Flat Roof Membrane TPO PVC

What is Flat Roofing?

Flat roofing refers to a type of roofing system that has a minimal slope and goes to zero degrees.  Generally, under 3/12 pitch will require a membrane. It is commonly used in commercial and industrial buildings.  Residential applications are also common.  This system differs from sloped roofs, which have a steeper incline and are more commonly found in residential buildings. Some of the most popular flat roofing materials include TPO, EPDM  and PVC, which are durable and long-lasting.

See How the Pitch of a Roof is Represented below.

TPO Thermoplastic Poly-olefin

TPO A flexible, durable, and UV-resistant material that can be a good choice for commercial flat roofs. TPO stands for (thermoplastic poly-olefin) and PVC (poly-vinyl chloride) are both types of roofing membranes. They can be used for flat roofs or low pitch. A roof considered a low-slope pitch is less than 3 to 2/12 pitch.

Benefits: TPO is resistant to tears, punctures, and damage. It’s also recyclable, which makes it a greener option than other roofing materials. TPO is often the least expensive single-ply membrane roof material. 

Installation: TPO heat welding is a process that uses heat to fuse the seams of thermoplastic poly-olefin roofing membranes. This creates a strong, watertight bond. TPO is a combination of polypropylene and ethylene propylene rubber. It remains flexible in cold temperatures and can withstand UV rays. It is also resistant to chemicals. TPO heat welding is a common method for commercial roofing because of the high performance of the resulting joints. 

TPO Colors

PVC Membrane Polyvinyl Chloride

PVC membrane heat welded is a process where sheets of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) roofing membrane are joined. This is done by applying heat. This process involves melting the edges of the sheets slightly and then pressing them together. This creates a strong, permanent seam, often using a hot air welding technique. This method is commonly used in flat roof installations to ensure a watertight seal between PVC membrane pieces.

Standard PVC Colors

• Markings: The underside of each coated sheet is marked with “TPO” or “PVC”; these markings are repeated several times to avoid misidentification
• IMPORTANT: TPO and PVC are not interchangeable and will not weld to each other

Maintenance: TPO and PVC resist corrosion, mildew, and algae growth, and do not require pressure washing. These types of roofing membranes that can be used for flat roofs under 3/12 pitches.

ROOF PITCH

What pitch to consider when installing a flat style roof.

Installation Accessories

DRIP EDGE ALWAYS DROPS INTO A GUTTER

GRAVEL STOP HOLDS WATER ON THE ROOF ANGLED SIDE

My flat roof pools water, how do I resolve this problem?

If your flat roof is pooling water, it indicates a drainage issue. Some of the common causes include clogged drains. Also, there may be an improper roof pitch, which means a lack of slope towards drains. Another cause could be a damaged or poorly installed roof membrane. Additionally, debris can build up on the roof surface. This situation can lead to significant damage if not addressed promptly. A professional inspection is needed to identify the exact cause. After identifying the cause, repairs can be implemented. These repairs may include cleaning drains. They might also involve adding additional drains. Another option could be replacing the roof membrane and installing tapered polyiso insulation.

Tapered Polyiso Insulation

We design tapered layouts to help drive rain water to promote positive drainage.

Tapered Polyiso Insulation

Where constant pooling happens, more vegetative debris accumulates. The solution is to install tapered polyiso or tapered rigid foam.