Thermoplastic White Vinyl Roofing
On the other hand polyvinyl chloride pvc and thermoplastic polyolefin tpo two other common roofing systems for commercial buildings fall in the second category.
Thermoplastic white vinyl roofing. Epdm an example of thermoset roofing membranes. An example of thermoset membranes includes ethylene propylene diene monomer epdm one of the most widely used roofing systems. These roof systems are synthetic substances that are softened when heated but harden upon cooling. The most obvious similarity is that tpo thermoplastic olefin and pvc poly vinyl chloride are both thermoplastic materials.
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 made from ethylene propylene rubber a synthetic elastomer and polypropylene a thermoplastic polymer which is then polymerized bonded together using chemicals. Moreover like pvc tpo is considered a green roofing material and can save you money on your electricity bills because both membranes are white in color and possess reflective cool roof properties. Tpo is fairly new on the market and its longevity is largely untested.
These roof membranes are single ply and can be installed using a variety of methods including mechanical attachment point affixed and fully adhered. Vinyl roofs also known as thermoplastic polyvinyl chloride pvc membrane roofing can improve building energy efficiency while positively impacting the quality of the urban environment. Tpo is a membrane roofing material in the same category as edpm and pvc. The flashing used around skylights vents a c units drains and drip edges are pre manufactured specific to each commercial roof.
Both membranes are heat weldable which makes them more resistant to leaks than epdm because of a reduced number of instances of seam failures. Thermoplastic polyolefins tpo are in the thermoplastic elastomer family. It s generally less expensive that pvc but more expensive than efdm. Pvc membranes are produced in numerous colors though gray and white are the most common.
Tpo membranes are manufactured in sheets that are 10 12 or 20 feet wide. Filler materials are then added to create the finished roofing membrane. Installing a tpo roofing system the roofing contractor must be certified by the manufacturer. Thermoplastic olefin tpo tpo membranes are produced by calendering with lamination extrusion with lamination or extrusion coating techniques.