Roofing is an integral part of your home. It’s not just any roofing, but a spotless, seamless, and leak-free roofing capable of protecting your home and everything in it. Unfortunately, not all homeowners are aware of the many options when choosing a roofing system.
TPO Roofing is one of the cheapest and most practical options when choosing the right roofing system for your home. Researches reveal that TPO Roof was the top choice of homeowners in 2014-2015. It is comparatively the cheapest but high-performing roof system, and the correct installation is the key.
Here’s how each part of the TPO Roofing system contributes to its high performance.
Roof Membrane
TPO or Thermoplastic Polyolefin is a kind of material that, when melted, becomes plastic and is efficient for sealing the seams once it hardens. A tool called hot air welder is used to heat and mold the membrane from above and below, making it malleable and easy to give physical shape to. A thicker roof membrane is ideal for TPO roofing if you want it to last for a long time.
There are two primary methods of installing a TPO membrane. It could either be mechanically attached or fully adhered to. It is best to consult your professional roofer about your needs and preferences when it comes to your roofing. They will give you all the necessary details whichever they deem best for your home.
TPO Cover Board
TPO cover boards provide resistance and stability to your roof. It is more solid support compared to mere insulation boards. Cover boards are ideal if you want your roof to remain sturdy and durable over the years.
Insulation
Insulation requires a specific thickness that must meet the standards of the energy code. According to the instructions of the manufacturer, insulation that is more than two inches in diameter must be installed in two layers, along with staggered board joints. Staggering board joints help prevent a consecutive break in the insulation layer.
Insulation can be installed in three ways: mechanically attached with plates and fasteners, adhered with foam glue bands, or a combination of the two.
Each method of installation has its benefits. However, according to experts in TPO roofing installation, adhering the insulation is the most ideal. Although the mechanical attachment is the most common installation method for most projects, adhering to insulation is the best option if you want to lessen the thermal bridging caused by fasteners.
Vapor Barrier
It is a known scientific fact that vapor goes from hot to cold and high pressure to low pressure. The more difference there is, the higher the vapor drive. During winter, there is usually a significant change in temperature, which causes the vapor from the inside to want to get out through the roof.
What protects the roof insulation from the vapor is called the vapor barrier. The vapor that is carried by the interior air can wet the insulation and creates a breeding ground for molds. It can also reduce its R-value.
There are two main ways to install a vapor barrier: loose-laid or fully adhered. Both methods have their perks when it comes to performance. Whichever is best for your roofing, a vapor barrier is a must to safeguard the roof insulation through time.
Underlayment
Underlayment gives solid support to the insulation layer. The underlayment can be mechanically fastened to the deck, so the other layers, such as the vapor barrier, insulation, and the membrane, can be attached without fasteners.
As a homeowner, you will naturally be concerned with how the materials of your new roof will cost you. On top of that, owners are more concerned about how an entire roofing system will perform and work for them for the long term. You will need to make sure that everything is worth the investment. The best thing to do is to consult a professional roofing contractor to learn about the many options that you have when choosing a roofing system that will protect your property and work well with your funds. Contact a reliable roofer today!