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What is a TPO Roof System And Should Your Home Have One

TPO Roofing is a type of membrane that has specific attributes and could be the best solution for your roof. A TPO roof system has grown in popularity over the last few decades – and for good reason.

In this article, we’re going to look a bit more deeply into exactly what TPO roofing is and why it could be the right solution for you and your roof.

If you’d like to start by simply finding out what exactly a TPO roofing system is – you’re in the right place. So let’s get started…

What exactly is TPO roofing?

what is tpo roof systemTPO is short for Thermoplastic Polyolefin – and it’s a single ply roofing membrane that’s made from a couple of different combined rubbers.

TPO is normally installed by mechanical attachment, which allows a layer of membrane to remain exposed on the roof.

TPO has been in use since the late 1980s, and has become one of the most popular roofing solutions in the industry.

What benefits does TPO roofing have for your roof?

TPO roofs are especially popular in warmer weather regions – specifically where cooling equipment (like air con) is used more than warming equipment (like central heating).

They’re also better in warmer climates because the TPO membrane actually copes well with UV radiation by reflecting it and keeping the roof as cool as possible when the weather is hot.

These characteristics not only help keep the roof and home cool – they can also help save money.

That’s because cooling costs in the summer can be expensive, and when the TPO membrane helps reduce how much air con you need, you’re obviously going to save money.

One additional benefit is by behaving like this, TPO roofing will also help reduce your carbon emissions – so if that’s something that’s important to you, it’s a great choice.

TPO membranes are also really popular with companies who are trying to improve their environmental profiles.

If you’ve got a self-build with the environment in mind, TPO roof membrane is one of the best choices around.

More and more people are realizing how important both sustainability and energy efficiency is when it comes to home construction these days.

Not only is an energy-sufficient home better for the environment – it’s also better for your bank balance.

While the roof is only a small part of building a self-sufficient home, it’s still an important one. That’s why more and more people are opting for TPO in their home when they try and make their property as energy-efficient as possible.

Some people even get their properties to the point where they’re so energy efficient they pay for themselves, or even earn money by selling energy back to the grid.

While these will often be self-builds with some energy generating capacity (like solar panels), you can also renovate an old home to get it into the right shape.

Whether you’re building a new home or fixing up an existing property, TPO membrane is a great option – especially in warmer areas.

FUN FACT — TPO use is actually on the rise in popularity. Some say it’s got the biggest growth in the industry, and its use has increased 18% in the 7 year period prior to 2013.

what is tpo roof system

One other reason for TPO’s popularity is how versatile and flexible it is. The thing about building and roof construction is that many homes actually move over time.

This is surprising to many people, but it’s a fact of the construction industry. This means a completely rigid structure can actually have more problems than you might think, and it’s why you need a roofing membrane that is flexible and moves with the building – but also one that’s strong and versatile and keeps water-tight even after these movements.

That’s something TPO is really good at. It’s strong, flexible, durable and versatile. It can also be reshaped multiple times, which makes it ideal for covering different roof patterns.

TPO is also relatively cheap compared to many other roofing membranes. Not only that, but it can be installed quickly and easily and doesn’t require a lot of maintenance.

What issues are associated with TPO roofing?

TPO has grown in popularity over the last few years because the negatives associated with it are minimal, especially when compared to other roofing solutions.

However, there are still a few minor issues you might want to have a look at. Some cheaper TPO solutions have had issues with reinforcement over longer time-spans.

Also, some of the lowest quality TPO providers do not provide the best cool-roof solutions.

These issues are not symptoms of all TPO roofing systems, just the very cheapest ones. While TPO was originally created as a low-cost roofing solution, it might be wise to spend a little more on a slightly better quality finish.

This can still often be much cheaper than many other roofing solutions, but doesn’t have the problems associated with the very cheapest TPO on the market.

How to choose the best TPO roofing contractor for you

As with any other type of roofing product or service, you need to take care and time to find the absolute best TPO roofing provider in your area.

There are a few simple yet effective steps that you can do to help with this. So let’s take a look at them…

Firstly, do you know anyone who’s had this work done before? While online reviews can help, nothing beats the review of someone you know and trust.

If you live in a warmer location, you might already know more people with TPO roofs than you think. Have a look at the finish on their roof and ask them about their energy costs.

Also, ask them how good the team that installed their roof was, both with regards to cost and how long it took – as well as how happy the homeowner was having them in their property.

If you are new to the area or simply don’t know anyone you can ask about their TPO roof, you can still check online reviews.

