Thermoset Vs Thermoplastic Roofing

Though thermoset plastics and thermoplastics sound similar they have very different properties and applications.

Thermoset vs thermoplastic roofing.

Summary thermoplastic vs thermoset. 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. Tpo and pvc are smooth chemically resistant and water resistant and neither is easy to coat. 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.

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. Comparing thermoplastic polyolefin roofing with epdm. The choice between a thermoplastic or thermoset plastic depends heavily on the use case.

Understanding the performance differences can help you make better sourcing decisions and improve your product designs. Our firm specializes in confronting and solving the roofing and waterproofing needs of hotels resorts and general contractors property managers and building owners. Today single ply roofing makes up the vast majority of the low slope commercial roofing market in north america. These membranes can be repeatedly softened by heating or hardened when cooled.

Synthetic rubber and thermoplastics serve as two of the most widely used materials for low slope roofing applications. An example of thermoset membranes includes ethylene propylene diene monomer epdm one of the most widely used roofing systems. Thermoplastic materials are distinguished from thermoset materials in that there is no chemical crosslinking. 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.

Thermoplastic and thermoset are polymers. On the other hand polyvinyl chloride pvc and thermoplastic polyolefin tpo two other common roofing systems for commercial buildings fall in the second category. Typically it is more common to see thermoplastics being used in day to day life.