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PROTECTING YOUR WORLD

TPO ROOF
WATERPROOFING

Why Polyurea Coatings Are the Perfect Addition to TPO Roofing Systems

WHAT IS TPO ROOFING?

TPO stands for thermoplastic polyolefin, which is a single-ply membrane used to construct flat roofs and roofs with low slopes. As a thermoplastic membrane TPO can be heat-welded at the seams to create one uniform roofing layer. However, while the final product is single-ply, three separate layers are used to construct the resulting monolayer: a TPO base, a polyester-reinforced scrim, and a TPO top ply. The base layer is compounded to improve adhesion and durability, the scrim is an encapsulated middle layer designed to add structure and strength to the membrane, and the top layer is formulated with UV resistant properties and abrasion tolerance. Together, the membrane they combine to create is highly puncture resistant, energy efficient, and cost-effective so it’s no surprise that it has become a widely popular choice of roofing system. The problem is, some of TPO’s advantages may have been inadvertently overstated, namely in terms of its inherent waterproofing capabilities. The truth is that while TPO may be more waterproof than alternatives like PVC or EPDM, it can benefit from additional waterproofing layers just as much as any other roofing system. So for the best all-purpose waterproofing that’s perfect for TPO roofs, or any other type of roofing system for that matter, there’s no better option than ArmorThane’s polyurea waterproof coatings.

TPO Roof Waterproofing

WHY DOES TPO ROOFING NEED WATERPROOFING?

You’ll often hear that because of TPO roofing’s watertight seams they don’t require any additional waterproofing protection. The truth is not so simple nor convenient. It’s true that TPO’s watertight nature means it supports better waterproofing from the get-go, but that only tells half the story; because like any roof, without a secondary means of protection, they can be damaged over time to see cracks and leaks that compromise the seam-based water repellent functionality. Moreover, TPO roofs are more susceptible to certain types of degradation, such as through seam separation. The heat-welded seams that hold the roof together can separate over time, removing the means by which your TPO roof was watertight. Additionally, TPO roofing can pull away around the edges since there’s only material on one side, but leaks at the edges are just as hazardous as those anywhere in the center. Lastly, because TPO is a thermoplastic, it shrinks and expands more than non-polymeric materials. The consequence of more frequent and extensive fluctuations can cause cracks or reveal other openings in your roof. The point is, when your roof is newly installed and recently inspected, you can expect your roof to remain watertight. However, with age it’s likely your TPO roof will begin to suffer the consequences of prolonged exposure to one thing or another, leading to damage and subsequent water incursion. That’s why employing the help of a dedicated waterproofing material like ArmorThane’s polyurea can help ensure that you can make the most out of a TPO roof’s benefits without having to worry about throwing a sudden pool party in your living room.
TPO Roof Coatings