There are review sites for almost anything these days, even roofing contractors. Make sure you look at why someone rated a service high or low and don’t just look at the actual rating itself.

Some people have specific reasons for their review which may not be relevant to you or your property.


The next step is to invite a few prospective firms to your home and ask them to have a look at your roof.

They should be able to give you a competitive quote as well as a time-frame for exactly how long the work should take.

If you can, ask to see a portfolio of their previous work (or even visit some of their finished roofs in the local area).

If they aren’t able to offer you a whole host of testimonials and happy clients, you might want to look elsewhere.

What is Custom Roof Restoration Service?

What is a custom roof restoration service? Well, if you’ve got a specific or non-standard type of roof that needs either restoring or replacing – you’re in the right place. While most standard homes have similar roofs which bring with them similar problems, this isn’t always the case.

The vast majority of regular roofing companies carry out repairs and restore the same types of roofs again and again. That’s a good thing if you’ve got a standard roof – but not if you haven’t.

Whether you’ve got a particularly old roof, or one built out of custom materials – you might need a specialist roofing service provider to either fix or restore it. In many cases, custom roofs can’t simply be taken off and replaced by a more standard structure.

They need care and attention from an experienced team to get them back as good as new again. In this article, we’re going to look at some of the issues surrounding custom roof restoration, along with how to find the right roofing company for your non-standard roof.

What is a custom roof restoration service?

If you’re still wondering what an actual custom roof restoration service is – it’s actually quite self-explanatory. Custom roofs are often on older buildings, perhaps even ones that are protected and therefore can’t simply be replaced.

If you want to add years to the lifespan of an original roof that’s made from non-standard materials, without damaging the original essence of the building – a custom roof restoration service is for you.

Whether you’ve got some on your home or traditional thatch, you’ll need a roofer who’s got the exact experience required working with that material, so your restored roof can be as good as new.

While custom roof restoration is often popular with old, sometimes protected buildings – that’s not always the case. And old isn’t always as old as you think. Custom roof restoration is also popular with unique architectural buildings that might only be a few decades old, but used specialized materials and design ideas when being constructed.

In other words, custom restoration could be for your building even if it isn’t historic or protected.

Specialist materials

As we’ve just looked at, most historic roofs use materials that simply aren’t used in roofing much anymore. This means that the restoration process takes time, care and experience. It’ll also need materials that have been specially sourced and a roofing specialist that understands their unique properties.

While you might think metal is a relatively new roofing material, it’s actually been in use for over a century and is a prominent feature of many historic roofs. While it might be the number one choice for commercial buildings, it was actually popular in high-end home construction – especially those built in styles like Art Deco and Romanesque. Because these high-end homes were often built for the wealthy – many of them are still standing today.

So while old metal roofs aren’t uncommon, not many roofing contractors have the specific skills required to restore them in a manner that befits the original. That’s one reason why a specialist custom roof contractor could be for you.

While also a metal, copper roofs have their own distinct set of properties (along with issues when restoring). Copper was popular in many high-end homes and local government buildings, but restoring it isn’t always straightforward.

That’s because the copper ages and turns a shade of green over time, so restoring part of a roof to keep it in-place with the rest of the building takes time and attention, along with a set of specialist skills.

As slate is one of the longest lasting roofing materials, you’ll find lots of older buildings still with the original slate in place. An original slate roof could last over a hundred years – but if you look closely, many individual shingles might need replacing. Again, this takes care and attention from an expert team who know how to work with old slate and who can make sure the replaced areas still look right.

Clay roofs have also been popular for centuries, especially in Spanish architecture. Replacing parts of old clay roofs that are within existing structures takes a lot of care, especially when producing an overall look and feel for the building that doesn’t look out of place with new clay. This will often mean using handmade clay products, and it takes a lot of experience to get this right.

When replacing isn’t an option

Some people think that when you’ve got an old or worn roof – you simply need to rip it off and replace it. While that might work with standard buildings – it simply isn’t an option with old and historic roofs.

Not only can it be extremely difficult to re-create a new roof that has the same historic feel as the original, actually doing so might be violating protected building status. That’s why many of these buildings need their original roof restored so it’s as close to the original as possible.

How to pick the right custom roof service for you

If you’ve got a specific historic or custom roof that needs taking care of, you need to take your time finding a contractor with the right experience. Ask around, and don’t simply go for the cheapest quote – as this is one type of roofing service where you often get what you pay for.

