What Is TPO Roofing Material Used for?
The color, structure, and composition of TPO roofing material all influence why it is so commonly used and why you might want to choose this option.
White materials reflect heat rather than absorb it. This quality of TPO roofing material is valuable for its various functions and applications. Using this material as a roof means that you experience more cooling. You might want to consider this if you prefer a naturally cool building interior.
The color white might bring some advantages, such as keeping the home cool, but you also have to consider the aesthetics. White materials become visibly dirty faster. If appearance matters to you, then you might need to think of ways around this. You can use different materials or come up with a robust cleaning arrangement in place.
Besides the cooling and aesthetic considerations, the most important reason to consider using TPO is when it comes to the slope. This roofing application has a critical application for buildings that are on a low incline.
A low slope is one where the roof or roof facet has a steepness or pitch that falls under 2:12. A pitch of 2:12 means that for every two units vertically upwards, there is a horizontal movement of 12 units.
Low slopes can present a roofing material challenge if the roofing contractors do not consider the gradient when they make recommendations.
When there is water runoff on the roof, it disperses based on the steepness or gradient of the roof. With a low-slope roof, the water will not clear off as fast as you want, which can cause issues.
A roof with a low slope must also be waterproof to accommodate the slow clearing of rainwater. A TPO roof is watertight. It, therefore, makes a good option when the roof is not so steep.
If you are to consider a popular roofing material such as asphalt shingles, while they have many benefits, they are not waterproof. If they are used for tiling a low slope roof, they might have trouble holding the sitting water until it drains away.
According to building codes, asphalt shingles cannot be used on a roof with a pitch below 2:12. Instead, you are going to need a flat roof system such as a TPO membrane roof.