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The Slippery Truth About Common Roofing Materials

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Is Your Commercial Roof an Ice Rink Waiting to Happen? New Research Uncovers Shocking Causes of Slip and Falls

 

Buckle up – we are excited to share valuable groundbreaking insights that will change how you think about commercial roofing safety.

 

Here at Triton Inc., safety is the foundation of everything we do. As a trusted leader in roofing for over 50 years, we are dedicated to the safety of our contractors and clients. For too long, the roofing industry has acknowledged the inherent risks of working at height, often focusing on falls off the roof. After learning that slip-and-fall incidents consistently rank among the most costly workers’ compensation claims, we determined it was unacceptable and insisted on proactive, science-backed solutions. That’s why, in 2024, we proudly partnered with Iowa State University to fund a groundbreaking safety study on roofing materials. The results are in, and we’re diving deep into the findings of this crucial study on slips and falls on commercial and industrial flat and low-slop roofs.

 

This research shines a much-needed light on a frequently overlooked danger: slips and falls on the same level as a flat commercial or industrial roof. This type of incident has historically been under-researched and analyzed, often even accepted as a part of the job. But we thought – what if we could significantly reduce these frequently overlooked risks?

 

We dove into the details in our recent podcast “Roofing Uncovered – Episode 3 – Iowa State University (ISU) Roof Slip and Falls Study”. Scroll down to watch/listen to the detailed podcast – or continue reading below for a summary.

 

The Slippery Truth About Common Roofing Materials

The podcast highlights that roofing often carries the highest insurance and workers’ compensation policy costs in the entire construction sector, and it also accounts for the highest number of injury lawsuits and settlements. Why is this the case? The answer, in large part, lies in the common roof materials. Today’s most common commercial roofing membranes are smooth PVC, smooth TPO, and silicone, which the study has proven are extremely slippery when wet due to rain, dew, frost, snow, ice, or even HVAC condensation. Imagine an outdoor ice skating rink on top of a building, which is the potential reality for anyone walking on a wet roof with these smooth roofing materials.

 

The podcast provides alarming real-world examples from OSHA records with detailed cases as examples. These incidents can lead to substantial financial burdens through medical bills, lost wages, and even future wage loss coverage due to long-term disability. Lawsuits can target both the building owner and the contractor if negligence in safety precautions can be proven.

 

Iowa State University’s Groundbreaking Research

Recognizing the severity of this safety issue, Iowa State University agreed to conduct a comprehensive scientific research study in 2024. This study, led by Dr. Richard Stone, investigated nine common commercial roofing materials, analyzing the impact of material type, coefficient of friction, shoe type, and surface smoothness on slip resistance. The findings were revealing:

 

Material Type:

Material type had the strongest effect on slip resistance, significantly more than shoe type. In fact, the study found that the type of shoe (tennis shoe vs. non-slip work boot) had no meaningful effect on performance.

 

Textured vs. Smooth Thermoplastics

Textured vs. Smooth Thermoplastics Textured TPO and Textured PVC significantly outperformed smooth versions regarding slip resistance. The study meticulously measured various slip events, including micro slips, slides, and actual slips and falls. The results showed overwhelming evidence for the difference between smooth and textured thermoplastics. Quantifiably, the use of textured thermoplastics resulted in an average of a 55% decrease in micro slip events, an 80% decrease in slide events, and a 100% decrease in slip and fall events compared to smooth thermoplastics. (We exclusively offer textured thermoplastics.)

 

Coefficient of friction

Standard lab tests for the coefficient of friction showed a weak correlation with actual real-life performance. For instance, silicone can test with a high coefficient of friction when wet but still be very slippery to walk on.

 

Best and Worst-performing materials

The best-performing materials were a modified bitumen cap sheet with granules, a rubberized spray-applied rubber membrane, and Textured PVC and Textured TPO. The three worst-performing materials were smooth silicone, smooth TPO, and smooth PVC, which were the only materials participants walked on and actually slipped and fell (under controlled safety conditions).

 

 

Summary and Recommendation

These findings of the Iowa State University study are industry-shattering. The research provides concrete evidence of the significant risks of walking on common smooth commercial roofing materials when wet. It highlights the clear safety advantages of textured alternatives. This research presents a compelling case for industry-wide change in the roofing industry, where millions of square feet of smooth, slippery membranes are installed annually.