Try checking other historic buildings in your area and asking their owners who they used for their roofs. Remember, while there are some custom roofing companies that will have experience in all types of historic roofs, some might specialize in one or two specific types of roofs.

So if you’ve got a copper, slate, traditional metal or clay roof – it might make a difference when you’re choosing a contractor. Make sure you check their references and portfolio of work before signing-off on anything.

Hopefully, you’ve now got enough of an idea about custom roofing services and what they mean for your roof.

The Difference Between Residential and Commercial Roofing

You probably think that residential and commercial roofing are reasonably similar. While this can sometimes be true – it’s quite often not the case. Both commercial and residential roofs have a distinct set of characteristics and specific demands that often require a completely different approach.

In this article, we’re going to look at the difference between residential and commercial roofing. 

While you might be able to find some commercial roofing contractors who specialize in both – many roofing firms only look after either residential or commercial roofs. That’s because they’re almost a completely different industry and require a different set of skills and materials. We’re going to look at some of the key differences.

So, what are some of the key differences between residential and commercial roofing?

They use different materials

First and foremost, the type of materials recommended for residential and commercial roofs will often vary quite a lot. While there’s sometimes some crossover, you should expect to use completely different materials if you’re roofing a home compared to roofing a business.

One area where that’s started to change in recent years is with metal roofs. These were often a mainstay of commercial and industrial roofing, but were rarely used in residential roof construction.

That’s slowly started to change – and more and more residential architects are starting to incorporate metal roofs into their designs. That’s because of the relatively low cost of a metal roof, along with how light and durable it is. However, this is often just in architecturally designed homes rather than mass-market residential roofing.

The reason different materials are used for either residential or commercial roofing is because those types of buildings have different requirements and needs. Many commercial buildings will need to cover a much larger area, while residential roofs have to keep the home weather-proof and warm to a much higher degree of certainty.

That’s why residential roofs are often steeper, to help with the flow of rain and snow from the property. This is less important for commercial properties that don’t have people living in overnight – and also because a flatter roof is cheaper when covering a much larger area (commercial buildings can be much, much bigger than residential homes).

They’re for different size buildings

We touched on this already, but commercial buildings are often much bigger. That means they need a slightly cheaper solution to cover a larger area whereas residential homes need something that is as weather-proof as possible for a smaller footprint.

The slope of the roof plays a big role in weather protection, and it’s why residential roofs often have a much steeper pitch. This kind of steep roof would be extremely expensive and difficult to put in place on a large commercial building, which is why a low flat roof is often good enough – especially as these aren’t buildings people live in.

The cost will vary a lot

Cost plays a huge role in the difference between commercial and residential roofs as we’ve already looked at. Low metal roofs are cheap for large buildings, and it’s actually why more and more residential architects are incorporating them into their design. However, they are traditionally only for commercial buildings.

A hand-built slate or tile roof can be more expensive, but might provide better insulation for a building. That’s why it’s popular for residential homes that don’t cover the same large area as commercial buildings.

Many business owners simply want the cheapest roof possible to keep their building secure, rather than thinking too much about insulation and weather protection.

They have different designs

Again, we’ve already touched on why – but commercial and residential roofs will vary a lot when it comes to design. As we’ve already looked at, low metal roofs are better for covering larger areas whereas residential constructions have slightly higher demands for protection (but smaller areas to cover). That’s why many residential buildings have steeper roofs.

Different skills to install

While cost might be important for both types of roofs, and a low metal roof might be cheap to per square-meter – commercial roof constructions are actually quite difficult to install because of their size.

This can require a different set of skills to sometimes simple residential roofs, and not all roofing providers are experts in both. That’s why it’s important that you take your time when choosing a roofing constructor in your area.

Some firms will be expert at both commercial and residential roofing whereas others will simply specialize in one or the other.

Different finishes

Not only are the main roof builds often different, they’ll also have different finishes and touches that can vary a lot. Things like or construction can be common in residential builds and require a specific set of skills to work with or around.

You might also want solar panelling so that you can move towards self-sufficiency and help the environment in the process. Again, this type of installation can require a roofing firm with the right experience.

How to find the right roofing contractor for your residential or commercial roof

As we’ve looked at – there are lots of differences between residential and commercial roofs. While you can find one contractor who’s great at both, this isn’t always possible. If you’re looking for a residential roofer, ask your neighbours or other people in your local area if they know someone they can recommend.

If they’ve had their roof done before, they might be able to point you in the right direction of someone they recommend (or someone to avoid).

