Thermoset Vs Thermoplastic Roofing

Summary thermoplastic vs thermoset.

Thermoset vs thermoplastic roofing.

Thermoplastic roof systems use tpo thermoplastic polyolefin or pvc polyvinyl chloride membranes. Because of the materials chemical nature thermoplastic membranes typically are seamed by heat welding with hot air or solvent welding. Today single ply roofing makes up the vast majority of the low slope commercial roofing market in north america. There are two different types of single ply roofing material.

The choice between a thermoplastic or thermoset plastic depends heavily on the use case. These membranes can be repeatedly softened by heating or hardened when cooled. The key difference between thermoplastic and thermoset is that it is possible to melt thermoplastic into any shape and re use it whereas thermosets have a permanent shape and are not recyclable into new forms of plastic. On the other hand polyvinyl chloride pvc and thermoplastic polyolefin tpo two other common roofing systems for commercial buildings fall in the second category.

An example of thermoset membranes includes ethylene propylene diene monomer epdm one of the most widely used roofing systems. Our firm specializes in confronting and solving the roofing and waterproofing needs of hotels resorts and general contractors property managers and building owners. Single ply roofing membranes fall into two classes thermoset membranes such as ethylene propylene diene monomer epdm and hypalon and thermoplastic membranes such as thermoplastic polyolefin tpo and polyvinyl chloride pvc. Comparing thermoplastic polyolefin roofing with epdm.

Synthetic rubber and thermoplastics serve as two of the most widely used materials for low slope roofing applications. Thermoset roofing is a diversified commercial roofing contractor based in south florida. Thermoplastic and thermoset are polymers. Introduction thermoset vs thermoplastic thermoset and thermoplastics are two separate forms of polymer powders which are differentiated based on their behavior when reacting to the application of heat the primary difference between the two is that thermoset is a material that strengthens when heated but cannot be remolded or heated after the initial forming while thermoplastics can be.

Typically it is more common to see thermoplastics being used in day to day life. Understanding the performance differences can help you make better sourcing decisions and improve your product designs. Thermoplastic materials are distinguished from thermoset materials in that there is no chemical crosslinking.