 

The ISU research reveals that higher friction surfaces lead to lower slip and fall events and increased worker confidence, which, in turn, should decrease workers’ compensation claims. The study goes on to recommend the implementation of textured materials as the minimum standard for safety on commercial and industrial roofs.

 

At Triton Inc., we are committed to prioritizing safety on every project. We believe this research should be at the forefront of industry discussions, prompting a shift towards safer material choices on all roofs.

 

We are dedicated to the safety of all contractors and clients and hope we can all move towards a future where slips and falls on flat roofs are no longer an accepted risk but a preventable occurrence. By embracing textured membranes, we can collectively work towards reducing the alarming rates of slip and fall injuries and the associated financial burdens. Most importantly, we can ensure that everyone who walks on a commercial or industrial flat roof returns home safely to their loved ones.

 

We invite you to explore these findings further by listening to the full podcast episode and visiting our website to learn more before your next commercial roofing project.

 

Click here to see the graphs and read more on the Slips & Falls Research and watch the detailed podcast episode below.

 

PVC vs. TPO: Uncovering the Differences in Commercial Roofing Membranes

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What are PVC and TPO?

First, let’s establish some basic definitions. Both PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) are thermoplastics, meaning they can be repeatedly softened by heating and hardened by cooling, allowing them to be heat-welded together. This heat-weldability is a key advantage of thermoplastics in roofing.

While both are thermoplastics, PVC and TPO differ significantly in many areas. PVC: As the name suggests, PVC contains chloride and is derived from oil, consisting of various polymers and additives. Think of a pool liner, to understand PVC’s flexibility. TPO: TPO is often described as an elastomer-modified polypropylene, essentially polypropylene with a synthetic rubber component (ethylene polymer). While also a thermoplastic, TPO tends to be stiffer and harder than PVC.

 

Fire Retardancy

PVC naturally possesses exceptional flame retardancy due to its chlorine content. TPO, on the other hand, relies entirely on added fire retardants to achieve flame resistance. This makes PVC a potentially better choice for industrial sites with higher fire risks. Click here for a fire test video.

 

Flexibility and Weldability

PVC is inherently more flexible and generally easier to weld due to its softer nature, providing a visual “bleed” during welding that indicates proper fusion. TPO, being stiffer, doesn’t offer this visual feedback, requiring more careful attention to temperature and technique to avoid “cold welds”.

 

Chemical Resistance

PVC exhibits superior resistance to a wider range of chemicals, including animal fats, food grease, oils, lubricants, and hydrocarbons. TPO does not hold up as well in these environments – therefore, PVC is often recommended for environments like restaurants and food production facilities where such chemical exposure is likely.

 

Environmental Considerations

However, PVC contains chlorine and plasticizers, which have raised environmental concerns regarding disposal in landfills if not properly recycled. TPO does not contain these substances, giving it an environmental advantage in that regard. Both PVC and TPO are recyclable.

 

Scrim (Reinforcement Layer)

Both PVC and TPO membranes have a reinforcing scrim layer between the top and bottom plies. However, PVC typically uses a non-wicking scrim, meaning it doesn’t absorb water…. TPO generally uses a low-wick scrim, which can absorb some moisture if the edge is cut and exposed, requiring the use of cut edge sealants.

 

Flexibility and Weldability

PVC is inherently more flexible and generally easier to weld due to its softer nature, providing a visual “bleed” during welding that indicates proper fusion. TPO, being stiffer, doesn’t offer this visual feedback, requiring more careful attention to temperature and technique to avoid “cold welds”.

 

Cost, Longevity and Quality

PVC has a longer track record in the commercial roofing industry, dating back to the 1960s in North America. While TPO was introduced in the 1990s and has seen significant advancements, its long-term performance can be more variable depending on the manufacturer and formulation. As we note in our “Roofing Uncovered” Podcast (Episode 4 PVC vs. TPO), in the US market, TPO is often the lowest-cost option, while in Europe, high-quality TPO can be more expensive than PVC due to different formulations and material usage.

