RubberBond FleeceBack EPDM vs. TPO Flat Roofing

RubberBond FleeceBack EPDM

TPO Flat Roofing

Is the product available only to trained installers?

Yes.
Installers have to undergo a two stage training course and regular site inspections to meet & maintain approved status.

Yes.
Installers are trained for use in these products.

Cost

A basic TPO compound is inherently inexpensive. The additives for fire resistance increase this considerably. Though the products have comparable material costs, the slower installation times of TPO flat roofing systems often lead to higher installation costs.

UV resistant

Yes.
EPDM membranes are manufactured to be UV stable and keep this ability throughout it life time.

UV exposure can break down even marginally fire retardant TPO materials.

Strength

With a strong polyester fleece laminated to the underside of the membrane this gives a strong puncture free material. RubberBond FleeceBack EPDM is supplied in one thickness for all roofs as we believe all flat roofs domestic or industrial deserve the best.

TPO membranes are available in a range of thicknesses or finishes. Materials with reinforcement added give comparable strength results. Non reinforced membranes give lower results. It all depends on the type used in the installation.

Quality

Engineered sheets with preformed details and Factory Applied Tapes provide a flat roof covered with a product waterproof straight from the factory. This ensures low labour involvement when installing.
RubberBond FleeceBack EPDM is only manufactured by Carlisle Syntec leading to consistent, uniform strength and quality

Multiple manufacturers with multiple formulations and variations do yield a multitude of choices. ASTM(American Society for Testing & Materials) is hard at work to provide a standard specification for TPO sheet roofing. Unfortunately, the standard is doomed to be a consensus of evaluations based upon the lowest common denominator among the multitude instead of proven historical insitu performance.

Shrinkage

None.

Yes, but this is controlled with the use of base ties at angle changes to stop tenting of the membrane (Base tie ins are mechanically fixing the membrane to the deck to secure it).