Thermoplastic Roof Membranes

Modified bitumen this type of roofing is an evolution of asphalt roofing.

Thermoplastic roof membranes. An asphalt roof costs between 8 and 10 per square foot installed. The most common thermoplastic roof membranes are pvc and tpo. Unlike sarnafil which is formulated to perform above and beyond the industry standard sikaplan is formulated to the industry standard like the rest of the thermoplastic roofing membranes on the market. Tpo is a single ply roofing system that consisting of a thermoplastic polyolefin membrane.

On the other hand polyvinyl chloride pvc and thermoplastic polyolefin tpo two other common roofing systems for commercial buildings fall in the second category. Tpo roofing is usually installed mechanically attached or fully adhered systems. Epdm an example of thermoset roofing membranes. 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.

Tpo membranes are made with a co polymerized rubber that allows them greater flexibility in cold climates. The most common thermoplastic membranes are pvc polyvinyl chloride and tpo thermoplastic polyolefin. An example of thermoset membranes includes ethylene propylene diene monomer epdm one of the most widely used roofing systems. Thermoplastic membrane roofing becomes soft when heated then hardens and binds when cooled.

It maintains its integrity throughout a wide range of thermal expansion and contraction. Thermoplastic polyolefin tpo shall only be allowed on roofs with an anticipated life of 10 years or less. Tpo membranes are white and highly reflective making them an excellent choice for those looking to reduce energy costs. This membrane is best recognized for having the benefits of epdm and pvc systems at a more economical cost.

A tpo roof costs between 5 50 and 9 50 per square foot. The heating process can usually be repeated as needed. There are several ways of connecting pieces of this material. 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.

Tpo membranes are a relatively new roof membrane and have seen several reformulations in the past decade. Sikaplan is a cost competitive single ply pvc roofing membrane designed for low slope roofing applications. Since they are new long term performance is unknown at this time. It is made from asphalt and a variety of rubber modifiers and solvents.

This membrane is composed of three layers.