 

Smooth vs. Textured Thermoplastics

In a recent University study, Textured Thermoplastic membranes emerged as a critical minimum for roof safety, while materials like smooth TPO, PVC, and silicone performing the worst in the study. As highlighted in Episode 3 “Roofing Uncovered” podcast (Episode 3 – Iowa State University (ISU) Roof Slip and Falls Study), both smooth TPO and PVC membranes are extremely dangerous when wet, behaving like “ice skating rinks”. This is a critical safety concern that we at Triton Inc. take very seriously. This is why, we only supply textured thermoplastic membranes. These textured surfaces offer significantly improved slip resistance, even in wet or icy conditions, drastically reducing the risk of slips and falls. Click here to learn more about the Research Study.

 

Which One Wins? It Depends.

Ultimately, the “winner” in the PVC vs. TPO debate depends on the specific needs and priorities of your project.

Consider PVC for projects requiring exceptional chemical resistance, inherent fire retardancy, ease of repair, and a long, proven track record, especially in demanding environments. Consider TPO as a potentially cost-effective and environmentally conscious option, but be sure to research the manufacturer’s quality and track record.

 

At Triton Inc., our focus is on providing safe and durable roofing solutions. We encourage you to carefully consider the unique characteristics of each material and, most importantly, to prioritize safety by choosing textured thermoplastic membranes for enhanced slip resistance.

 

Contact us today to discuss your specific roofing needs and explore our range of high-quality, textured, slip-resistant PVC and TPO options.

 

Click here to learn more about our slip-resistant PVC. 

 

Click here to learn more about our slip-resistant TPO.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Like Your Skin, Roofs Need Sunscreen Too.

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Your skin is a membrane that protects the underlying tissues and organs from the outside. However, prolonged exposure to the sun can damage your skin, which is why you wear sunscreen. The purpose of sunscreen is to protect your skin, the membrane, from damage. It’s permeable, so you can still sweat, and it’s applied relatively thin and needs to be reapplied as needed.

Liquid roofing products are similar to this skin and sunscreen analogy. Not all liquid-applied roofing products offer the same coverage. Just like sunscreens, what works for one building may not work for another. Some may require a higher SPF and more frequent reapplication.

There are various sunscreen options such as spray, rub-on, mineral-style, deodorant stick, skin-tinted, and moisturizing varieties. Additionally, there are multiple roof sunscreen or coating options available.

Some liquid-applied roof products work great as coatings and are applied in thin layers (20-30 mils) to protect from UV degradation. They are permeable and reflective, helping lower the roof temperature. However, they require frequent re-coatings and touch-ups as they are not durable, tough, flexible, or long-lasting. Nonetheless, they are effective for protecting membranes (skin).

Then there are liquid-applied roof products that work great as membranes. They are thick (50-80 mils), durable, flexible, strong, and impermeable and serve as a primary barrier separating the structure from the elements. Some are reinforced, some are multi-layered, but the intended purpose is the same. There are no seams; they are fully adhered and self-terminating. These liquid-applied, seamless membranes should act more like skin than sunscreen.

Reminder: always wear sunscreen as it provides critical protection and adds years to your (roof) life.

Click here for the original article, written by Triton’s Vice President, Dustin Books.

           

 

 

 

The Slippery Truth About Common Roofing Materials

PVC vs. TPO: Uncovering the Differences in Commercial Roofing Membranes

Like Your Skin, Roofs Need Sunscreen Too.

Silicone for Industrial Roofs? Bad Idea. 

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While liquid-applied roofing systems as a whole continue to rise in our industry, silicone coatings continue to rise as well. I hate to be a naysayer and publish an article that could be perceived as a negative view on a particular product, but I don’t view it that way. Industrial and institutional facilities are at the core of our business and providing appropriate, sensible information in order to make good roofing decisions is a positive thing. Roofing products on industrial facilities are exposed to a different set of conditions, beyond Nature, and industrial roofs are used differently than a standard commercial facility. So why are silicone products a bad idea for industrial roofs?

 

SAFETY

Let’s start out with the most important, physical and life safety. Installing a silicone roof coating system on an industrial roof is unsafe. Silicone is extremely slippery, even when it is dry, and increases the risk of someone falling and hitting their head or becoming injured. I’ve witnessed it firsthand on a silicone-coated roof and a TPO roof. This increases the liability of the building owner and sets up HVAC technicians, maintenance workers, and other tradespeople for potential injury. While silicone can be “granulated” to be more slip-resistant by broadcasting granules into the surface, this is not a common practice because the granules end up causing the silicone coating to split and tear. It also adds cost and results in greater dirt pick-up, meaning it is back to a slippery surface after a few years.

