TPO stands for Thermoplastic Polyolefin. Introduced in the 1990s’, it is a synthetic single-ply roofing membrane for flat and low-slope commercial roofs that is typically composed of 3 layers: a TPO base ply, a reinforcement layer, and a TPO top ply. The base polymer of the Elevate UltraPly TPO roofing membrane is made from the incorporation of ethylene propylene rubber into a thermoplastic matrix of polypropylene. UltraPly TPO combines the flexibility of rubber with the heat-weldability of a thermoplastic in a flexible sheet with excellent lay flat characteristics.

In general terms, it is estimated that a properly maintained, high quality TPO roofing membrane may last 25-30 years.

UltraPly TPO is available in different sizes and thicknesses for flexibility in design and ease of installation. The membrane is available in white and light grey, and it can be fully adhered, ballasted and mechanically attached to the support. UltraPly TPO is an excellent choice when seeking an aesthetical and light colored roofing system that is easy to clean and repair, even after years of exposure. Its excellent durability provides peace of mind to architects and building owners alike.

TPO membranes in general require less energy during manufacturing than other types of roofing membrane. UltraPly TPO does not contain chlorine, unlike some other thermoplastic membranes, and no chlorine-containing ingredients are added during manufacturing. It also does not contain any plasticizers that can migrate from the sheet in the long term.

UltraPly TPO is manufactured in the US, using the same formulation, and is installed all over the world. The same membrane can be applied in the ice-cold Alaska and in the extremely hot Arabian gulf.

At 1.12 kg/m² (for the 1.1 mm thick membrane), UltraPly TPO is a lightweight membrane that offers a variety of installation options for low slope roofing applications in both refurbishment and new construction projects.

With an unchanged formulation since 1996, UltraPly TPO exhibits excellent lab and real-world results, even after decades of exposure in regions with high UV radiation levels. Projects installed 20-25 years ago are testament to this.

UltraPly TPO is also easy to install. Field seams between membranes are made using an automatic hot air welder. The membrane has a wide welding window of more than 200°C at each speed, allowing the roofing contractor to complete hot air welds consistently in a broad temperature range. 

Since all seams and details on the roof are executed with products that can be welded using hot air, the risk of fire during work is minimized. Roofing systems using UltraPly TPO membranes do not require premises to be closed to the public (such as supermarkets, shopping malls, schools, etc.) and allow production on industrial sites to continue.

UltraPly TPO can only be installed by professional roofing contractors that have been trained and approved by Elevate. The company offers a variety of educational programs at facilities spread across Europe and Asia. The objective of these training programs is to educate and familiarize roofing contractors with all aspects of TPO roofing system installations, from beginner to advanced level. For more information, please contact your local Elevate representative.

Due to its stable and consistent formulation, and the presence of the correct amount of antioxidants, UltraPly TPO is easy to repair, even after several years of exposure. Membranes in service only require proper cleaning with a solvent-based cleaner prior to welding.

UltraPly TPO is available in white and light grey.

UltraPly TPO membranes do not have any incompatibility issues when in direct contact with old bituminous membranes, PVC or polystyrene insulation boards, simplifying re-roofing. Please contact the Elevate technical department for detailed information.

UltraPly TPO can be combined with any type of photovoltaic installation due to its reflectivity, high-temperature resistance and outstanding wear and tear resistance. It is therefore a great choice for solar roofs.

UltraPly TPO has successfully passed the EN 13948 and FLL test for resistance to root penetration. It is particularly well suited for extensive green roofing systems that use lightweight and low maintenance sedum vegetation.

The chemical compounds of the UltraPly TPO membrane have a stable structure and do not contain any dangerous substances, as defined in article 3 of EC regulation No 1907 / 2006 (REACH). No extraction of plasticizers occurs, even during welding; the membrane can therefore be used for collection of rainwater for non-drinking purposes (such as flushing toilets, etc)

UltraPly TPO roofing systems contribute to obtaining credits under different criteria in green building rating systems that promote responsible design and sustainable construction. One of the key criteria where UltraPly TPO contributes is high reflectivity. Please contact our technical department for an overview of the standards set by both BREEAM and LEED, and how UltraPly TPO can minimize the environmental impact of a building and maximize its value.

UltraPly TPO does not contain halogenated flame retardants, chlorine, heavy metals or plasticizers, and can therefore be recycled easily. The membrane can be ground into “rework” and this regrind can be incorporated into the bottom ply during the extrusion process to produce a new product. UltraPly TPO contains 15% of post industrial recycled content.

UltraPly TPO is Factory Mutual (FM) and UL approved. Thousands of UltraPly TPO assemblies/roofing systems have been tested and approved as per FM guidelines. Extended information on all the Elevate FM Approved roofing products assemblies can be found in https://roofnav.app.fmglobal.com

The UltraPly TPO membrane has obtained the CE marking, proving that it meets current European requirements in the field of safety, health, environment and consumer protection. Elevate TPO manufacturing facilities follow stringent quality control guidelines. From raw material selection to finished product testing, our TPO roofing production site in Wellford (US) has been certified according to ISO 9001 for their quality management system.

UltraPly TPO roofing systems have also been assessed for their performance, resulting in a variety of national and international type approvals and classifications, such as ATG, DTA, ETN, DIT, KOMO, FM, etc. Please contact our technical department for  information on a specific classification or rating.

UltraPly TPO roofing systems have been installed on hundreds of thousands of roofs worldwide since 1996. Please contact your Elevate local representative for more details.

UltraPly TPO BIM data is available on BIMObject.