Check online and weigh up the quotes from different firms before you make a decision. If you can, ask to see their portfolio of work or even finished roofs they’ve worked on. Picking the right roofing firm is an important decision whether you need a commercial or residential roof, so it’s not one that should be taken lightly.

Chicago Roofing Services – Top Five Roofing Services By Popularity

If you’re looking for a high-quality roofing company in the windy city – you’re in the right place. There are tons of good quality roofing providers in the Chicago area, and they offer a variety of services that we are going to look at long with a few tips on how to find the right roofer for you, if one of these doesn’t work out.

Chicago roofing services – What to look for in a roofing service in Chicago?

First of – it starts with what kind of work you need doing. If you’re looking for a completely new roof installation, this is obviously going to cost a lot more – and it might mean you’ll want to take a bit more time finding the right roofer.

If you’re just looking for a repair, this might change who you’re happy with. Especially if you need an urgent 24-hour repair – as some good Chicago firms do offer this sort of service.

Do you have a special roof that needs specific skills and experience?

If you’ve got a low metal roof or some other specialist type of finish, you might want to look for a roofer that has particular experience with that. Ask them what they specialze in and what experience they have with your particular roof.


If you’re looking to have your roof overlayed, there are some companies that come with a wealth of experience doing just that, as well as tearing off and starting again. Regardless of the type of roof you’ve got – you’ll want to find a firm that matches your specific needs and requirements.

Do they come recommended?

With lots of roofers available in the Chicago area, it can be difficult to know exactly who to go for. That’s why nothing beats the personal recommendation of someone you know.

We’re going to look at some of the more popular roofing services in Chicago – and you can also do further searches online (or check review sites). But if you know someone who’s had their roof done recently, ask them who they used and if they were happy with it.

Roofing firms live by their reputation, and the best ones will have lots of happy customers who’re willing to spread the word. Ask your neighbours and see who they recommend, or if they know anyone suitable.

What do they charge?

This is another important factor. You can do all the research you like, but if you can’t afford what you find – there won’t have been much point. Thankfully, most Chicago roofing companies provide free inspections and quotes.

Many of them will also compete on price. That means you can get quotes from a few different firms to see which works best for you. Not only will you be able to get the best possible quote, you’ll also be able to ask a few more questions and evaluate each roofer when they visit your property.

Sometimes, it pays in the long run to not just pick the cheapest quote, but go with the best value roofer who you think will do a great job.


How long do they think the work is going to take?

When you consult with different roofing companies, it’s best to ask them a few different questions – and this is one of them. Some companies might have a lot of manpower, and these could get the job done much more quickly. This might be more expensive, but if you’re in a rush – it could be for you.

Can you check out some of their work?

Here’s another important question. If your potential roofer is good enough – they shouldn’t hold back when talking about their previous jobs. Ask to have a look at a portfolio. If possible, visit a couple of finished jobs to see how they want (and ask the homeowner if you can).

Your roofer should be proud of their work and more than happy to show you finished examples. If not, you might want to look elsewhere.

Five top roofing services in Chicago

Roof leaks

Probably the most common service roofers get called to is roofing leaks. It doesn’t matter which type of roof you have in your home, sometimes, it will leak. Especially if you live in an area where the winter is tough, like Chicago. All materials get old, and water and fluids have a tendency to drip between pretty much anything. Sooner or later, you will call your local roofer to come fix that annoying leak.

Re-roofing

Here’s another very popular service home owners order, a reroofing job. This basically mean that most or some of their shingles are ruined or damaged enough that they need to be replaces or just re-tiled. If the damage is deep enough, sometimes you be better to just replace the whole roof. But most of the time, you can just re-roof it and make it last for many more years to come.

Shingles repair 

Shingles get damaged all the time, especially in the Chicago area where you get high winds and heavy snow. Calling a roofer to fix broken shingles should probably be first on this list, but don’t think just because it’s in number #3 on the list it’s not super popular. 

Blowoff damage – Wind damage 

Going back to the high winds issue. We can’t stress this enough. strong winds causes a lot of damage to roofs, and over time, it could add up. So after you suffer a storm or a day or week with crazy weather, you would want to check your roof and see if there’s any damage to it that will need to be fixed by your local roofer. 

General maintenance 

This is not a specific fix that needs to be done, but rather a general maintenance issues that may happen from time to time. Every roof needs to be looked at at least once a year and sometimes even more if you live in an area where there is a high probability of damage. Use this list as your guide to help you learn more about your roofing needs.