TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) is a popular type of single-ply roofing membrane that has been a central part of the roofing industry for years. By the end of the last century, product advances underscored the inevitability of TPO membranes becoming the fastest-growing segment of the membrane market.
From cost considerations to ease of fabrication and “green” benefits, roofing contractors have consistently viewed TPO products as a great roofing solution, especially on large, non-complex areas. But, with the multitude of unpredictable factors in commercial roofing, contractors are always seeking new, easily adoptable ways to maximize roof installations.
Firestone, an industry leader providing trusted commercial roofing solutions, recognized an opportunity to further improve on its standard TPO product line, with the recent introduction of Firestone UltraPly™ TPO Flex Adhered, the most flexible TPO on the market. UltraPly TPO Flex Adhered is engineered to be more pliable for easier installation, making it a perfect choice for complex roofs. This flexibility enables better navigation of curbs, corners and angles.
For the roofing contractor and TPO installer of fully adhered systems, this translates into a more efficient work process, even in cold temperatures, since the membrane remains very flexible. UltraPly TPO Flex Adhered is also designed to make it less difficult to find weld settings that will achieve reliable welds. Plus, just like with standard TPO membranes, Flex Adhered is environmentally friendly, can improve energy efficiency, offers superior puncture resistance against hail, and can cost less than some competing roofing membranes.
Doing More with Less: Increased Productivity and Efficiency
UltraPly TPO Flex Adhered picks up where traditional TPO leaves off, providing increased roofing/construction productivity, where installers find the added benefit of getting TPO installed more easily than with a rigid, difficult-to-bend TPO, especially on complex roofs that have many angles and obstructions. Flex Adhered TPO also gives specifiers and architects more options due to its superior, high slope fire capabilities.
Firestone makes it a practice of listening to its customers and responding with innovative solutions. According to Christian Ortega, Firestone TPO Product Manager, UltraPly TPO Flex Adhered was born of the company’s longstanding embrace of problem-solving products and enhanced installation techniques. Ortega remarks, “Driven by the many challenges faced on commercial roofing jobsites, we recognized an opportunity to innovate around products specifically designed for ease-of-use and improved efficiency. Flex Adhered is a game changer in the TPO landscape, and we’ve had tremendous customer feedback. Once contractors experience the product, they talk about how much more flexible the membrane is and what it can mean for a complicated roof.”
Extending the Roofing Season: Enhanced Flexibility Allows for Cold-Weather Installations
Beyond efficiencies related to navigating the challenges of complex roofs, Firestone UltraPly TPO Flex Adhered allows for increased productivity in other ways. For instance, in light of the intensifying weather fluctuations much of the nation is experiencing, such as increased precipitation and unusually cold temperatures, construction professionals need to account for the impact of such unpredictable weather patterns on building construction.
Firestone UltraPly TPO Flex Adhered allows for optimal productivity during cooler weather because unlike the more rigid standard TPO membranes, it maintains flexibility in cold temperatures where it is more difficult for roofing membranes to flex, and it provides excellent wind-uplift resistance and resistance to punctures, tears and abrasions—thereby mitigating many common weather-related concerns.
Contact Firestone Experts to Learn More
All in all, UltraPly TPO Flex Adhered offers next-level performance in situations where standard TPO solutions fall short, providing greater ease of installation, especially on complex or difficult roofs. To learn more about Firestone UltraPly TPO Flex Adhered, visit the Firestone website or call (800) 428-4442.
.jpg)
*Based on Taber Stiffness testing versus best-selling competitor TPOs.
Related Stories
75 Top Building Products | Nov 30, 2022
75 top building products for 2022
Each year, the Building Design+Construction editorial team evaluates the vast universe of new and updated products, materials, and systems for the U.S. building design and construction market. The best-of-the-best products make up our annual 75 Top Products report.
K-12 Schools | Nov 30, 2022
School districts are prioritizing federal funds for air filtration, HVAC upgrades
U.S. school districts are widely planning to use funds from last year’s American Rescue Plan (ARP) to upgrade or improve air filtration and heating/cooling systems, according to a report from the Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council. The report, “School Facilities Funding in the Pandemic,” says air filtration and HVAC upgrades are the top facility improvement choice for the 5,004 school districts included in the analysis.
Building Materials | Nov 2, 2022
Design for Freedom: Ending slavery and child labor in the global building materials sector
Sharon Prince, Founder and CEO of Grace Farms and Design for Freedom, discusses DFF's report on slavery and enforced child labor in building products and materials.
Sponsored | Roofing | Oct 13, 2022
Tedlar® PVF Film Out-Performs PVDF Paints for Metal Protection
Tedlar® PVF film from DuPont has been used in demanding outdoor environments for 50+ years. It is extremely durable, showing virtually no fading or chalking after decades of sun exposure. Extremely flexible and chemically-resistant, Tedlar® does not crack or corrode, even in harsh environments. Tedlar® was recently chosen to protect the aluminum roof installed on a seafront hotel in Hilton Head, SC. Read the case study to learn why Tedlar® was chosen over high-end coatings, and how the building owner and installer enjoy longer warranties with less restrictions and maintenance.
Building Materials | Aug 3, 2022
Shawmut CEO Les Hiscoe on coping with a shaky supply chain in construction
BD+C's John Caulfield interviews Les Hiscoe, CEO of Shawmut Design and Construction, about how his firm keeps projects on schedule and budget in the face of shortages, delays, and price volatility.
Building Materials | Jun 20, 2022
Early-stage procurement: The next evolution of the construction supply chain
Austin Commercial’s Jason Earnhardt explains why supply chain issues for the construction industry are not going to go away and how developers and owners can get ahead of project roadblocks.
Sponsored | BD+C University Course | May 10, 2022
Design guide for parapets: Safety, continuity, and the building code
This course covers design considerations for parapets. The modern parapet must provide fire protection, serve as a fall-protective guard, transition and protect the roof/facade interface, conceal rooftop equipment, and contribute to the aesthetic character of the building.
Sponsored | Multifamily Housing | May 8, 2022
Choosing the right paver system for rooftop amenity spaces
This AIA course by Hoffmann Architects offers best practices for choosing the right paver system for rooftop amenity spaces in multifamily buildings.
Building Technology | Feb 28, 2022
BIPV and solar technology is making its mark in the industry
Increasingly, building teams are comparing the use of building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems for façades, roofs, and other architectural assemblies with a promising and much easier alternative: conventional solar panel arrays, either on their building or off-site, to supplement their resiliency and decarbonization efforts
Sponsored | BD+C University Course | Feb 17, 2022
Metal roofing trends
New ideas in design and constructability are radically changing how metal systems are used as roofing for commercial and institutional buildings. Behind the investment in these new kinds of expressions and construction approaches is a growing interest in improved performance and reduced environmental impact. Metal roofing systems can cut cooling and heating loads significantly, according to the EPA.
