As a business owner, choosing the right roofing system is essential to protect your property from the harsh Florida climate. A business requires dynamic roofing systems. This means they must withstand Florida’s heavy rain, wind, and sunlight all year long, be cost-effective, and be able to last their entire lifespan. With so many options available, deciding which is best for your business can be overwhelming. This article will provide a helpful guide to four reliable commercial roofing systems for Florida businesses.

For Florida businesses, the best flat roofing option is typically TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin) roofing due to its excellent resistance to UV rays, heat reflection, energy efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness in the state’s hot climate; other good choices include PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) roofing and Modified Bitumen (Mod-bit) roofing, both offering similar benefits against Florida’s weather conditions.

This article will address TPO (thermoplastic olefin) roofing. TPO roofing has been a popular roofing material since the ’90s. It’s made from a single-ply membrane that’s typically white or light-colored, which helps to reflect sunlight and reduce cooling costs. The membranes applied are produced by calendaring with lamination, extrusion with lamination, or extrusion-coating techniques. TPO sheets are a blend of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene polymers that are usually reinforced with polyester. TPO sheets contain colorants, flame retardants, ultraviolet (UV) absorbers, and other proprietary substances to achieve desired performance results.

History of TPO Roofing

Before TPO roofing became the top choice, many flat roofs were covered with PVC. This started in the 1960s, and this single-ply roofing system was the gold standard. For good reason, PVC could be shaped to fit nearly any roof structure and was resistant to chemical and physical weathering.

However, people eventually realized that the plastics in PVC were washing off of the roofing material and into the soil. Mold also developed over time, which was especially problematic in humid Florida. As a result, many PVC roofs were weakening before they should have, which caused a host of problems for homeowners and business owners.

After years of research, scientists created a solution to these issues: TPO roofing, although in the beginning, it had a different name. TPO roofing systems first entered the European market in 1991 under the name flexible polyolefin or FPO. Only a few years later, they entered the American market with the name TPO, which we still use today. Property owners were thrilled to discover that it did everything that PVC did and more.

What Is TPO Roofing Made Of?

Like PVC, TPO is also a single-ply membrane roofing material. Its membranes are made from a mixture of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene polymers and then reinforced with materials like fiberglass or polyester. These core materials are what make TPO roofing systems puncture-resistant and sturdy enough to keep the roof of your structure safe. However, several essential additives are put onto TPO membranes, and these extra materials add a lot of value to TPO membranes.

These additives include colorants, UV absorbers, flame retardants, antioxidants, heat stabilizers, and other proprietary additives. All of these serve to create a robust, protective TPO roofing system by combating Florida’s harsh weather patterns. Where extreme heat can wear down roofs, TPO roofs are built to last up to 30 years, even in Ft. Myers.

Thanks to their light coloring and UV resistance, TPO roofs can do a lot to direct heat away from your structure and lower your energy bill. With its water-tight seal, you don’t need to worry about water sneaking past your roofing system and causing roofing or structural damage. In this way, TPO stands up to two of Florida’s most significant problems for roofs.

Is TPO a Good Fit for My Roof?

TPO roofing makes an excellent option for any flat residential or commercial roof in Southwest Florida. Most roofing materials are designed to work with a structure’s natural sloping. However, because TPO can be rolled out and adhered to a flat surface, it’s excellent at preventing water from leaking through and reaching the structure underneath.

TPO roofing is also a very budget-friendly option if you urgently need a flat roof replacement but don’t have the budget for a higher-end roofing system. Likewise, TPO roofs are also easier to repair than other kinds of roofing materials, which can keep the cost of your roof down even as it ages.

Commercial TPO roofing systems are seamless and heat-welded, providing exceptional strength and wind resistance up to 120 MPH. Known for their durability and flexibility, TPO membranes resist tears, punctures, and impact damage, making them ideal for Florida’s climate. Throughout its valued years, a TPO roofing system will be able to adapt to changing temperatures and weather patterns. It is no wonder it is the fastest-growing and most sought-after commercial roofing TPO system on the market.

TPO roofing systems typically prove to retain low installation costs, and the application is one of the most cost-effective roofing options available to commercial property owners. The materials and labor costs are relatively affordable. Property owners will also save on maintenance costs over time. Due to the TPO roofing system’s durable nature, the roof will not need excess repairs to overcompensate for weak materials or poor application.

Who can install a TPO roofing system?

Seacoast Building & Design provides commercial clients with the best selection of roofing systems, including TPO roofing systems and materials constructed by the best commercial roofing manufacturers in North America. As a preferred installer for many of the leading roof material manufacturers, we can assure top-of-the-line products and installation services. Call our number or use our contact form to request your FREE commercial roofing estimate in Tampa, Sarasota, Nokomis, Osprey, Venice, Bradenton, St Petersburg, and nearby cities.