Applied Roofing Technologies, Inc.
	What is TPO ? TPO stands for Thermoplastic Polyolefin. Its a synthetic rubber compound. Unlike other rubber compounds used in the roofing industry, it possesses the ability to be fused together like a plastic PVC membrane over its life. Most other rubber membranes are seamed together using either 2 sided tape systems or an adhesive. What are the advantages of a fused seam over tape systems ? Hot air welded seams have proven to be the most reliable seam in the market today. Fused seams are 6 times stronger than glued seams and three times stronger than tape systems. Once fused together, the TPO lap forms a monolithic homogeneous rubber roof system over the entire field of the roof. Seams are impossible to deteriorate. And in roof systems where seams are always the weakest link in the system, its reassuring to know that the laps are its strongest component. Please visit the "welding" web page to see a typical TPO seam prior to fusing as well as the mechanical unit ( the Leister) used to heat and fuse the seam together. Compare it to the tape systems you'll see on the page too. What are other advantages of the TPO systems? While TPO can be manufactured in colors, the most obvious choice for the TPO membrane is white. It offers a reflective quality rarely found in roof systems, reflecting close to 87% of the sun's damaging UV rays OFF the roof. The roof membrane stays close to ambient air temperature, which means heat is NOT absorbed in the roof membrane and transmitted into the interior of the building. If your facility is air conditioned, it lightens the load put on air conditioning units and reduces air conditioning costs. Colors available are tan and grey. The TPO membrane is also reinforced with a polyester scrim reinforcement, which offers greater puncture and tear resistance than conventional black EPDM membranes. What type of systems are available with TPO membranes ? TPO can be installed in mechanically attached, fully adhered, and ballasted type applications. The most prevalent is the mechanically attached roof system. Is the TPO system competitive in costs to black EPDM ? Actually, the typical TPO mechanically attached system can be less expensive than fully adhered and mechanically attached black EPDM systems by almost 10-20%. There are fewer steps in preparing the TPO seams than EPDM tape systems, which saves in installation costs. And costs are reduced by elimating primers and tape systems in the laps. Are warranties comparable ? Firestone Building Products offers the same warranty on either its TPO or EPDM roof system.  10 and 15 year warranties are available. Can TPO be installed over an existing roof system ? TPO is not the cure all for all roof problems. Good roofing practices still apply when considering even a tough TPO membrane. Any wet insulation in the existing roof system should be removed prior to ANY new roof system installed, including TPO. But once all the existing insulation and decking has been inspected and approved, a TPO system can be installed after an insulation board has been applied over an existing built up roof system or other single ply membrane. Why should I choose Applied Roofing Technologies over other contractors when looking for a TPO applicator to install a roof on my facility ? Applied Roofing Technologies specializes in the application of TPO membranes. In nearly 15 years of operation, 95% of all its clients have chosen the white hot air welded roof system over black EPDM and built up roofs once they've inspected a prior application from ART.  In addition to the manufacturer's warranty, ART offers a FREE NO COST SERVICE CONTRACT that provides for additional protection against leaks not covered by the manufacturer's warranty...leaks caused by accidental cuts in the membrane by HVAC contractors or tree limbs blowing across the roof in storms. AND we inspect the roof once a yearand submit a report for your files...all at no extra cost while the manufacturer's warranty stays in effect. Can we install EPDM membranes from Firestone ? We are approved applicators to install any of Firestone Building Products' roofing lines. So IF your choice HAS to be EPDM, ART can offer competitive costs on EPDM as well. What information will I recieve from ART in the proposal stage ? ART will provide a comprehensive information package with product pages from Firestone Buiilding Products detailing the components of the roof system, digital images of the existing roof system indicating its problems and reasons that its a candidate for reroofing, samples of both TPO and EPDM membranes, brochures on ART and sample mailers used to promote TPO systems, and a mini CD on the company that will allow you to view this information if you do not have access to the internet at a different location.And last but not least, a Reference List of past clients that can offer insight to our ability to service your account before, during, and after the application is complete.