Results From the Largest Independent TPO Study
Our friends at GAF saw that TPO roofing systems are increasing in there popularity, but that the confusion about what brand performs best is also increasing. What did they do about it? They decided to engage Structural Research Inc. (SRI), a well-known and highly respected laboratory that has done testing with UL, NRCA, and MRCA, to perform the largest, independent performance study of the four major U.S. TPO brands.
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SRI independently obtained various rolls of all of the major TPO brands from GAF to Firestone, a total of 45 in all. Over 400 samples were cut from the 45 rolls, and those samples were subjected to over 6,000 individual measurements over the course of the study.
The Results
The first finding was that all of the brands that were tested exceeded the minimum ASTM D-6878 standards. No brand was significantly better than the other though there were variations in the three key physical characteristics (overall thickness, thickness over scrim, and weld strength). There were however significant differences between brands in accelerated aging tests. The most important indicator of how long a TPO membrane will last is accelerated heat aging. GAF EverGuard Extreme® both in the 60 mil and 50 mil both had no visible failures for over 190 days. The second best performing membranes were GAF EverGuard® TPO and Firestone TPO, at 112 days and 105 days. And finally, coming in at 77 and 70 days was Carlisle and Johns Manville. Weight lost during accelerated aging tests had even more significant differences between the brands tested. GAF EverGuard Extreme® both in the 60 mil and 50 mil again at over 190 days. Number two is GAF EverGuard® TPO and Firestone TPO, at 125 days and 136 days. And finally Carlisle and Johns Manville, which first failed at 56 and 70 days. 
From the GAF Website: “While SRI was looking for cracking, they also weighed each sample. Once the sample lost > 1.5% weight, the sample was deemed to have crossed a threshold where the membrane becomes more unstable (and susceptible to cracking and/or erosion). Just as with cracking, the reason that weight loss is a great indicator of TPO performance is that weight loss can lead to erosion. The picture below shows a failed roof where the weathering layer has eroded to the scrim. “
Chase Construction NW, Inc. Can Install It For You!
Though there was no significant difference in the physical properties of the different brands of TPO, there is a big difference in accelerated aging! This proves that GAF EverGuard Extreme®, both in the 60 mil and 50 mil, is a far superior product. And as GAF Master Commercial Roofing Contractor, we are the elite in TPO installation! We are Master Elite Roofers with GAF for residential applications as well! We specialize in all types of roofing, steep and low slope, composition shingles, wood shakes, metal roofing, slate, tile, torchdown, PVC, TPO, EPDM. We also specialize in roof leak repair. So if you are in need of a new roof, or just a repair, we are here for you! Call us today for your free estimate – (253) 445-8950 or fill out our quick estimate form! We look foward to working with you!
Check out this video of Chase Construction NW, Inc. installing a TPO Roof in Renton, WA!
