TPOMembrane
Single-ply waterproofing membrane in Thermoplastic Polyolefins. Combines the weathering resistance of rubber with the hot-air weldability of synthetic polymers. No plasticisers and a white reflective Cool Roof surface make it the most efficient choice for modern industrial and commercial flat roofs.
Fig. 01 — Hot-air welding. Hot air melts the polymer chains of two overlapping membranes, while the roller presses them creating a homogeneous weld as strong as the sheet itself.
TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) combines the best of two worlds: the long-term flexibility of rubber and the extreme reliability of hot-air welded thermoplastic polymers. Produced in white reflective sheets, it is the heart of high energy-efficiency roofing systems.
TPO is a thermoplastic material. Under a jet of hot air (about 500-600°C) from Leister machines, overlapping edges melt for a fraction of a second. Pressed by a silicone roller, they fuse at the molecular level, creating an indestructible monolithic joint. Unlike PVC, TPO contains no chemical plasticisers: it does not harden or shrink over the years.
The white colour of TPO provides a high Solar Reflectance Index (SRI > 100). While a black bituminous roof can reach 80°C in summer, a white TPO membrane rarely exceeds 35°C. This dramatically reduces cooling costs and increases the yield of bifacial photovoltaic panels installed on the roof.
Standards
European and international references applicable.
Physical properties
Usage environment
Being white, the roof tends to show dirt and water staining faster than black membranes. This does not affect waterproofing performance but to maintain maximum Cool Roof efficiency, periodic washing (every 2-3 years) is recommended.
Documented applications
TAV. DMechanically Fixed (Flat Roofs)
Standard installation: sheets are laid out and screwed through the insulation down to the metal deck or concrete slab.
Exposed Cool Roofs
Flat roofs left exposed without ballast to exploit 100% solar reflectance and reduce structural loads.
Green Roofs
TPO is naturally root-resistant (FLL), ideal as a base layer for roof gardens.
Industrial Retrofitting
Overlaying TPO sheets on old bituminous roofing (with interpenetrating separation felt) for rapid building renovation.
Solar Reflectance Index (SRI — The Cool Roof effect)
TAV. EThe SRI index combines Solar Reflectance (how much solar radiation is rejected) and Emissivity (how quickly the material releases absorbed heat). A high-SRI roof reduces urban heat islands and cuts summer HVAC costs.
Operational documents from this sheet
Specification clauses, site checklists and compliance dossiers generated from the graph — and kept in sync when a cited norm changes. Join the waiting list.
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