Thermoplastic Roof Membranes

Thermoplastic membranes such as pvc or tpo are generally sealed by heat welding with hot air or by using solvents to weld the sheets together.

Thermoplastic roof membranes.

The heating process can usually be repeated as needed. A tpo roof costs between 5 50 and 9 50 per square foot. An example of thermoset membranes includes ethylene propylene diene monomer epdm one of the most widely used roofing systems. Thermoplastic polyolefin tpo shall only be allowed on roofs with an anticipated life of 10 years or less.

It is made from asphalt and a variety of rubber modifiers and solvents. Thermoplastic membrane roofing becomes soft when heated then hardens and binds when cooled. Tpo membranes are a relatively new roof membrane and have seen several reformulations in the past decade. On the other hand polyvinyl chloride pvc and thermoplastic polyolefin tpo two other common roofing systems for commercial buildings fall in the second category.

There are several ways of connecting pieces of this material. The following provides general descriptions of these two systems. Modified bitumen this type of roofing is an evolution of asphalt roofing. Since they are new long term performance is unknown at this time.

This membrane is best recognized for having the benefits of epdm and pvc systems at a more economical cost. It maintains its integrity throughout a wide range of thermal expansion and contraction. The tpo membrane was first introduced to the roofing market in the early 1990 s as a more economical and efficient alternative that was thought to replace pvc roofing products. Sikaplan is a cost competitive single ply pvc roofing membrane designed for low slope roofing applications.

This membrane is composed of three layers. Tpo roofing is usually installed mechanically attached or fully adhered systems. Tpo is a single ply roofing system that consisting of a thermoplastic polyolefin membrane. The most common thermoplastic roof membranes are pvc and tpo.

An asphalt roof costs between 8 and 10 per square foot installed. Tpo thermoplastic polyolefin is a single ply reflecting roofing material or membrane made out of ethylene propylene rubber and polypropylene polymerized together. Epdm an example of thermoset roofing membranes. Tpo membranes are white and highly reflective making them an excellent choice for those looking to reduce energy costs.

Tpo is durable enough to resist punctures and flexible enough to stretch as the structure settles.