Back to Glossary
Roofingaka: TPOaka: TPO membraneaka: thermoplastic roofing

Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO)

In Plain English

A popular white plastic roofing membrane for flat roofs that reflects heat and has heat-welded seams — now the most common commercial flat roofing material.

Definition

A single-ply thermoplastic roofing membrane made from a blend of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber, widely used in commercial low-slope roofing applications. TPO is welded with hot air at the seams to create a watertight bond stronger than the membrane itself. White TPO provides excellent solar reflectance, reducing cooling loads and qualifying for Energy Star and cool roof program requirements.

Example

Sixty-mil white TPO was specified to meet the LEED credit for cool roofs, achieving a solar reflectance index (SRI) of 78.

Related Terms

Frequently Asked Questions

Need more than definitions?

Get AI-powered bid alerts, automated form filling, and proposal drafting.

Start Free Trial

© 2026 ConstructionBids.ai — A LaderaLabs Product