Slip-resistant walkways and walk pads are standard on industrial roofs, but everyone is fully aware foot traffic outside of these areas is necessary and common. They cannot be relied on or expected to keep people safe. Coating an industrial roof, or any roof with foot traffic on even a semi-annual basis, with silicone is not worth the risk. There are far too many safer options.

 

REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE

Industrial roofs are unique because they require substantially more maintenance and repair work. Imagine a factory where a new vent stack is added through an existing roof. This roof had been coated with silicone and now the new penetration needs to be properly flashed in. You have one option: silicone. And you have to make sure it is the right kind of silicone, use reinforcement fabric, and ensure it will properly bond to the existing, aged silicone. The next week, a technician accidentally damages the roof while working on a piece of equipment. The damage is extensive and requires a small section to be completely removed and replaced with new insulation. How do you flash the existing membrane under the silicone into itself? Without removing some silicone, you can’t, because nothing can be overlapping over the silicone (even if you screw it down). The roofing contractor must do the full repair with only silicone. It’s just not good roofing practice.

Nothing sticks to silicone but more silicone. When you re-caulk your bathroom tub, do you apply silicone caulk over the existing silicone caulk? No, it has to be removed and re-caulked. Once an entire roof is coated with silicone, or even if a silicone patch is made, nothing will adhere to it. This ties the building owner to silicone until the roof is completely replaced. Emergency leak repair? Nothing can be used except silicone. An industrial roof needs to be able to be efficiently and quickly serviced by a variety of roofing products, from emergency patches to flashing in new penetrations or curbs.

 

TEAR STRENGTH & DURABILITY

Silicone has become popular as a similarly priced alternative to acrylic because it has better resistance to ponding water and is quicker to apply. But industrial roofs take a beating. This includes foot traffic, equipment servicing and changes, Mother Nature herself, and sometimes harsh chemicals. Silicone’s tensile strength and elongation is a little higher than an acrylic, but its tear strength and dimensional stability raises a red flag. If cured silicone film comes under stress (damage, foot traffic, structural movement) and tears, the tear easily and quickly continues to progress through the film. I compare it to a piece of cheese. When a tear begins in a silicone film, it continues to split with little force, like tearing a piece of cheese in half. I am hearing more and more from contractors about these continuous splits happening throughout the country. How is this repaired? You guessed it, more silicone.

While there may be a place for silicone roof coatings in our industry, it is my professional opinion it is not a feasible, smart option for industrial, or institutional, roofs. There is no justifiable reason to install a slippery, unsafe material on a flat surface over these types of roofs. And with the need for roof systems that are easy to repair and maintain, without being easily prone to damage and tears, there are much better options to consider.

 

Related Articles

The Slippery Truth About Common Roofing Materials

PVC vs. TPO: Uncovering the Differences in Commercial Roofing Membranes

Like Your Skin, Roofs Need Sunscreen Too.

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The Evolution of Rubber

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At Triton, rubber is our game. A non-stop game of building upon the fascinating history of rubber products with the goal of engineering it in ways the world has never seen. Our team has 45+ years of experience formulating rubber products, both liquid and solid forms. With that knowledge, we’re disrupting the construction materials industry with liquid-applied rubber technologies. How’d we get here and why?

 

History

As early as the 1600’s BC, indigenous people of South America had discovered a white, honey-like substance “crying” from their trees. This substance was used to make bouncy balls for games and to glue wood handles onto tools or weapons. Once they discovered its waterproofing properties, it was even used to waterproof clothing. The name of the first major civilization in Guatemala and Mexico even was called the “Olmec”, meaning “rubber people” in ancient Aztec language.

 

There’s a rumor that Christopher Columbus witnessed rubber in Haiti in the 1490’s when watching natives play with a funny rubber ball. Or stories of Europeans initially thinking rubber was “witchcraft” due to its extraordinary properties. It was flexible, stretchy, adhesive, and waterproof.

