TPO thermoplastic polyolefin

The TPO thermoplastic polyolefin Single Ply Roof System

TPO is a single-ply roof system, as opposed to a built-up roof system having several layers of roofing materials. TPO and other single-ply systems have one roof membrane.

The system components
These components not installed in every TPO System

• The deck
• Air barrier when specified for the system
• Thermal barrier when specified for the system
• Vapor retarded when specified for the system
• Insulation (see "roof insulation'' )
• Cover board
• Adhesive or Fasteners (depending on the system)
• TPO membrane
• TPO flashing

How will the system be installed
TPO systems include.

• Fully adhered - glued to the substrate
• Mechanically fastened - nailed to the substrate
• Ballasted - loosely laid over the substrate and held in place by rock, pavers or some other ballast material.

The seems, flashing, and edging is heat welded to form a single membrane.

Service life expectancy
Industry experts predict a TPO service life somewhere between 20 and 30 years.

The most common problems
TPO is still a relatively new player in the market, and the industry is learning more about its performance as time goes on. Some of the problems are:

• Improper installation
• Loose seams and flashing
• UV degradation to the scrim allow water intrusion
• Since this a single-ply system, any puncture is a leak

Henry Staggs, NCCER Master Trainer, Adjunct Professor and Roofing Industry Leader

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