TPO is an acronym for Thermoplastic PolyOlefin. It is single-ply membrane roof, and in the same category as EPDM (Ethylene Propene Diene Monomer) and PVC (PolyVinyl Chloride). TPO is installed in large, flexible sheets that can be heat-welded at seams. The white surface color qualifies as a “cool” roof material that has low heat absorption, and it also has high resistance to UV damage.

   TPO is currently the fastest growing segment of the commercial/industrial roofing market, with about 1.2 billion square feet installed in the U.S. in 2013, according to Firestone Building Products.

   Although it is primarily used for large, flat roofs, such as over “big box” retail stores, TPO is also occasionally installed as an alternative to built-up, built-up and gravel, and modified bitumen for flat or low-slope residential roofs. It comes in a “peel and stick” adhesive style or can be mechanically adhered to the roof sheathing. The photo above is a TPO roof of the clubhouse of a retirement community.

    To learn about expected lifespan and the factors that affect it, go to our blog post What is the average life expectancy of a TPO (Thermoplastic PolyOlefin) roof?  Also, see our blog What is a "cool roof”?

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  To learn more about roofs and attics, see these other blog posts:

• Why is my roof sheathing sagging between the trusses?

• Why is granule loss a problem for an asphalt shingle roof? 

• What are the mistakes to avoid when doing attic improvements?

• What causes roof shingles to curl up at corners?  

• What causes shingles to buckle along a line on the roof?

• What causes leaks at a fake roof dormer? 

• What causes a sagging roof ridge line?

• What causes bubble-like blisters in a built-up and gravel roof?  

• Why does it cost so much more to replace a steep roof than a low slope roof? 

• What is "ponding" on a flat roof?

• Is an attic required to have a light by the building code? 

• How can I inspect my roof for hurricane damage?

• Why is premature curl of roof shingles a problem?

• How can I tell if a roof has more than one layer of shingles? 

• What are the common problems with attic insulation? 

• What is the life expectancy of an asbestos cement shingle roof? 

• What's the average lifespan of a roof?

• Why is it a mistake to replace a roof and not replace its flashings? 

• Why is there no attic access hatch in the house?

• What is the building code requirement for an attic access hatch, scuttle, or door? 

     Visit our ROOF AND ATTIC page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.