 

When rubber was introduced to English society in 1770 by Joseph Priestly, it gained its current name due to its ability to “rub” out pencil markings. In the 1830’s, a man named Charles Goodyear became obsessed with the material after purchasing a rubber life-preserver. His mind began to dream of all the possibilities. He won a contract with the U.S. Government to manufacture rubber mail bags, but he had a problem. The material became sticky when hot and stiff when cold, resulting in the bags deteriorating rapidly.

 

In 1839, Mr. Goodyear claims to have accidentally dropped rubber and sulfur on a hot stove, causing it to char like leather, but remain elastic and pliable. To his surprise, it didn’t melt, but actually hardened with more heat. This was the first U.S. discovery of “vulcanization”, which is the process to cure the entire mass of rubber. He named it after Vulcan, the Roman god of fire, and patented the process in 1844. However, this story is heavily disputed because, at the same time, a British scientist named Thomas Hancock claimed to have discovered vulcanization first in England. Historians say he shared his discovery with Goodyear.

 

Rubber now had industrial applications and demand skyrocketed worldwide. Because farmers in Brazil were abused and treating poorly at the hands of greedy men, they started destroying trees. Eventually, rubber tree seeds were transported to Southeast Asia, where most of our natural rubber comes from today. In 1889, John Dunlop of England produced the first successful bicycle tire and later the first automobile tire.

 

In the early 1900’s during the first World Wars, chemists worked tirelessly to invent synthetic rubber, to reduce dependency on natural rubber, and in an effort to adjust its physical properties. The Russians were the first to develop a synthetic rubber, called polybutadiene, and the Germans came later with Buna-S (Styrene Butadiene Copolymer). In the U.S., a government-led research program led to the invention of SBR (Styrene Butadiene Rubber).

 

Then things really started to get exciting, as companies developed new rubber technologies at light-speed. In 1930, DuPont invented Duprene (now called Neoprene). In 1934, Germans invented the first oil-resistant rubber called Buna-N (Perbunan). Then butyl rubber in the 1940’s, Hypalon, Viton, and Polyurethane in the 50’s, and EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Terpolymer Rubber) in the 60’s. Then came thermoplastic elastomers, which behave like rubber but soften like plastic when heated (think PVC, TPO). As technologies evolved, properties were improved. Better resistance to UV, weathering, fire, chemicals, punctures, and more. Think about how rubber affects our daily lives, from our vehicles to our shoes to our roofs.

 

Today

If you’re in the construction industry, you can see the correlations between these inventions and the evolution of building materials. Rubber is a natural barrier against water and, with further inventions, has become a heavily relied upon barrier against all elements, including chemicals. This is why Triton is building upon the foundation laid by others and inventing new ways of formulating, using, and applying rubber to protect structures all over the world.

 

Thousands of years ago, rubber fascinated and amazed people. That awe and wonder continues still today. The incredible potential of rubber has not yet been fully realized. What an exciting future.

 

 

The Slippery Truth About Common Roofing Materials

PVC vs. TPO: Uncovering the Differences in Commercial Roofing Membranes

Like Your Skin, Roofs Need Sunscreen Too.

Roof Warranties – Are They Worth Anything?

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Have you ever had to pursue a warranty for damage to your roof or as a result of a leak? Did your warranty cover the cost of all repairs? Many times the warranty will not cover the cost due to exclusions, as follows:

Spray Grade Instant Set

  • Natural disasters, including hail
  • Misuse, abuse, or negligence by the owner
  • Installation failures or material failures due to components used in the roof system which were not supplied by the manufacturer
  • Material failure or damage due to exposure to substances such as oil or solvents
  • Material failure due to vermin, insects, or birds
  • Changes to the building’s usage or new roof penetrations
  • Failure of the substrate from building movement, design defects, etc.
  • Material degradation from improper drainage (i.e. ponding water)
  • Lack of maintenance and regular inspections by the owner

Spray Grade Instant Set

Spray Grade Instant Set

Spray Grade Instant Set

Owners are responsible for their warranties. The fine print on most manufacturers’ warranties indicates, “the owner must be responsible for maintaining the roof warranty.” The warranty provisions indicate the owner must do the following things to maintain their warranty agreement:

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  • Maintain records of all activity that takes place on the roof such as leaks, repairs, inspections, etc.
  • Inspect the roof at least semi-annually for signs of defects
  • Clean the roof of debris
  • Examine all metal flashings and adjacent components, such as chimneys, walls, etc. that may affect the roof system
  • Examine the roof for wind damage
  • Examine any roof-top equipment for leakage or vibration that may affect the roof membrane
  • Check the building exterior for settlement or movement
  • Examine the surface coating for cracks or flaking

Spray Grade Instant Set

Spray Grade Instant Set

Spray Grade Instant Set

Anything that needs to be repaired is the responsibility of the owner. All repairs must be documented and the information sent to the manufacturer for their files. You paid high dollar for a warrantied roof system that you thought would take care of all your roof problems for at least 15 years, yet none of this is ever clearly explained.

