What is TPO roofing and why is it used on commercial buildings?

TPO is a single-ply membrane made from thermoplastic material that resists UV damage, punctures, and chemical exposure. It is used on flat and low-slope roofs because the seams can be heat-welded to create a watertight barrier that lasts 20 to 30 years.

How do you prevent ponding water on a flat roof?

Ponding water is prevented by installing tapered insulation that creates a slope toward roof drains, ensuring that water does not sit on the membrane for more than 48 hours. Proper drainage design is essential during installation to avoid membrane damage and leaks.

What maintenance does a TPO roof require in Rockford?

TPO roofs require periodic inspections to check seams, flashing, and drains for damage or debris buildup. Keeping drains clear and removing leaves or snow that block water flow helps extend membrane life and prevents leaks.

How long does a TPO flat roof last on a commercial building?

A properly installed TPO roof lasts 20 to 30 years depending on weather exposure, foot traffic, and maintenance. Regular inspections and prompt repairs of minor damage help you reach the upper end of that range.

When should I replace my flat roof instead of repairing it?When should I replace my flat roof instead of repairing it?

Replace your flat roof when you see widespread seam failures, water stains inside the building after every rain, or soft spots indicating insulation or decking damage. If repair costs approach half the cost of replacement, replacing the entire system is usually the better long-term option.

TPO / Flat Roofing Systems | Bufalo Contracting

Commercial buildings in Rockford with flat or low-slope roofs face ponding water after heavy rain, UV exposure that degrades membranes, and seam failures that allow leaks into inventory or office spaces. TPO flat roofing systems provide a durable, energy-efficient solution designed to resist water infiltration and withstand the temperature extremes common in Northern Illinois. Whether you manage a warehouse, retail building, or office property, a properly installed flat roof keeps your operations dry and reduces cooling costs during hot summers.

Bufalo Contracting installs and replaces TPO membranes with heat-welded seams that create a watertight barrier across the entire roof surface. The work includes evaluating drainage to prevent water from pooling, installing insulation that meets energy codes, and flashing all penetrations such as vents, HVAC units, and roof drains. TPO membranes reflect sunlight, which lowers the temperature of the roof surface and reduces the load on your cooling system. The service is suitable for new construction and for replacing aging flat roof systems that have reached the end of their useful life.

Request a flat roofing evaluation for your commercial property with Bufalo Contracting in Rockford to assess the condition of your current roof and receive a replacement or repair plan.

Installation starts with removing the old roofing membrane and inspecting the insulation and decking for moisture damage or soft spots. In Rockford, many older flat roofs have inadequate drainage, so the crew evaluates the slope and adds tapered insulation if needed to direct water toward drains. The new TPO membrane is rolled out in sections, and seams are welded together using hot air tools that bond the material at a molecular level.

After installation, you see a smooth, uniform surface with no wrinkles or gaps at the seams. Water flows directly to roof drains without pooling in low spots. Your building interior stays dry during storms, and your air conditioning system runs less frequently because the white TPO surface reflects heat instead of absorbing it.

The service includes flashing all roof penetrations and securing the membrane at edges and parapet walls to prevent wind uplift. It does not include structural repairs to the roof deck or replacement of HVAC equipment, though any damaged decking found during tear-off is addressed before the new membrane is installed. Proper installation depends on correct drainage design and seam welding to prevent leaks and extend membrane life.

What is TPO roofing and why is it used on commercial buildings?
TPO is a single-ply membrane made from thermoplastic material that resists UV damage, punctures, and chemical exposure. It is used on flat and low-slope roofs because the seams can be heat-welded to create a watertight barrier that lasts 20 to 30 years.
How do you prevent ponding water on a flat roof?
Ponding water is prevented by installing tapered insulation that creates a slope toward roof drains, ensuring that water does not sit on the membrane for more than 48 hours. Proper drainage design is essential during installation to avoid membrane damage and leaks.
What maintenance does a TPO roof require in Rockford?
TPO roofs require periodic inspections to check seams, flashing, and drains for damage or debris buildup. Keeping drains clear and removing leaves or snow that block water flow helps extend membrane life and prevents leaks.
How long does a TPO flat roof last on a commercial building?
A properly installed TPO roof lasts 20 to 30 years depending on weather exposure, foot traffic, and maintenance. Regular inspections and prompt repairs of minor damage help you reach the upper end of that range.
When should I replace my flat roof instead of repairing it?When should I replace my flat roof instead of repairing it?
Replace your flat roof when you see widespread seam failures, water stains inside the building after every rain, or soft spots indicating insulation or decking damage. If repair costs approach half the cost of replacement, replacing the entire system is usually the better long-term option.