By Jesse Sanchez.

Understanding the factors that affect thermoplastic polyolefin roof longevity can help property managers plan maintenance, repairs and replacement.

Commercial building owners and property managers in Chicago can expect a properly installed thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) roof to last approximately 15 to 25 years, according to Leaders Roofing Corp. While that range reflects conditions in the Chicago market, it can also serve as a useful reference point for property teams in other regions evaluating TPO roof longevity. Actual service life will still depend on factors such as materials, installation, maintenance and local weather conditions.

Membrane thickness is one factor affecting service life. Leaders Roofing notes that 60-mil and 80-mil membranes provide more reserve than 45-mil membranes, particularly in areas that experience frequent foot traffic. The quality of heat-welded seams is also important, along with the condition of the insulation and substrate, drainage, ponding water and traffic from heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment service.

Local weather adds another layer of stress. Freeze-thaw cycles can affect seams and flashings, while summer expansion and contraction repeatedly work the membrane. Hail can also bruise or puncture TPO, making inspections following major storms an important part of commercial roof management.

As a TPO system ages, property managers can watch for separating seams, membrane shrinkage, surface cracking, ponding water and flashing failures around curbs, drains and walls. Leaders Roofing notes that active leaks can indicate the membrane has already been compromised for some time.

An aging roof does not automatically require a full replacement. Isolated seam or flashing problems may be repairable when the membrane remains sound and the insulation is dry. Widespread membrane deterioration, wet insulation or recurring leaks can point toward replacement, while some roofs may qualify for a recover or coating system.

Regular inspections can also support capital planning. Leaders Roofing recommends maintaining a documented inspection history to track roof conditions and help property managers prepare for future work rather than making decisions after a leak forces action.

Learn more about Leaders Roofing’s commercial roofing services!

By The Coffee Shops™. 

How three decades in Mount Prospect have shaped Leaders Roofing's approach to service, accountability and local roof expertise.  

Since its founding in May 1996 by Jan Koszyk, Leaders Roofing Corp. has never left home. The family-owned Chicagoland roofing company has spent three decades building its business from Mount Prospect, Illinois — proof that a path of continuity and community can be every bit as successful as one of constant expansion. 

Leaders Roofing holds the same Illinois Roofing Unlimited License (#104.010248) it was issued in 1996 — covering both residential and commercial work, a scope many local roofers can't legally offer. In a trade where out-of-town crews tend to appear after a hailstorm and disappear before the warranty matters, a license number that's stayed in the same family for 30 years is its own kind of proof.   

Part of why that has worked so well is location. From its Mount Prospect base, Leaders Roofing can quickly reach projects across the northwest suburbs — Arlington Heights, Des Plaines, Park Ridge, Elk Grove Village, Wheeling, Buffalo Grove, Palatine and Schaumburg — while also serving North Shore and Lake County communities including Winnetka, Glencoe, Kenilworth, Lake Forest, Highland Park, Libertyville, Vernon Hills and Lincolnshire. In other words, thanks to their location in Mount Prospect, the team is able to serve all of Chicagoland, especially the suburbs it knows best.  

But the company's local presence is about far more than geography. Thirty years in one market has created deep familiarity with the area's homes, commercial buildings and punishing seasonal weather. Not only does this make their team local experts — they've also established themselves as longstanding partners to property managers, general contractors and trade partners across the area. That makes ongoing maintenance, multi-year capital planning and emergency response faster and more efficient, because the people doing the work already know the buildings, the codes and the neighborhoods.  

For Leaders Roofing, the next 30 years are about carrying that foundation forward, not coasting on it. The company is actively investing in its future — growing its team and seeking out employees and partners who share a genuine pride in craftsmanship and a real joy in physical labor.  

"After thirty years, I still believe in the value of work done well with your hands," says founder Jan Koszyk. "Whether it's a routine repair, a full replacement, or an emergency tarp  during a storm, we're usually helping someone protect the biggest asset they own. We take that seriously — and we hire and partner with people who feel the same way."  

That commitment is rooted in what Leaders Roofing has always been: a family business. It was founded by one family and it's still owned and run by that same family—which means the name on the proposal is the name of the people accountable for the work. There's no regional manager to escalate to and no franchise headquarters in another state. When a homeowner or property manager calls, they reach the family whose reputation is on every roof. After 30 years in the same community, that accountability isn't a marketing line — it's the whole business.  
  
"The longer we stay rooted in this community, the more we feel we can offer the people we serve," Jan adds. "We've been a family business for thirty years, and we're proud of how we've built it. We're in this for the long haul."  

Learn more about Leaders Roofing's 30 years in Mount Prospect by reading the full anniversary story.