Thermoplastic Vs Thermoset Roofing

Summary thermoplastic vs thermoset.

Thermoplastic vs thermoset roofing.

The cross linking process eliminates the risk of the product remelting when heat is applied making thermosets ideal for high heat applications such as electronics and appliances. Because of the materials chemical nature thermoplastic membranes typically are seamed by heat welding with hot air or solvent welding. Thermoplastic roof systems use tpo thermoplastic polyolefin or pvc polyvinyl chloride membranes. Synthetic rubber and thermoplastics serve as two of the most widely used materials for low slope roofing applications.

The terms thermoplastic and thermoset stand for how a material is or can be processed under a changed temperature 1. On the other hand polyvinyl chloride pvc and thermoplastic polyolefin tpo two other common roofing systems for commercial buildings fall in the second category. These membranes can be repeatedly softened by heating or hardened when cooled. Thermoplastic materials are distinguished from thermoset materials in that there is no chemical crosslinking.

Thermoplastics and thermosetting polymers are types of plastic that undergo different production processes and yield a variety of properties depending on the constituent materials and production method. Thermoset plastics contain polymers that cross link together during the curing process to form an irreversible chemical bond. Today single ply roofing makes up the vast majority of the low slope commercial roofing market in north america. The key difference between thermoplastic and thermoset is that it is possible to melt thermoplastic into any shape and re use it whereas thermosets have a permanent shape and are not recyclable into new forms of plastic.

Single ply roofing membranes fall into two classes thermoset membranes such as ethylene propylene diene monomer epdm and hypalon and thermoplastic membranes such as thermoplastic polyolefin tpo and polyvinyl chloride pvc. Introduction thermoset vs thermoplastic thermoset and thermoplastics are two separate forms of polymer powders which are differentiated based on their behavior when reacting to the application of heat the primary difference between the two is that thermoset is a material that strengthens when heated but cannot be remolded or heated after the initial forming while thermoplastics can be. There are two different types of single ply roofing material. The main physical difference is how they respond to high temperatures.

Thermoset roofing is a diversified commercial roofing contractor based in south florida. Thermoplastic and thermoset are polymers. Tpo and pvc are smooth chemically resistant and water resistant and neither is easy to coat. Whether it be a small repair roof maintenance program or a total roof replacement.