So is a roof warranty really worth it? Warranties come in all shapes and formats these days. While a warranty may say “20 years”, it may be full of exclusions and provide a manufacturer every possible out. It is important to read the fine print, compare the warranty to others in the industry, consult with non-biased roofing experts, and have a solid roof maintenance plan in place to ensure any warranty you have remains valid. Depending on your location, ask the following questions when considering an investment in a warrantied roof system:

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  • Will regular wear and tear be covered? Is foot traffic listed as an exclusion?
  • At what wind speeds will the warranty not be valid?
  • Is “inadequate drainage” or “ponding more than 48 hours” noted?
  • Is any size of hail covered?
  • Does the warranty have a dollar limit on what the manufacturer is responsible for fixing?
  • Is workmanship or installation of the materials included in the warranty?
  • Does the manufacturer pay for both materials and the labor to fix deficiencies when they are covered?
  • Are annual or bi-annual inspections required?
  • How soon do I need to contact the manufacturer when a leak occurs?

Spray Grade Instant Set

Spray Grade Instant Set

Spray Grade Instant Set

Triton not only provides the best flat and low-slope roof warranties in the industry, we are committed to ensuring our approved applicators offer maintenance plans and routine inspections for any client who receives a new Triton roof system. If you’re interested in learning more, please send us a message or give us a call.

Utilizing an Existing Roof for New Life

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Our core focus at Triton is roof restoration. We take existing roof assets and add value to them with new seamless, durable rubber membranes rather than wasteful, disruptive and costly tear-offs. Over the last few years, we’ve worked alongside Hanging Gardens, based in Milwaukee, to take restorations one step further and convert existing roofs into green, vegetative roofs. Hanging Gardens is a supplier of green roof technologies and designs complete green roof systems.
One of our latest joint projects was in De Pere, Wisconsin, a suburb of Green Bay. The City Hall had a worn-out, mechanically-attached EPDM roof in need of repairs and replacement. They were also interested in the long-term benefits of a green roof. A structural analysis was done and confirmed the roof deck and structure could hold the added weight of a green roof. So rather than go the traditional route of tearing off the old roof, installing new expensive insulation and membrane, and putting on a green roof, Hanging Gardens informed them of the TRITOflex restoration option. It made perfect sense.

After a good pressure wash, TRITOflex was spray-applied by Zander Solutions, a Certified Triton Applicator, to 90 mils (2.2 mm) dry in one coat over the existing 9,000 sq. ft. EPDM roof. EPDM rubber is naturally a long-lasting, strong material. With the addition of TRITOflex on top, not only did it save the city money, but provides them a “bullet-proof” roof for decades. TRITOflex is impermeable and will withstand ponding water indefinitely, making it the ideal solution to keep a building watertight with a green roof over top.

The total system included the ILD electronic vector mapping leak detection system, drainage mat, filter fleece, growing medium, and sedum mats. You can see various phases of installation in the photos below. There is also a video taken by the local new station showing some of the green roof here: http://fox11online.com/news/local/green-bay/de-pere-city-hall-installs-green-roof. Here’s another hybrid green roof we did with Hanging Gardens in Milwaukee, on a new construction project here. This one included a revolutionary growing medium called the WaterGrip Brownie, another company we are excited to work alongside.

Benefits of a green roof versus a traditional roof include:

– Reduces stormwater runoff and improves water quality

– Reduces energy consumption

– Promotes biodiversity

– Helps reduce air pollution and improves air quality

– Increases overall roof life

Please contact us if you’re interested in learning more.

 

The Slippery Truth About Common Roofing Materials

PVC vs. TPO: Uncovering the Differences in Commercial Roofing Membranes

Like Your Skin, Roofs Need Sunscreen Too.

