Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) single-ply roofing membranes have an excellent history in commercial roofing; however they are constructed using organic polymers that can be damaged by extreme heat, sunlight and UV.

Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) single-ply roofing membranes have an excellent history in commercial roofing; however they are constructed using organic polymers that can be damaged by extreme heat, sunlight and UV. Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems are typically mounted directly to a low slope roofing membrane and can create temperatures as high as 190 degrees Fahrenheit to adjacent roofing surfaces. With the increasing use of (BIPV) the challenges faced by typical TPO membranes have been highlighted. 

To address this, GAF scientists created a new grade of TPO single-ply membrane that is built to handle the extreme demands that new rooftop applications can place on roofing membranes. EverGuard® Extreme™ TPO uses proprietary stabilizers and UV absorbers to achieve weathering performance far beyond current standards. In fact, GAF conducted accelerated weathering and aging tests on EverGuard® Extreme™ and other commercial TPO membranes, subjecting them each to a temperature of 280 degrees - a temperature far beyond the most rigorous proposed ASTM tests. EverGuard® Extreme™ blew away the competition, lasting more than twice as long before cracking.  GAF was also the first to use the new Atlas Ultra Accelerated Weather Test Unit, which collects and concentrates sunlight producing the equivalent of 40 years exposure in only 12 months. EverGuard® Extreme™ TPO membranes survived 13 months under these conditions without signs of failure.

It is because of this outstanding performance that Diamond Roofing and Diamond Solar Solutions in Kansas selected EverGuard® Extreme™ TPO for use on the Kiowa County Commons project in Greenberg, Kan. In May of 2007, a tornado ripped through Greensburg, destroying much of the city, including the Kiowa County Library and Historical Museum. Inspired by their town’s name, the citizens set out to build a more sustainable, eco-conscious community and become a model “green” town for the future. The city council of Greensburg passed a resolution stating that all buildings would be built to LEED platinum standards, making it the first city in the nation to do so.

To replace the decimated library and museum, The County built Kiowa Commons, which also houses the Kiowa County Media Center and offices of K-State Research and Extension. Boasting 48 geothermal wells, three photovoltaic roof towers, several light monitors, a green roof, and energy-saving windows, the building is expected to reduce the energy of a traditionally-built facility of the same size by 40 percent.

Knowing the many benefits of EverGuard® Extreme™ TPO, Gary A. Cameron of Diamond Roofing and Diamond Solar Solutions installed the 80 mil product under the photovoltaic system and found the product to be extremely easy to work with. “As the roofing contractor, our primary goal is to maintain weatherproofing and a durable roof system and from my perspective it is to GAF’s solar market advantage that they’ve positioned their product using evidence backed up by research to support a best practice solution,” said Kevin Gwaltney, President of Diamond Roofing.

For more information, visit www.gaf.com.