TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin), also referred to as FPO, is a single-ply roofing membrane, which provides an excellent choice for larger flat roof buildings, such as warehouses, logistics hubs and industrial units. Carlisle’s Sure-Weld® TPO roofing membrane has been a popular single ply system in the USA for over 20 years, with more than 500 million m² installed on buildings worldwide, including factories, warehouses, hospitals, schools and large retail units.

Suitable for both new build and refurbishment projects, Carlisle’s Sure-Weld® TPO roofing system is available in either white or grey, reflecting rather than absorbing heat. This makes it particularly useful for reducing urban heat island effect in heavily developed locations and areas affected by increased temperatures due to climate change. The membrane is also fully compatible for solar PV installations, and offers excellent root resistance for green roofs, which makes for a compelling environmental case.

Sure-Weld® TPO is removeable and recyclable at the end of its service life, making it ideal for any project with circular sustainability goals, and, unlike some other single ply membranes, TPO does not contain plasticisers or other toxins which are harmful to the environment.

Sure-Weld® TPO forms part of an innovative portfolio of flat roofing systems from Carlisle, which includes EPDM and PU liquid waterproofing systems. The addition to the range further enhances specifiers’ choice from the trusted Carlisle brand, while offering a TPO product with exceptional practicality and performance, thanks to Octaguard XT weather protection, an ingredient combining U/V and temperature stabilisers, used exclusively in TPO formulation by Carlisle. This gives Sure-Weld® TPO improved durability and flexibility and enables Carlisle to offer this system with their best-in-class extended guarantee scheme.

Available in a range of widths, and thicknesses of 1.2mm, 1.5mm and 2.0mm, the Sure-Weld® TPO range includes a variety of accessories for ease of detailing and two additional widths. This fully compatible system is part of a full roof build-up from Carlisle, including vapour control layer and insulation, and is mechanically fixed or ballasted, including mechanical installation using Carlisle’s induction installation system.

Allen Coldrake, director of sales and technical roofing at Carlisle commented: “The use of TPO membranes is growing across Europe, with environmentally focused brands using TPO to maximise the potential of solar energy as part of their carbon reduction strategies. In Germany, a ban on PVC membrane in some cities, such as Berlin for example, is acting as a catalyst for growth in the TPO market, while in Spain, high levels of UV and a trend for large roof sizes is also prompting high demand for TPO.

“These European trends, as stated by Global News Wire reflect predictions that the global green building materials market will Reach US$ 951.15 Billion by 2030, with a 12.3% CAGR. In the UK, the government has set a target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, which has led the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) to coordinate the cross-industry C02nstruct Zero programme, driving demand for sustainable building products with reduced embodied carbon and improved circularity.

“The reflectivity of Sure-Weld® TPO, its suitability for solar PV installations and its long, low maintenance lifespan are all factors that align to this agenda and will help to drive specification for larger roofs. We are delighted to be able to offer architects, specifiers and contractors even greater choice from Carlisle, along with reliable supply and high standards of service and technical support.”