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TPO, Thermoplastic Olefin or Polyolefin. TPO membranes are single-ply roof membranes coated with ethylene propylene rubber. They are designed to combine the durability of EPDM rubber with the proven performance of hot-air weldable seams. They have been tested as having excellent resistance to ozone, are algae-resistant, environmentally friendly, and safe to install. The material’s manufacturer is so confident in properly welded seams that the material is sometimes advertised as a monolithic, or seamless, roof. Seam strengths are reportedly 3 to 4 times those of EPDM’s adhesive and tape seams.
TPO is highly resistant to tears, impacts, and punctures with good flexibility to allow for building movement. TPO’s are available in white, light gray, and black. TPO is a heat welded system, and the installation process is similar to EPDM. TPO membranes are installed fully-adhered, mechanical-attached or ballasted. Fully-adhered means that the roof is “glued” to the substrate using a special adhesive. What actually happens is the glue creates a chemical bond with the membrane. Ballasted simply means the membrane is loose laid over the top of the roof, sealed at all penetrations and around the perimeter, and then a ballast is put on it to hold it in place. Ballast usually consists of smooth, round, river rock 2”-3” in diameter.
Mechanically-attached membranes are those that use some type of special screw-type fastener to secure it. The type of fastener will depend on the type of substrate, but all fasteners are generally screw-type fasteners. A big advantage to TPO is there is a mat or mesh imbedded in the sheet that helps it not expand or shrink as bad. Also the seams and flashing are melted together with hot air so there are no chemicals, like glues that can fail due to different variables. Ex. Harsh climate, dust, oils, primer etc.
Properly installed TPO roof systems have service lives ranging from about 10 to 20 years. Depending on the type of installation. Typically, if you remove an old roof down to the decking before installing a new one, the roof will last longer. Also, the steeper the slope and the less severe the weather, the longer a roof will last. High winds and hail can do a roof in rather quickly! But remember, the number 1 ingredient to a good roof system is proper installation!
TPO is highly resistant to tears, impacts, and punctures with good flexibility to allow for building movement. TPO’s are available in white, light gray, and black. TPO is a heat welded system, and the installation process is similar to EPDM. TPO membranes are installed fully-adhered, mechanical-attached or ballasted. Fully-adhered means that the roof is “glued” to the substrate using a special adhesive. What actually happens is the glue creates a chemical bond with the membrane. Ballasted simply means the membrane is loose laid over the top of the roof, sealed at all penetrations and around the perimeter, and then a ballast is put on it to hold it in place. Ballast usually consists of smooth, round, river rock 2”-3” in diameter.
Mechanically-attached membranes are those that use some type of special screw-type fastener to secure it. The type of fastener will depend on the type of substrate, but all fasteners are generally screw-type fasteners. A big advantage to TPO is there is a mat or mesh imbedded in the sheet that helps it not expand or shrink as bad. Also the seams and flashing are melted together with hot air so there are no chemicals, like glues that can fail due to different variables. Ex. Harsh climate, dust, oils, primer etc.
Properly installed TPO roof systems have service lives ranging from about 10 to 20 years. Depending on the type of installation. Typically, if you remove an old roof down to the decking before installing a new one, the roof will last longer. Also, the steeper the slope and the less severe the weather, the longer a roof will last. High winds and hail can do a roof in rather quickly! But remember, the number 1 ingredient to a good roof system is proper installation!
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