The Thick and Thin of Roof Coatings

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One advantage of restoring an existing roof with a liquid product is that you utilize the existing roof membrane’s thickness by adhering directly to it. But how long will that really last? Does the “coating” provide any additional protection, besides from UV?

The graphic below shows required thicknesses to achieve a 20-year warranty with 3 of the most popular restoration system in the industry. The price per 1 mil is nearly the same for all three, but the physical performance, warranty coverage, and labor demand are vastly different.

The scenario I used below is restoration over an existing 60-mil PVC single-ply roof. Often these roofs are removed and replaced with the same, or even less, thickness. Instead of taking advantage of an opportunity to restore it and add value with a new liquid membrane, waste and disruption ensues. This, of course, is all dependent on the conditions of the existing membrane and insulation.

What do these warranties cover? What are the physical properties differences I refer to?

Which system do you think will last the longest in the elements? Just because a warranty has a high number on it does not mean it will protect the owner for that amount of time. Our clients believe the old saying still rings true, “you get what you pay for.”

There’s a reason we engineered the TritoFlex 2K system the way it is. Impermeable. Flexible and strong at the same time. It won’t breakdown under or absorb ponding water and it doesn’t require reinforcement, which eliminates elongation. If you’re interested in chatting further about this, please contact us 

 

 

 

 

The Slippery Truth About Common Roofing Materials

PVC vs. TPO: Uncovering the Differences in Commercial Roofing Membranes

Like Your Skin, Roofs Need Sunscreen Too.

TPO and PVC: Thoughts & Concerns

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Over the last decade, TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) roofing membranes have become the most popular choice for flat and low-slope roofs. They are even used for roof recovers and attached over old roofs. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is also a thermoplastic membrane that was the dominate single-ply until the recent rise of TPO. Thermoplastics are strong materials and typically produced in reflective white colors. They comes in rolls and are mechanically attached with fasteners into the deck, fully adhered using glue and adhesives, or heat-welded to induction plates that fasten the insulation or cover board down. The seams are overlapped and welded together with hot air. Typically, TPO and PVC welds hold strong over time. It is supplied in 60 mil (1.5 mm), 72 mil (1.8 mm) or 80 mil (2 mm) thick sheets, though a portion of the thickness is taken up by the reinforcement scrim. There is thermoplastic polymer material, which is the actual waterproofing, above and below this scrim. The thickness above the scrim depends upon the manufacturer and the quality of their TPO or PVC.

Some manufacturers, such as Duro-Last and Fibertite, are even selling 40 mil thick sheets. In this instance, they state in their literature there is only 17 mils of PVC polymer above the scrim. This means you only have 17 mils of waterproofing to withstand UV, ponding water, and the elements before the scrim is exposed.

TPO became popular for many reasons, mostly economical, as it is the cheapest rolled roofing membrane in the market. It is lightweight, safe to install, durable, and energy efficient. No open flames, and no hot kettles. You could lay insulation board or hard board over an old roof, or use fleeceback membrane, and then roll out a TPO or PVC for a completely new, warranted system. However, most of the time this requires thousands upon thousands of fasteners to go through the old roof and the old deck in order to hold it down. Every seam must be welded perfectly, every flashing done correctly, and everything sealed with caulk in order to prevent the creation of a water bed.

The photos below I took in Las Vegas recently on a 14-year-old TPO roof. You can see where the UV rays had been reflecting off of the parapet wall onto the field. What happens is a magnifying effect. The UV that bounces off the wall is more intense and deteriorates the TPO membrane faster. Remember, there is only 15-23 mils on average of material before the scrim is exposed. The scrim can then absorb water and moisture can actual wick through the scrim. This not only causes leaks but accelerates degradation of the rest of the sheet.

TPO became popular due to the discovery that PVC roof membranes had, under ponding water, their plasticizers “migrate”. This means the plasticizers that comprise the PVC polymer structure actually move out of their originally intended position. The result is brittleness and loss of stability. However, this greatly depends on the manufacturer and the type of plasticizers they use and how they are integrated during manufacturing. Plasticizer loss has been studied and analyzed extensively by prominent PVC manufacturers, such as our partner, Protan. I also want to note aged TPO is difficult to weld new TPO to. The welds typically don’t hold, so it must be repaired with tapes or peel-and-stick TPO. Protan PVC, on the other hand, can still be heat welded even after 30 years of service.

