Comparing Modified Bitumen Roofing VS TPO Roofing Options in League City TX

Comparing Modified Bitumen Roofing VS TPO Roofing Options in League City TX

Modified bitumen roofing is another type of roofing option that relies on a bitumen or asphalt product. This type of roof is suitable for either hot or cool temperatures and hold  a number of pros against other types of roofing. On the other hand, TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) is a single-ply roofing membrane that is capable of covering the roof’s surface. TPO is not a plastic material but is, instead, rubber based.

Bitumen Roof

Among most options, bitumen roofing has a longer lifespan. This type of roof is actually made from a form of asphalt that is used in a variety of ways. Because of the form, modified bitumen roofs have many advantages. 

Advantages

One of the major advantages that homeowners get from having bitumen roofs is that it has a proven longer lifespan. Unlike most other roofing options, bitumen roofs easily last longer than 20 years. The installation of this type of material requires a melting down of the bitumen material to create a seal. The use of self-adhesive tapes, hot-mopped asphalt, or cold adhesives are done to do this. You can also commonly find different roofing covers having seams that remain open or are covered with other materials that are not likely to last.

Durability wise, bitumen roofs come out on top. Because of their high tensile strength, bitumen roofs are not likely to form the usual cracks that you can find in other roofs. This type of roof also is resistant against wind, hail, and fire. This means that bitumen roofs are a lot more storm-resistant than other options.

Disadvantages

Unfortunately, bitumen roofs also have a few disadvantages, One of these is the black color of the material which is likely to absorb, instead of reflect away, heat. Luckily, this does not damage the material directly. But, it can lead to the building heating up rapidly if no adequate insulation has been installed to prevent this beforehand.

Bitumen Roofing Options

You can install bitumen roofing in either 1-ply, 2-ply, or 3-ply options. The first option, 1-ply, is not that durable and can be problematic since it can break down under pressure. The remaining options are more durable but also cost significantly more to. 3-ply bitumen roofs on a flat roof structure is one of the most costly options on the market.

On another note, it is important to include granules during the installation of bitumen roofs. One reason for this is that it is a component that adds on to the protection of the roof and building against the sun. Without the presence of granules, the roof is more likely to heat up. However, there are some bitumen roofs that do not require the installation of granules.

The only way to get the best bitumen roof job that is optimized to last long is to ensure that the construction and installation of the structure is done properly.

TPO Roof

TPO roofs are made of a rubberized material that is an affordable roofing alternative that has also been proven to last a few decades. There are also several advantages to using TPO material for roofs. 

Advantages

One of the major advantages revolving the installation of a TPO roof on your home is that it is actually very affordable. TPO roofing is one of the most affordable options in the roofing industry. One of the caveats to bitumen roofing was the roof color. With TPO roofs, the color works to its advantage because TPO roofs are usually white at the top. Not only does this make your building look very nice, the shade also reflects plenty of light away from the building. This means that you get to avoid the overheating problem. 

Another advantage is that there are many ways the material can be installed. It can either be attached through the use of different adhesives or it can also be fastened unto the roof deck directly. Another way to secure it in place is to weld in certain areas. Lastly, this material is resistant to corrosion and does not easily degrade. It is also not likely to be affected by mold or algae growth. 

Disadvantages

There is actually quite a heavy list of disadvantages that weighs down the pros of TPO roofing. To start, it is a material that lacks consistency throughout the market, with the quality varying greatly from product to product and manufacturer to manufacturer as well. There is also a lot of different thickness options for this material making it confusing for some homeowners. Unfortunately, thicker materials are not always likely to last longer. Most TPO roofs have a lifespan of 10-20 years.

You will often find that the topmost layer of a TPO roof is usually laminated. This process creates weak spots throughout the material. Lastly, TPO rolls are also quite small which means you will have to create multiple seams throughout the roof. 

When opting for either bitumen or TPO roofing, it is critical to weigh all your options. Determining what is best for your home involves seeking the advice of a professional roofing League City TX contractor who can provide an expert opinion on the matter.