Thermoplastic Vs Thermoset Roofing

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.

Thermoplastic vs thermoset roofing. 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. Thermoplastic materials are distinguished from thermoset materials in that there is no chemical crosslinking. The terms thermoplastic and thermoset stand for how a material is or can be processed under a changed temperature 1. Thermoplastic and thermoset are polymers.

The main physical difference is how they respond to high temperatures. Today single ply roofing makes up the vast majority of the low slope commercial roofing market in north america. An example of thermoset membranes includes ethylene propylene diene monomer epdm one of the most widely used roofing systems. Whether it be a small repair roof maintenance program or a total roof replacement.

Because of the materials chemical nature thermoplastic membranes typically are seamed by heat welding with hot air or solvent welding. Thermoset roofing is a diversified commercial roofing contractor based in south florida. Thermoset plastics contain polymers that cross link together during the curing process to form an irreversible chemical bond. These membranes can be repeatedly softened by heating or hardened when cooled.

On the other hand polyvinyl chloride pvc and thermoplastic polyolefin tpo two other common roofing systems for commercial buildings fall in the second category. Summary thermoplastic vs thermoset. 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. There are two different types of single ply roofing material.

Thermoplastic roof systems use tpo thermoplastic polyolefin or pvc polyvinyl chloride membranes. Tpo and pvc are smooth chemically resistant and water resistant and neither is easy to coat. 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. Our firm specializes in confronting and solving the roofing and waterproofing needs of hotels resorts and general contractors property managers and building owners.