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How Thermoplastic Membranes Changed the Low-Slope Roofing Market

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Abstract
Thermoplastic roofing membranes, one of the fastest growing forms of low-slope roofing products, come in different material families, including thermoplastic olefin (TPO), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and PVC alloy. Long before TPO was introduced in North America, PVC membranes capitalized on several events during the 1970s to solidify their position. First, the oil embargo of 1973 inflated the price and restricted the availability of quality roofing asphalt. At the same time, high energy costs increased demand for roof insulation systems with high R-values. This began to make single-ply roof membranes more appealing. This attractiveness included their direct compatibility with polyisocyanurate (ISO) insulation, also a growing product at the time.
Date
2/2020
Author(s)
Mike Ennis
Page(s)
50-56
Keyword(s)
TPO; thermoset; thermoplastic; membrane; PVC


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