The other issue that led to the rise of TPO was the ease of welding during installation Plus, they are much cheaper! It would make sense that TPO is the way to go, right? Unfortunately, you get what you pay for. TPO membranes are struggling to last 10 years in many instances as the TPO polymer materials are not as strong, durable, and long-lasting as PVC. Many of you have likely experienced this firsthand. TPO manufacturers continue to modify and play with their formulations, whereas the highest quality PVC formulations haven’t changed in decades and have proven, documented lifespans.

PVC membranes do have their place in the market, despite some issues and maintenance requirements to ensure watertight performance. They are the most chemically-resistant rolled roofing membrane, lightweight, safe to install, and have predictable life expectancies. Triton believes in full roof replacement situations, or for new construction, PVC single-ply membranes are the best choice. A major downside to both TPO and PVC membranes is the smooth, slippery surface. When wet with dew or rain, this leads to a high number injuries from slips and falls. Triton has changed that by providing the only high-friction thermoplastic membrane in the industry through our partnership with Protan.

All of this proves why liquid-applied membranes are continuing to rise and gain a much larger footprint in the roofing industry. For restoring an existing roof membrane, a liquid membrane like ours makes the most sense. Unless, of course, the existing insulation is saturated or the old roof is completely shot and a tear-off is the only option. As these TPO roofs show signs of premature failure, a lot of money is being saved by being pro-active and restoring them with our TritoFlex 2K thermoset set rubber system.

If you’re interested in learning more about our stronger, safer, and sustainable approaches to roofing, reach out to me anytime.

 

The Slippery Truth About Common Roofing Materials

PVC vs. TPO: Uncovering the Differences in Commercial Roofing Membranes

Like Your Skin, Roofs Need Sunscreen Too.

TPO vs. Liquid Roof Recover

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At Triton, we work with many clients who manage or own roofs with an existing Modified Bitumen membrane. When it comes to fixing leaks or prolonging the life of the roof, what are their options?

REPAIR – short-term patches and bandages to stop leaks

RESTORE – protect existing membrane from further UV damage with a reflective coating, after repairing and sealing deficiencies and leaks

RECOVER – new, complete waterproofing membrane installed over the old, avoiding a wasteful and costly tear-off

REPLACE – tear-off to the deck, install new insulation and a new membrane system

I’m going to focus on a specific case study in which the client was considering recovering their existing Mod-Bit roof with our TritoFlex 2K Rubber membrane system or recovering it with a mechanically-attached TPO single-ply membrane. To note, a fully-adhered (glued-down) TPO would not meet their wind uplift requirements and was too expensive. The TritoFlex liquid recover system and TPO recover were at similar price points, so what were the true differences between the two choices?

I’m going to simplify part of the answer. Rather than downgrade the roof with a thinner membrane, adding thousands of new leak points by holding it down with screws, a recover with a liquid membrane upgrades the roof and seals off conventional failure points.

The TritoFlex 2K roof recover system uses the remaining durability and waterproofing value of existing Mod-Bit roofs by bonding directly to it. A mechanically-attached TPO overlay requires a separation layer (fleece or boards) to prevent condensation and incompatibility with asphalt. It must be held down with thousands of screws through the old roof and into the deck. This creates thousands of new leak points that weren’t there before. These concepts not only apply to existing Mod-Bit roofs, but other existing roof types as well.

As the industry knows, TPO is very hard to re-weld and/or patch after it ages. New welds rarely hold and adhesive repairs are very temporary. Not only that, you’re relying entirely on the above-scrim waterproofing to protect the building. Once the scrim is exposed, watch out. Click here for a video showing how water can easily wick through TPO reinforcement scrim.

Whether you’re a contractor, an architect, a consultant, or a facility manager, it is important to be aware of all your options before you invest in a repair, restoration, recover, or replacement. Triton has engineered premium solutions for each of those roof scenarios that are backed with proven performance.

 

The Slippery Truth About Common Roofing Materials

PVC vs. TPO: Uncovering the Differences in Commercial Roofing Membranes

Like Your Skin, Roofs Need Sunscreen Too.