Roof Membrane Explained

Tpo stands for thermoplastic polyolefin a single ply roofing membrane that covers the surface of the roof.

Roof membrane explained.

They are usually categorized as thermoset or thermoplastic which indicate their properties. Membrane roofing refers to a number of different roofing materials. Its two primary ingredients ethylene and propylene are derived from oil and natural gas. Roofing membranes are generally made from large sheets of a thin material.

The torch down rubber membrane can be installed almost over any surface without much preparation. Membrane roofing is a type of roofing system for buildings and tanks. The appearance is not as smooth and clean as epdm or tpo. Existing flashing that s already in place eg where the roof.

Epdm is available in both black and white and is sold a broad variety of widths ranging from 7 5 feet to fifty feet and in two thicknesses 45 and 60 mils. The 2 ply membrane is made of reinforced fabrics covered with asphalt which consists of modifiers that give the asphalt its elastic properties on both sides. After it sets a thermoset membrane will permanently retain its shape. Neoprene polychloroprene epdm ethylene propylene diene monomer pvc polyvinyl chloride chlorinated polyethylene and chlorosulfonated.

Membrane roofs are most commonly made from synthetic rubber thermoplastic pvc or similar material or modified bitumen. There are 2 types of mb rubber roof membranes. Epdm is an extremely durable synthetic rubber roofing membrane ethylene propylene diene terpolymer widely used in low slope buildings in the united states and worldwide. Historically the most common type was a tar and pitch membrane but newer synthetic materials are quickly taking over.

It is used to create a watertight roof covering to protect the interior of a building. Membrane roofs are most commonly used in commercial application though they are becoming increasingly common in residential application. The name is a bit misleading because rather than being a plastic tpo is actually one of a few different types of rubber usually a blend of polypropylene and ethylene propylene rubber. Membrane is easily punctured while we explained in the paragraph above that single ply membrane roofing is lightweight and flexible that also leads us to our first con the thin layers are easily punctured.

Thermoset materials as the name suggests set solidify after being heated. Because of the rubberized technology these membranes are referred to as rubber roofs or membranes. Seams are heat welded and that makes for better adhesion. For a flat roof these newer synthetic membranes offer a great leak proof option.

Roofing breathable membranes or vapour permeable underlays can be airtight or air open and what that will have an effect on is the amount of ventilation or if ventilation is required on that particular roof. Unlike epdm or tpo.