Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) membranes is one of the most popular commercial roofing materials used today. Unlike some other popular thermoplastic roofing membranes, the TPO polymer does not contain chlorine and no chlorine-containing ingredients are added during production. This lack of chlorine has helped TPO membranes garner a great reputation for being an environmentally friendly, “green” product. TPO membrane, reinforced and non-reinforced, is 100 percent recyclable during the production process.
TPO roofing membrane is typically installed using mechanical fasteners and plates placed along the edge of the sheet and fastened through the membrane and into the decking of the roof. Adjoining sheets of TPO membrane are overlapped, covering the fasteners and plates, and joined together with a hot air weld. One of the primary benefits of TPO membrane is the ability to fuse the sheets together using a hot air weld. The welding process results in a bond that is actually stronger than the sheet itself.Maintenance and repairs are easily accomplished because no aggregate surfacing is needed.
Furthermore, TPO comes in a variety of wide sheets, making installation quicker and easier than other roofing methods.