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.

How is TPO roofing attached?

The TPO membrane can be attached to the cover board with a bonding adhesive or mechanically fastened. When the membrane is rolled out, the contractor then returns and uses a hot-air gun to hot air weld the seams together.

What goes under a TPO roof?

The substrate under the membrane is either a cover board or the top layer of insulation.

How can you tell the difference between TPO and PVC roofing?

TPO roofing membranes consist of an ethylene or polyethylene thermoplastic bound to ethylene propylene rubber. PVC roofing membranes are made by polymerizing vinyl chloride monomers, then adding plasticizers to increase flexibility.

Does TPO roofing need underlayment?

Unlike EPDM, most TPO roofing membranes are white. ... TPO roofs can resist UV rays by reflecting the light off its surface. This makes TPO ideal for buildings that need an effective insulation system. TPO underlayment is relatively easier to install.

TPO: Fully Adhered Systems

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.

How long will a TPO roof last?

A TPO roof membrane can last anywhere from 15 to 20 years. It is a single ply reflective roofing option, and it is typically adhered or mechanically attached. This membrane can be left exposed throughout its life.

Can you glue TPO to PVC?

It's all in the welding

Both PVC and TPO membrane seams are heated-welded together. ... The computer also sets the correct pressure to apply and the most suitable speed when welding together the PVC seams. The bonding process creates the strongest seal possible in roofing systems.

Is TPO good for flat roofs?

For flat roofs or those with a low slope, you may be looking into TPO roofing to get the job done. ... TPO is an attractive option due to its low cost, ease of installation, and energy-efficient benefits.

Is TPO a rubber roof?

TPO Roofing Systems

It consists of different rubber types that are usually a combination of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber. ... When being installed, TPO roofing systems are always welded, making the system extremely durable, but can also complicate installation because welding requires an electrical source.

How do you maintain a TPO roof?

A mild household detergent and water should be used in cleaning the membrane's surface. This should be followed by completely rinsing the roof using a low-pressure power washer. After cleaning, the roof should be inspected for damage and any incidental damage should be repaired according to GAF's guidelines.

Can you glue TPO seams?

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.

Can you install TPO over existing roof?

Can TPO be installed over an existing roof system? ... But once all the existing insulation and decking has been inspected and approved, a TPO system can be installed after an insulation board has been applied over an existing built-up roof system or another single ply membrane.

Can you glue TPO to EPDM?

Yes. Recovering with TPO is a great option for a building with an aging EPDM roofing system. It's easy. It's far less costly and disruptive than a full tear-off.

Can TPO roofing be repaired?

Because TPOs are heat weldable, you can make a patch if there is a simple puncture. But in order to make this patch, you'll need electricity, a hot-air welding tool, and patching material – tools that professional roofing contractors will have on hand, but an average building owner probably won't.

Can you pressure wash a TPO roof?

A low-pressure power washer featuring 2,000 psi or lower should be used to clean and rinse away the top layer of dirt and dust from the TPO rooftop. Prepare to use a mild, non-abrasive household detergent as the cleaning solution.

What is the average cost to install TPO roof?

Generally speaking, TPO roofing will cost between $3.00 and $5.00 per square foot to install. This is slightly more expensive than what you'll find with a tar and gravel roof option, but can be a bit more cost effective than the normal prices seen with the installation of a PVC roofing system.

How much should a TPO roof cost?

While prices always vary, TPO roof replacement costs generally range from $7 to $13 per square foot. Like other types of roofing, TPO systems are priced in 100 square foot sections, commonly called “squares”. As a result, commercial roofing contractors commonly price TPO roofing between $700 and $1,300 per square.

What 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.

Can TPO roofing be painted?

Thermoplastic olefins (TPOs) can be painted using various methods. ... TPO materials usually require surface treatment prior to painting. However, some paint companies have developed paint systems that are capable of direct adhesion to TPOs.

Is TPO impact resistant?

The fleeceback TPO membrane is specifically designed for demanding situations in terms of ice ball impact resistance, even at the 30-year heat- 4 4 • I N T E R F A C E J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7 Page 4 aged equivalence point. 3. ... It is very important to ensure that fasteners are not used immediately below the membrane. 5.