TPO is Unproven and Unreliable
The latest formulations of U.S. manufactured TPO membranes have relatively few years of “real world” exposure, so their resistance to heat, UV, and general weathering is still unknown. Early generations of TPO membranes had many performance issues, which led to changes in their formulations. One of the most common problems was TPO failing in hot climates or when exposed to increased UV.
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SIKAPLAN PVC HAS:
Same Cost as TPO
35+ Years of Performance History
Superior Fire Resistance
WORLD'S MOST TRUSTED PVC MANUFACTURER
Discover the Benefits of Sikaplan
Over the past 20 years, U.S. manufactured TPO has grown to become one of the most commonly used low-slope, single-ply roof membranes thanks in large part to its low price point. What you might not know is that most, if not all, U.S. TPO membrane manufacturers are on their second, third or even fourth generation of membrane formulations due to performance inconsistencies and many are still having issues.
As the most trusted single-ply thermoplastic membrane manufacturer in the world, Sika is dedicated to educating its current and potential customers about the differences between PVC and TPO systems.
TPO is:
UNPROVEN
20+ years later and U.S. TPO manufacturers still continue to modify their formulations to try and achieve the required level of performance. Especially in hot climates and high UV conditions.
WATER ABSORPTION RISK
Need to seal all cut membrane edges (including factory cut edges) to prevent water absorption.
WATERTIGHTNESS CHALLENGES
Lack of visual “bleed out” during seam welding and the need to wait 30 minutes to probe the seam makes water tightness quality control challenges.
REPAIR PROBLEMS
Aged membranes surface can be difficult to re-weld and/or patch.
FIRE RESISTANCE SHORTCOMINGS
Fire-resistant TPO membranes continue to burn after the flame is removed during burn tests.
DETAILING CONCERNS
TPO membranes are stiff making workability insituations such as detailing, cold weather or thickermembranes a potential problem for waterightness.
Sikaplan is:
PROVEN
Over 35+ years of performance history from Sika, the creators of Sarnafil and the world leader in producing thermoplastic roof membranes.
NO RISK
No edge sealant needed to prevent water absorption.
WATERTIGHT
Distinct “bleed out” during seam welding and the ability to probe the seam immediately makes water tightness quality control easier.
EASY REPAIRS
Ability to repair the aged membrane with new membrane, not an issue.
SUPERIOR FIRE RESISTANCE
PVC membrane is inherently fire resistant and does not continue to burn once a flame is removed.
DETAILING EASE
Sikaplan PVC is flexible and makes detailing easy, even in cold weather or with thicker membranes.
United States Department of Defense Unified Forces Design Criteria- 2012 for TPO
Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) shall only be allowed on roofs with an anticipated life of 10 years or less.
Sikaplan vs TPO Fire Resistance
Sikaplan PVC, manufactured by Sika Roofing, is compared to EPDM and TPO roof membranes in a head-to-head "vertical burn test."
Sikaplan Vs. TPO Water Absorption
Is a roofing membrane's ability to wick water important? You bet it is! Water absorption of a roofing membrane can affect the quality of seam welds and lead to premature membrane failure, among a host of other things. In this water absorption test between Sikaplan and TPO, there is an obvious winner.
Discover Why Sikaplan is the Right System for You by FIlling Out the Form or Calling (800)-930-4341 Today!