing decks, making its way to the inside part of the house. At this point, you may need to contact a professional roofing contractor to run inspections.
TPO Roof Maintenance
The key to TPO roof maintenance is cleaning, which helps to regulate temperature during warmer days and cut down your energy bill by constantly reflecting sunlight away. Most importantly, it prevents mold and mildew from striving and eliminates damage from the chemical substance that may affect its performance and ability.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean the TPO roofing system:
- Rinse the surface from dirt, dust, and debris by using low-pressure washer water (at 2,000 PSI or below).
- Brush the surface using soft-bristled brush and TPO-friendly, non-abrasive cleaning solution. You can create your cleaning solution by mixing water and mild detergent or buy commercial roof cleaners.
- Start to clean the roof area in sections and direct the dirt to the drain.
- Examine carefully for persisting dirt. Repeat the above steps if deemed necessary.
- Allow the TPO roof area to dry before checking the condition out for one more time to make sure that the membrane doesn’t earn any damage throughout the cleaning process. Look for the area around curbs, seams, or any transition spaces.
Alternatively, instead of using a power pressure washer and a soft-bristled brush, it is also possible to use a rotating jet cleaner. It depends on the size of your roof area and the level of dirt.
Understanding more aspects of the TPO roof, such as how long does TPO roof last, what problems it usually acquires, or how to maintain it properly, is crucial if you’re interested in getting this material. TPO roof can make an economical and energy-efficient option with plenty of benefits in comparison to EPDM or PVC roofing materials.
