Comparing the Pros and Cons of SPF and TPO Roofing Systems

How do you know what roof is right for your commercial or industrial building?
When it comes to commercial roofing solutions, it’s important to know each of their unique benefits and differences between them. Having a quality, long-lasting roof covering your business starts with having peace of mind about what roofing solution you choose to install.
Two of the more popular commercial roofing solutions available today are Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) and Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO). SPF is created from a liquid mixture that produces a closed-cell structure that bonds and expands upon contact to custom-fit to any roofing substrate. TPO typically comes in single-ply roofing membranes that need to be welded or fastened together at their seams.
There are several important factors to consider when choosing between SPF and TPO for your new commercial roofing solution:
SPF (Spray Polyurethane Foam)
- Pros:
- Highest thermal resistance per unit thickness and eliminates thermal bridging
- Seamless/monolithic construction
- Eliminates ponding effect, which extends your roof’s life-cycle
- Lowest lifecycle cost sustainable, durable, and low maintenance
- Very flexible installation and conforming nature, including self-flashing
- Lightweight and extremely strong
- Class “A” fire rating, UL and FM approved
- No lateral water migration due to closed-cell structure
- Cool roof rated
- Over 50 years of industry performance excellence
- Cons
- Requires expert installation
- Severe hail can cause surface fractures
- Wildlife can cause additional maintenance requirements
- High traffic areas require additional protection
- Not as aesthetically pleasing
TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin)
- Pros
- Economical solution for roof re-cover application
- Resists dirt, bacteria, and algae
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Easy installation requirements
- Cool roof rated
- Cons
- Plasticizers are known to leach out of the membrane and cause brittleness over time.
- Susceptible to broken seams and membrane failures
- Does not respond well to heat load and severe weather, especially hail and storm debris.
- A fractured membrane allows lateral water migration
- Manufacturers are changing formulations to meet industry standards.
- Questionable durability and longevity.