flatroofing

2023 TPO Roof Cost and Pros & Cons of TPO Membrane Roofs

Say it with me: Thermoplastic polyolefin. Yes, TPO is much easier. According to Firestone Building Products’ white paper, TPO is technically a polypropylene based plastic combined with ethylene/propylene rubber.

So, plastic and rubber, mixed is what comprises a thermoplastic roofing membrane designed primarily for low-slope roofing applications with energy-efficiency in mind.

Much of the information online boasts how TPO is increasingly popular in commercial flat roofing. The thing is, we aren’t concerned with commercial buildings, and instead focus on the membrane options available, along with the costs, for adding this material to a low-sloped residential roof.

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Liquid Roof Coating Cost in 2023: Pros & Cons and ROI

Of all the material types for a roof, a liquid roof coating is perhaps the oddest. It has multiple values, several material options and is definitely worth a more in-depth look.

Understanding Liquid Roof Options

Before the mid-20th century, liquid roof existed, but in an entirely different way than today. It used to be bitumen (think mortar) mixed with fillers, such as sand, straw, and later felt paper.

The one caveat was that bitumen needed to be applied hot. Piping hot, so as to form a liquid that could spread evenly. — And dangerously hot, because at times fires would occur. That’s not good, but it was the norm, until around 1960.

Enter the age of synthetics that amount to plastic and rubber in liquid form being adhered to the roof:

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