Thermoplastic Polyolefin Roofing systems
Having a strong durable roofing is one of the most important features of your building. Without the proper roofing a newly constructed building may be weak and vulnerable to damages. The proper choice of the materials for the concentration of materials is very important. The materials include fibre cement, asbestos, polycarbon, slate and many other things. These materials have been used for over decades to reinforce the roof of our day to day visit buildings. But a more proved material has been found in the market which has a better capability of than the other material.
Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) has been launched in the market in the 1980s. The first membrane of roofing was launched in 1989. In the year 1993 the previously launched membranes were changed with fabric enforced sheets. Previously in the last century, bituminous multiple- ply systems from the 1800s to 1990s. For variety of reasons containing social, economic and performance considerations, the old conventional roof systems take less than 30 percent of the roofs that are installed.
With the advancement in technology and science the roof membrane have gone afar. EPDM roofs are very much durable and compounded with carbon black for ultraviolet (UV). The roofs are also vulcanized and require the membrane to retain the capacity with adhesives in order to repel the weather attacks. Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO)membranes are carefully welded together, so that they are stronger than the membrane itself and are incapable of creating problem in the future. However proper welding of the roofs is very important as without that new patches and penetrations would affect the roof system.The sheets of poly vinyl chloride (PVC) have several advantages of being easy to process, used in single-ply membranes and are used in lighter colors.
TPO roofing are relatively cheaper than the other two roofing systems EPDM and PVC. Moreover TPO can help in effective resistance from bacteria, dirt, UV rays and many other harmful substances.
Why TPO?
There may be questions as why to choose Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) but as compared to the vulcanized EPDM rubber, it can be processed and welded like any other thermoplastics. The low temperature flexibility is even good with TPO because for containing EP rubber. Shrinkage and plasticizers are also are of because less factor. The absence of chlorine from the product in the polymer chain also suggests that it would be much more “greener” than other membranes that contain chlorine.
TPOs are available in various thickness. Common thickness are 45 and 60 mils. The more the mils is increased, the withstanding capacity of the material increases and it becomes puncture resistant. If the sheet has more hills and valleys due to the texture of the abrasion will expose the fabric to the weather and resulting in huge damage. TPOs are better weather sensitive and with hot-air welding and mechanical attachments and T- joints, TPOs are proving to be a better rooftop material for many now.
Some of the Key points of TPO are;
- Lower cost than other membranes
- Hot-air weld seams which are better than adhesive based seams
- Mechanically fastened systems work well in re-cover applications.
- Non-reinforced membrane which is easy to form for detailing.
These are some of the key points for opting thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO)
Summary
TPO Roofing or thermoplastic polyolefin is a single ply roofing membrane that is made from ethylene-propylene rubber and polyprophylene that is polimerized together. It can be attached in mechanically attached systems where the roof remains exposed. TPO are durable than other roof membrane and can last upto 20 years. They are also much greener than other membranes as they have no chlorine.
