TPO Roofing System Offer Several Benefits over Types of Commercial Roofing
(Updated February 2017)
Among the list of different materials that can be used in commercial roofing or low-slope roofing, TPO, or thermoplastic polyolefin, is becoming one of the fastest growing options. As an example, TPO roofing systems have been available for more than 25 years, and in the seven years leading to 2013, the use of TPO for commercial roofing demonstrated a 78% increase, from 23% to 41%, within its market in the United States.
TPO is a single-ply membrane manufactured by Firestone Building Products, a company that has been recognized as a leader in the worldwide commercial roofing and building envelope markets for more than 100 years. Firestone markets its TPO roofing system in Canada through a network of suppliers and roofing contractors that includes the team from Avenue Road Roofing in Toronto. (method of installation)
This roofing membrane is produced in large roles that can vary in size and thickness; the sheets can be installed or applied to the roof surface through one of these methods:
- Completely adhered
- Mechanically fastened
- Ballasted (weighted down)
A TPO roof offers several short-term and long-term benefits for both the property owner and the tenants or occupants of the building, and can also have a positive impact on the environment as a whole; the advantages of TPO roofing versus other commercial roofing systems include:
- Economics
- Less expensive versus other commercial roofing products
- Less labour costs – larger sheets means fewer seams to seal
- Faster installation – lighter-weight material is easier to handle
- Time savings – can be mechanically fastened over existing roof
- Requires minimal or limited maintenance throughout its lifespan
- Durability and Performance
- Has a longer lifespan than other flat/low-slope roofing systems
- Experiences minimal shrinkage – maintains watertight integrity
- Resistant to tears, punctures, impact damage, and mold growth
- Withstands exposure to UV rays, chemicals, industrial pollutants
- Flexibility – adjusts/allows for any building movement or settling
- Energy Efficiency
- Heat reflective properties – reduces cooling costs in the summer
- Eco-friendliness
- TPO membrane is fully recyclable (suitable for green roofing)
- Does not contain toxic or hazardous ingredients or components
- Reduces urban heat island (UHI) effect and solar heat gain (SHG)
Additional information on Firestone’s TPO roof membrane for commercial roofing may be obtained by visiting Firestone’s TPO Roofing Information page.
Avenue Road Roofing has been providing expert commercial roof installations and repair services in Toronto and the surrounding area for more than 40 years. The Avenue Road Roofing team is factory-trained and manufacturer-certified to install Firestone TPO roof systems; go to our TPO Roofing Systems page to learn more about the installation of TPO single-ply roofing by Avenue Road Roofing.
TPO and Green Roof Services from Toronto’s Leading Roofing Contractors
Due to the lighter weight of TPO single-ply roofing, it is an ideally-suited material for use in green roof systems, particularly extensive green roofs that consist of lightweight and low-maintenance vegetation. There are numerous advantages to incorporating TPO roof membranes in such green roof projects/initiatives, including:
- Improved storm water management
- Increased life expectancy of the green roof
- Reduction in building energy consumption/costs
- Provision of additional soundproofing and insulation
- Potential to Enhanced property value and curb appeal
Owners and management teams of existing commercial properties in Toronto may find this synergy between TPO membranes and green roofing to be particularly attractive in relation to the City’s Eco-Roof Incentive Program, implemented in 2009. Eligible projects can receive a government grant/funding proportional to the area (square meters) that is being converted to green roofing. More information on this incentive plan is available Here.
As a leading Toronto roofing contractor, Avenue Road Roofing has the expertise needed to install green roofs for all types of commercial structures. This includes the installation of TPO membranes in green roof construction for existing properties (as noted above) as well as any new commercial, industrial, and multi-unit residential complexes (to comply with the City of Toronto’s Green Roof By-Law that went into effect in January of 2010). Details on this legislation it related green roofing mandate/program can be found Here.
For more information on the green roof services available from Avenue Road Roofing, visit our Flat Roofing page.
If your commercial flat roof is in need of replacement or you are interested in converting this space to green roofing, Call the flat roof installation specialists from Avenue Road Roofing today at 416-785-5129 to arrange a consultation on the benefits of installing a TPO roofing system for your building or complex.