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.

What is the difference between TPO and rubber roofing?

An EPDM rubber roof is easier and faster to install than a TPO roofing membrane. EPDM requires no special equipment for installation while TPO needs to be hot air welded. This makes installing a TPO roofing membrane a more complex and costly process that also requires specialized knowledge.

What type of roof is a TPO roof?

What is TPO Roofing? Thermoplastic Polyolefin is a single-ply roofing membrane that is one of the fastest-growing commercial roofing systems on the market. TPO roofing systems are made up of a single layer of synthetics and reinforcing scrim that can be used to cover flat roofs.

Is TPO roofing the same as EPDM?

TPO Roofing Systems

EPDM has a dark surface, which in summer conditions will absorb heat, forcing cooling systems to work overtime, whereas TPO roofing reflects sunlight, allowing commercial air conditioners to work more efficiently. TPO also has a somewhat higher resistance to punctures than EPDM.

What is TPO roofing material made of?

Each thermoplastic polyolefin layer is made of ethylene-propylene rubber and manufactured with fillers such as talc, fiberglass, and carbon fiber. These fillers add to the TPO's strength and flexibility.

EPDM vs TPO Flat Roof - What's The Difference?

Is TPO a vinyl?

Are TPO and PVC the Same? While TPO and PVC are both in the thermoplastic, single-ply family, they are very different in their base chemical composition. TPO is made of ethylene propylene rubber and polypropylene, while PVC, also commonly known as vinyl, is composed of ethylene and chlorine.

Can you walk on a 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.

What is rubber roofing called?

A rubber roof, known in the roofing business as an EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) roof, has a lot of advantages and only a few disadvantages.

What does TPO roof mean?

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.

What is a rubber roof?

Rubber roofing is made of rubber or plastic polymers or a combination of both. Materials are eco-friendly, made from recycled tires, sawdust, and slate dust. Rubber roofing is used to reduce leaking and to produce more impenetrable sealing. Single-ply synthetic membrane roofing is strong, waterproof, and pliant.

Is a TPO roof considered a cool roof?

TPO, also known as a “Cool Roof”, is a very durable and energy-efficient roofing system. TPO roofing can reduce heating and air conditioning costs by as much as 25 – 35% once installed and completed. TPO can be used in many applications from commercial to residential flat roofs.

Can you paint a TPO roof?

Then, based on recommendations from a national coating and paint company in Canada, the best paint to use to paint a TPO roof is elastomeric paint. If you use a good quality elastomeric paint, then that will eliminate the need to use a surface primer first.

How long does TPO roof last?

80-mil TPO roofs come with up to a 25-year warranty and with the appropriate maintenance, it is not uncommon for a TPO roofing system to last as long as 30 years.

How do you maintain a TPO roof?

Your TPO roof should be regularly washed and have any debris on it removed. This will keep the roof white and let it maintain its reflective and cooling properties. You can also prevent debris from getting on the roof in the first place by trimming any long branches from nearby trees.

What types of rubber roofs are there?

Is EPDM a rubber roof?

EPDM is an extremely durable synthetic rubber roofing membrane that is used worldwide. EPDM is available in both black and white and is sold in a variety of widths and thicknesses.

What roofing material is best for a flat roof?

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.

How good are TPO roofs?

In reality, the thickness of a TPO roof has no impact on its quality or durability. Again, since TPO roofs are so new on the market, there is little evidence and research done to say how long this type of roofing membrane will last. Generally, roofing experts estimate a TPO roof will last 10 to 20 years.

How good is TPO?

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.

How do I know if my roof is TPO or 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.

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.