Firestone UltraPly TPO Halogen-Free Roofing Membrane

Firestone, one of the nation’s largest manufacturers of commercial roofing products, has just introduced an alternative to its single-ply PVC roofing. UltraPly TPO (for thermoplastic polyolefin) is a proprietary compound based on polypropylene and ethylene propylene rubber. Unlike the company’s UltraPly 78 (a PVC membrane), UltraPly TPO contains no plasticizers, no chlorine, and no other halogens.

Concern about the creation of toxic gases during building fires and dioxin emissions if the material is disposed of by incineration has fueled interest in alternatives to PVC with single-ply roof membranes. Even though the high chlorine content of PVC roofing (approximately 50% by weight) makes the material highly fire resistant, if it