What is TPO roofing made of?

TPO roofing systems are made up of a single layer of synthetics and reinforcing scrim that can be used to cover flat roofs. TPO membranes are manufactured in sheets that are 10, 12, or 20 feet wide. These sheets are then rolled up and taken to the commercial facility.

What is TPO membrane 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.

Is TPO roofing rubber?

Believe it or not, TPO is actually in a broad family of rubber roofing materials. TPO is a blend of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber. EPDM stands for Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer. It is a synthetic rubber derived from oil and natural gas (ethylene propylene).

Is TPO roofing PVC?

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.

Is TPO a good roof?

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.

All About TPO Roofing

Can I walk on my 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 the maintenance on a TPO roof?

TPO Cleaning Tips

Keep away plants, shrubs, and exterior faced from cleaning solution run-offs. A low-pressure washer should be used to clean and rinse the top layer of debris. Prevent damage in the membrane by using a soft-bristled brush with a long handle or a floor broom.

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.

Which is better PVC or TPO?

While PVC offers better resistance to puncture and weathering, TPO (like PVC) is recyclable and environmentally friendly. Its reflective surface reduces UV radiation and helps with energy efficiency.

Is TPO roof glued down?

A TPO roof can be installed fully-adhered, mechanically-attached or ballasted. When the TPO roof is fully adhered it means that the membrane was glued to the substrate using a special strong adhesive that creates a chemical bond with the TPO.

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.

How can you tell the difference between EPDM and TPO?

The main difference between TPO and EPDM roofing is that the durability of EPDM is higher, while TPO has a better reflection of sunlight. In EPDM vs TPO comparison, the latter also has a wider variety of color options available.

Can TPO roofing be painted?

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 is a TPO roof made?

TPO roofing systems are made up of a single layer of synthetics and reinforcing scrim that can be used to cover flat roofs. TPO membranes are manufactured in sheets that are 10, 12, or 20 feet wide. These sheets are then rolled up and taken to the commercial facility.

What is TPO rubber?

TPO Roofing Systems

It consists of different rubber types that are usually a combination of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber. A TPO membrane is either mechanically fastened or affixed through an adhesive that bonds to the cover board.

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.

How long has TPO roofing been around?

The answer was TPO. TPO membranes were first introduced in Europe in 1991 with the name FPO (Flexible Polyolefin). In the early 1990s, TPO arrived in the US market. Afterwards, TPO became a popular selection because it is durable, cost-effective, ultraviolet- (UV) and heat-resistant, and energy efficient.

Can you heat Weld TPO to PVC?

Heat welding of PVC and TPO works perfectly around these roof units. The technicians will seal the membrane seams, stopping moisture from dripping through around the base.

How long does a PVC roof last?

EPDM and TPO roofing generally last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, while TPO roofs have stronger seams than EPDM roofing. With proper maintenance, a PVC roof can last up to 30 years.

What is TPO primer?

A solvent-based product designed for one-step cleaning and priming of TPO surfaces to be bonded with In-Seam Tapes, Uncured Flashing Tapes, Cured Cover Tapes, and Pre-Taped membranes.

How do you extend the life of a TPO roof?

Installing Roof Coatings Over TPO

Coatings like asphalt emulsion and acrylic are effective solutions that will extend the life of TPO roof systems. They're cost-effective and easy to install, which is particularly advantageous when a new roof is an unexpected expense.

Do you have to clean a TPO roof?

Cleaning should be a regular part of the preventive maintenance plan. Keeping the TPO roof clean will help keep the energy savings within the structure by continuing to reflect away sunlight and keep the building cool in the warm months. It will also prevent the growth of mold & mildew.

What do you clean a TPO roof with?

EverGuard TPO only requires mild and non-abrasive household detergent for cleaning. Use a long-handled brush with soft bristles. Make sure to rinse off the solution completely with a pressure washer set on low.