Can you walk on TPO roof?

Flat Roof Surfaces You Can Walk On

Whether its BUR (Built-up Roofing), TPO (Thermoplastic polyolefin), Modified Bitumen, or Single Ply Roofing, your roofing professional can apply the right waterproofing membrane to make it possible to walk on.

Can you build a deck on a TPO roof?

If you are wondering if you can build a deck on a TPO roof, the answer to such a question is simply yes. A deck built on top of a TPO roof is quite similar to a deck built on top of a concrete patio.

Is TPO roof slippery?

TPO is a single-ply material and is not designed to take on heavy foot traffic, which means certain types of footwear may damage the roof. Despite the relative flatness of such roofing, high winds and the risks of slipping (TPO can be slippery when wet) are safety concerns that professionals are prepared for.

What is the life expectancy of a TPO roof?

What is the life expectancy of a TPO roof? A thermoplastic Olefin (TPO) roof typically lasts as little as 22 years and up to a maximum of about 30 years.

Is TPO roofing toxic?

TPO membranes are made from non-toxic, non-hazardous materials with no added plasticizers, making it an earth-friendly option that's easily recyclable.

#1 Problem With TPO Roofs

Are TPO roofs any good?

TPO is very good at resisting dirt build-up, punctures, and tears as well. This means a strong roofing product that can save you money in the long run as the roof will need to be cleaned less often.

Is TPO better than PVC?

TPO presents superior results for tear and break strengths, while PVC outperforms in chemical resistance, fire resistance, and overall cost. Restaurants or buildings with grease traps on the roof would be better served by a PVC roofing system.

Can you walk on a membrane roof?

Yes to an extent. EPDM is designed to take LIGHT foot traffic during installation and for occasional cleaning or maintenance. If you require more use than this, i.e. for a balcony then there are additional materials that can be laid over your EPDM for a more durable solution.

How do you maintain a TPO roof?

Which is better EPDM or TPO?

TPO has better dimensional stability than EPDM. EPDM is more likely to shrink which can cause a variety of problems on your roof.

Is TPO better than tar and gravel?

Often times you will find that TPO is actually cheaper with many advantages whereas Tar & Gravel has more disadvantages. When it comes to environmental questions both help with UV light in that it will reflect or absorb the UV light for roof longevity.

What are the benefits of TPO?

TPO membranes are highly durable.

They hold up well to long-term exposure to the sun's ultraviolet light, and they are highly resistant to puncturing, tearing, or water damage. They are even resistant to bacterial growth and dirt buildup, so it will be easier for you to keep your roof clean.

Does TPO roofing shrink?

TPO does not shrink over time, but PVC can and this will cause many problems on a roofing job.

Can I turn my flat roof into a roof terrace?

Flat roofs

In most cases, an existing flat roof will be used to create a roof terrace. In concrete or steel frame buildings, the existing flat roof is likely to have enough structural strength for a terrace, because the roof is constructed like the floor structures below.

Is TPO waterproof?

If you're curious about TPO waterproofing membrane specification. Here's where the magic happens: a TPO's hot air-welded seams make it 100% resistant to water penetration. Unlike PVC, property owners enjoy a leak-proof roof for a long period of time.

Is TPO roofing flammable?

Single-ply roofing materials such as TPO are a sub-specialty category of roofing. This means that single-ply roofing is made using highly flammable and toxic materials. Solvents and adhesives are used to compose and install TPO roofing, which does make it flammable.

Is it OK to walk on RV roof?

Crawl Instead of Walk – Since you will be trying to stay near the edge of the roof since that is the strongest area of the roof it is safer to crawl than walk in those areas. Never Walk on a Wet Roof – Obviously, an RV roof is slippery when wet! Especially if it is made of fiberglass.

Does a TPO roof require maintenance?

TPO, or thermoplastic polyolefin, is one of the most popular membrane materials used in commercial roofing. It provides low-slope roofs their standout qualities, including durability, energy efficiency and flexibility. As with other roofing materials, a TPO roof must be cleaned and maintained regularly.

How thick is TPO roofing?

TPO is typically sold in thicknesses of 45 mil, 60 mil and 90 mil. In Indiana, we typically see 45 mil and 60 mil specified. The thicker the membrane, the better the long term durability.

Can you walk on plastic roofing?

You should never walk on polycarbonate roofing unless it's well-supported underneath. While polycarbonate roofing can sustain a lot of abuse, it's not meant to support the weight of a person. The surface is slippery and you will likely fall. Further, you can dent and scratch it if you walk on it.

What flat roof material can you walk on?

An EPDM flat rubber roof is capable of withstanding light foot traffic. This is during the installation process, further maintenance and using it to access windows for cleaning.

What does TPO roof stand for?

Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) single-ply roofing membranes are among the fastest growing commercial roofing products and have gained praise across the industry for their many performance and installation advantages.

Is TPO a rubber roof?

The name is a bit misleading, because rather than being plastic, TPO is one of a few different types of rubber, usually a blend of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber.

Is EPDM or TPO more expensive?

TPO roofing membranes are more expensive than EPDM. Regardless of which membrane you choose, it is better to spend more money and invest in a thicker membrane. Both EPDM and TPO roofs perform better and last longer if they are thicker.

How do you tell the difference between TPO and PVC?

Off the rack, no you cannot tell the difference visually. You can 'feel' a difference- PVC feeling more waxy, and feeling more pliable then TPO (unaged anyway…) PVC also has a distinct 'PVC Smell' to it.