TPO and PVC FLAT ROOFING IN ST. LOUIS
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Watermark Exteriors
1505 Fenpark Dr.
Fenton, MO 63026
TPO Roofing in St. Louis: Everything You Need To Know
1. Suggested Applications:
For TPO membranes, the method of install is dependent on a few factors:
One, being the budget for the project being completed. For example, if you are needing to keep the costs down then a mechanically fastened system would be ideal. For high wind areas, a fully adhered or glue down system would be preferred.
Weather also plays an important role in the type of install that can be completed. In the winter months, it may be too cold for the adhesive on a fully adhered system to be installed. That’s when a mechanically attached system would be better.
2. Process:
When installing a mechanically attached TPO or PVC flat roof, the field membrane is screwed down at the seams, then heat welds them together to create a watertight lap.
Fully adhered systems will have the adhesive rolled on the coverboards (roofing substrate) and then again on the back on the membrane leaving the lap edge free of glue, and then heat welding the laps together.
All other areas such as flashing on pipes, skylights, parapet walls, chimneys will be addressed separately, and heat welded to the field membrane.
3. Time Frame for Installation:
The time frame for install can vary greatly based on the size of the roof, how much flashing is needed, type of substrate (multiple layers of insulation board and cover board), and application method for the membrane. We do our best to set a timeline of repairs, however at times outside factors may delay the install process such as weather-related delays.
4. Warranties:
A warranty is a great way to protect the building and you, our client from any issues that may arise, such as membrane failure or defect, or workmanship issues. There are different tiers for warranties. A common warranty that provides the best protection is a 20 year No Dollar Limit (NDL) warranty where the manufacturer covers workmanship and material defects. Even if the roofing contractor that installs the roof goes out of business the manufacturer will still honor the warranty and find a qualified contractor to address the issues that may arise. The manufacturer can offer this type of warranty as they inspect the roof before, during, and after the install process to ensure it is being installed to their specifications.
5. Expected Lifespan:
TPO and PVC roofs can usually last 15-20 years and in certain cases longer if properly maintained. Some of the factors that can affect the roof longevity are: weather such as wind or hail, membrane thickness, 40, 60, 80 mil, and consistently maintaining the roof over its lifespan,
Why Choose a TPO Roof?
TPO Roofing is steadily becoming the go-to choice in the roofing profession. A TPO roof offers all the advantages of an EPDM roof with the added features of a PVC roof.
TPO and PVC Benefits:
Puncture Resistance
-Better puncture resistance than EPDM and slightly better than PVC.
-More environmentally friendly product than PVC or EPDM.
Stronger
-Seams are the same as PVC and stronger than EPDM due to heat welding technology.
-Doesn’t heat up like a black EPDM System.
Durability
-TPO has a chemical resistance similar to a PVC System without the weak resistance of EPDM.
-TPO doesn’t shrink like PVC.
Longevity
-TPO doesn’t shatter
-TPO doesn’t deteriorate
Have TPO Roof Questions?
TPO or Thermoplastic Polyolefin is a reflective roofing material that is typically single ply. The material is made from blending polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber into a polymer. A TPO roof can be applied fully adhered to or by a mechanical system. The white colored membrane is designed to be exposed for the lifespan of the roof.
TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin) and PVC ( Poly Vinyl Chloride) are both plastic materials. TPO has better puncture and failure resistance in comparison to PVC. PVC offers better flexibility than TPO. Both TPO and PVC respond well to welds.
In the past few years, the composition of the roof material has changed. Each roof is different, so there is not a definitive answer on how long a TPO roof will last. We advise our clients that a TPO roof should last between 10-20 years with proper maintenance.
Absolutely! TPO can be painted using a specialized coating, primer, and paint. If you need help with this, please contact us!