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.

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.

4 KEY BENEFITS OF
ARMORTHANE’S POLYUREA
WATERPROOFING

Waterproofing is just the start of what ArmorThane’s polyurea technology can do for TPO roofs. Like TPO, polyurea is a thermoplastic elastomer, but it possesses several advantages that make it the ultimate all-purpose and full-surface technology for myriad applications. For TPO roofs, we can summarize polyurea’s advantages with four key benefits:

RELIABLE AND LONG-
LASTING WATERPROOFING

As a technology fundamentally applied for waterproofing, you won’t be surprised to hear how well it performs! Polyurea coats one monolithic membrane with another, creating a waterproof barrier to further prevent water intrusion and greatly extend the lifespan of a TPO roof as well as the underlying building.

HIGH FLEXIBILITY
AND EFFECTIVE CRACK
BRIDGING

As we discussed, a common cause for cracks and leaks in TPO roofing systems is their tendency to expand and contract. Thankfully, polyurea is highly flexible and can move along with TPO so it stays intact even under extreme temperature fluctuations. Moreover, polyurea will reduce shrinkage and expansion in the first place by insulating TPO from direct exposure to both hot and cold temperatures, and it’s even capable of bridging cracks and gaps to support structural integrity.

ROBUST DURABILITY
AND RESISTIVITY

If you have a TPO roof, you probably made that decision largely because of TPO’s reputation for longevity. So why not take it to the next level? If you value durability and performance, then you’ll see the value in making only a modest investment for a dramatic upgrade in your system. It’s dollar for dollar the best value you’ll find anywhere, all thanks to the fact that polyurea is as tough and strong as it gets, tolerant and resistant to everything from harsh abrasion to chemical corrosion and beyond.

HIGH-PERFORMANCE
AND HIGH-EFFICIENCY

Performance isn’t just a matter of how long something lasts or how well it does its primary job. It’s also about how easy it is to use, build, maintain, and more; so here’s a few more reasons to love polyurea! Polyurea is applied quickly and easily by professional applicators with the help of high-pressure spray equipment, cures in as little as a few minutes, can be applied in conditions hot or cold, wet or dry, and further enhances light reflection off your roof to make your home more energy efficient.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is TPO Roofing Waterproof?

Compared to many other types of roofing material TPO is inherently more waterproof. However, this doesn’t mean you can rely on its intrinsic waterproofing capabilities alone; TPO roofing, like all roofing, can benefit from additional waterproofing technology like polyurea to prevent leaks and cracks and further improve structural integrity and energy efficiency.

What Are The Disadvantages Of TPO Roofing?

One of the biggest disadvantages of TPO roofing is its lackluster performance in winter conditions. As a single-ply roofing material TPO can suffer more from contraction in cold temperatures as compared to multi-ply materials, risking dangerous and costly cracks and leaks. Adding a waterproofing layer like polyurea can help mitigate the effects of shrinkage, while also providing additional functionality that makes TPO roofs safer and better performing.

What Is Better Than TPO Roofing?

TPO roofing is already considered a high-quality roofing system, but you can make it even better with the addition of polyurea coatings. They’re easy to apply, quick to cure, and offer multifunctional capabilities to upgrade your roof for any environment. Strong, flexible, safe, waterproof, chemically resistant; these are just a few descriptions of polyurea coatings, which is exactly why they’re so commonly paired with TPO roofs.

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TOP OFF YOUR TPO WITH ARMORTHANE’S
POLYUREA COATINGS

Your TPO roof was no small investment, and every step should be taken to make sure it lives up to its potential. So whether you have a newly installed TPO roof that’s ready for the final touch, or have an older system that could use a bit of a facelift, ArmorThane’s polyurea coatings are ready for action. We’ve been leaders in the paints and coatings industry for over 35 years, so we’re no strangers to roofing. We were there to witness the rise in popularity of TPO systems, and have innovated along with it to produce the highest quality coatings to accompany only the highest quality roofs. So if you’re ready to finish the job and top off your roof with the best in full-surface waterproofing protection, contact us today, and learn how we can be your one-stop shop for everything polyurea and polyurethane.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

TYLER GLECKLER

I am a chemist with a specialization in nanotechnology and applied materials chemistry. My work has focused on the characterization of optoelectronic materials, namely including semiconductor nanocrystals.

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