Plastic

Replacement Options
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TPO (thermoplastic) roofing was developed in the mid-1990s as an improvement over rubber. And it is better - but it's still dealing with 30-year-old technology. The seams can fail, it gets brittle with age, and you're paying for yesterday's solution when modern options exist.

What You Get with TPO:

  • Better performance than rubber, but still limited
  • Heat-welded seams that can fail over time
  • Membrane becomes brittle and cracks with age
  • Moderate energy efficiency compared to newer options
  • Decent lifespan with proper maintenance (20-25 years)
  • Mid-range pricing for mid-range performance

Material Properties

  • Thickness: 45-80 mil single-ply membrane
  • Installation: Fully adhered, mechanically attached, or ballasted
  • Seaming: Heat-welded (stronger than rubber tape, but still problematic)
  • Temperature Range: -40°F to 250°F operating range
  • Warranty: 15-25 years material (better than rubber)
  • Energy Efficiency: Good reflectivity, moderate energy savings

Scenarios Where TPO Makes Sense:

  • Budget upgrade from rubber - Want better performance without premium cost
  • Mid-term facility planning - 15-20 year building ownership timeline
  • Moderate climate conditions - Less extreme temperature cycling
  • Basic performance needs - Standard warehouse or light manufacturing
  • Existing TPO repairs - Matching current system for additions

Our Position: "TPO is the compromise choice - better than rubber, not as good as modern options. If you need something in the middle, we can make it work well."

TPO's Honest Drawbacks:

  • Seam welding challenges - Quality depends heavily on installer skill
  • Brittleness over time - Membrane flexibility decreases with age
  • Chemical sensitivity - Some building chemicals can damage TPO
  • Limited repair options - Damaged areas often require large patches
  • Technology plateau - Hasn't improved significantly in 20 years

Why Spend a Little More:

Flexible Vinyl Blanket

Superior durability and appearance

Seamless Coatings

Modern technology with renewable characteristics

"Our TPO roof lasted 18 years, which was decent. But when we replaced it with vinyl, the difference in quality was obvious immediately. Wish we'd made that choice the first time."
— Maintenance Director, Food Processing Plant

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The TPO worked fine for our warehouse, but the seams started failing around year 15. Our new seamless coating system eliminates that worry completely."
— Facility Manager, Logistics Center

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If TPO Fits Your Needs:

  • Expert seam welding - Certified technicians ensure quality connections
  • Proper membrane selection - Choose appropriate thickness and formulation
  • Quality fastening - Mechanical attachment done to wind uplift requirements
  • Realistic expectations - Clear communication about maintenance needs
  • Ongoing support - Regular inspections to catch issues early
  • Upgrade planning - Help you transition to better technology when time comes

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