Each and Everything About Roofing TPO Membrane That You Should Know

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Roofing TPO Membrane
Roofing TPO Membrane

Membrane roofing sheets based on TPO have been available since the 1980s. Fabric-reinforced sheets replaced previous non-reinforced membranes by 1993. 

TPO Membrane roofing systems are becoming increasingly popular. In the 1990s, it was manufactured in the US, and its popularity has grown. Today, TPO roofs account for approximately 40% of new industrial roofs.

Commercial roofing materials made from TPO have gained popularity in recent years. Businesses and companies desire bright white roofs for a variety of reasons. Although this has some benefits, it may not be the best option for you to install a white TPO roof.

This article aims to discuss a few of the advantages and disadvantages of using TPO on commercial roofs.

Roofing TPO membrane

In commercial roofing, thermoplastic polyolefin is one of the fastest-growing single-ply membranes. The TPO roofing system, which can cover flat roofs, is made from synthetic materials and reinforcing scrim.

Regarding width, TPO membranes are available in three standard sizes: ten, twelve, and twenty feet. The next step is to roll up the sheets and transport them to a commercial location. The industry has accepted the ability of TPO’s natural reflective surface to reflect UV rays. It is estimated that approximately 40% of the roofing market is made up of TPO.

Installation of Roofing TPO membrane

Insulation for roofing TPO membrane

Before installation of the roofing TPO membrane contractor first lays down a layer of insulation on the roof. Insulation must be installed on a clean substrate by removing the existing roof or cleaning the current substrate. Most papular insulation materials are mention below that are used mainly by contractors.

1. Extruded Polystyrene 

According to price and performance, XPS lies between Polyiso and EPS. It is generally characterized by blue, green, or pink color. Perm rating 1 for XPS indicates that the material is semipermeable.

2. Expanded Polystyrene

Insulation made from EPS is the most cost-effective for roofs, walls, and floors. There is no water retention over time with EPS, which can be used for ground contact.

3. Polyisocyanurate

Roofs are typically insulated with this type of material. R-values are higher with polyiso, but it costs more.

After installing insulation material, the following methods are used for roofing the TPO membrane.

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Installation with mechanical fasteners and plates (Hot air welding)

Installing TPO roofing membranes typically require mechanical fasteners and plates. To secure the sheet to the roof deck, these anchors should be placed along the edge of the sheet and driven through the brane. Following the installation of the fasteners and plates, the adjoining sheets of TPO membrane are overlapped and hot-air welded together at a minimum width of 1 1/2 inches (40 mm). As a result of welding, the bond is expected to be as strong as the sheet itself or even stronger. Around flashing details such as exhaust vents, pipes, and corner parapets, the membrane will be secure using hot-air welding. 

Other possible ways for installation of roofing TPO membrane

Several ways to install TPO include fully adhered systems (glued) and glued or taped seams.

Pros and cons of roofing TPO membrane

After learning much information about roofing TPO membranes now, you will learn some pros and cons of roofing TPO membranes. After reading this section, you can choose a TPO membrane for your roof. So, let’s start exploring TPO roofing advantages first.

Pros of roofing TPO membrane

  • The durability of TPO enables it to withstand ultraviolet (UV) damage and chemical exposure, extending its lifetime. The typical life of a roofing TPO membrane is 30 years.
  • The second benefit of TPO roofing is that in hot weather, TPO roofing also significantly reduces the cost of your air conditioning system. Because of TPO roofing, heat can not penetrate your roof, and most heat is reflected.
  • Using environmentally friendly construction materials has become increasingly popular among home- and business owners, and roofing TPO membranes are one of the finest environmentally friendly materials.
  • TPO roofs have hot air weld seams that are flexible and strong. Compared to EPDM seams, which are adhered or taped, these are approximately four times stronger.
  • Due to their high flexibility, TPO roofing membranes are more resistant to tears, punctures, and damage resulting from the movement and settling of the building during hot weather.
  • A TPO system is one of the best ways to maintain cleaner air in the home to keep the smog outside from entering the house.
  • The impact rating of TPO is Class 4. This indicates that the device could withstand a simulated hail of 2 inches in diameter during the tests. TPOs are not impervious to impact damage; however, they will remain stable during a storm.

Cons of roofing TPO membrane

Roofing TPO membrane has a lot of advantages, but with these advantages, there are also some disadvantages present in this roofing system, which are mention below.

  • In comparison with other low-slope roof systems, TPO is more expensive. Nevertheless, it is not surprising given that it is one of the market’s most recent low-slope materials. A square foot of TPO costs approximately $150 – $500 (one square foot equals 100 square feet).
  • A poor TPO product can cause seam failure, the major problem. High welding temperatures are require for the most durable TPO membranes.
  • Water, ice, snow, and frosted or icy conditions can change slippery TPO. This has advantages and disadvantages, depending on how you look at it. Walking on the roof in those limited conditions can be a disadvantage. As far as its ability to repel water is concerned, it is an advantage.
  • Regarding heat resistance, TPO roofing can even lower summer cooling bills. Despite this, some TPO products are prone to failure if exposed to high temperatures for a prolonged period.

It would help if you kept these advantages and disadvantages of roofing TPO membranes in mind when choosing any roofing membrane.

Summary

So, here is all the information you must read before installing the roofing TPO membrane. Because by reading this article you will also save a lot of time and money. There are other roofing membranes available in the market, which has their advantages and disadvantages. So, be wise while deciding on your roofing membrane.

Apart from this, if you are interested to know more about Cavity Wall Insulation Cost then visit our HOME IMPROVEMENT category.

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