Flex Membrane International Corp. 2670 Leiscz’s Bridge Road, Suite 400, Leesport, PA 19533 Tel: 610-916-9500 Fax: 610-916-9501
FLEX SELF-ADHERING REINFORCED TPO MEMBRANE
GENERAL:
Flex Self Adhering TPO Membrane (SAM) is a heat-weldable, single-ply thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO)
sheet designed for fully adhered new roof construction and re-roofing applications. Flex (SAM) is
nominal 45 mil or 60 mil reinforced TPO membrane laminated to an elastomeric pressure-sensitive
adhesive. Flex (SAM) is based on advanced polymerization technology that combines the durability and
weatherability of ethylene-propylene (EP) rubber with the heat weldability of polypropylene. The
membrane is specifically formulated for long-term weather resistance without the use of either polymeric
or liquid plasticizers.
The pressure-sensitive adhesive is a 100% solid, hot melt adhesive that eliminates VOC and odor
concerns typically associated with fully adhered systems. The adhesive is factory applied to provide
uniform thickness yielding consistent field performance. An uncoated edge is maintained to allow for
heat welded field seams. The release liner is silicon coated on both sides to provide consistent, easy
release from the adhesive even if either side accidentally touches the adhesive again after removal.
Flex (SAM) is available in white (highly reflective) 45 mil and 60 mil nominal thicknesses. Available
widths are 5 and 10 ft in 50 and 100 ft rolls. The membrane is environmentally friendly and safe to install
with its VOC free pressure sensitive adhesive and heat welded seams.
Flex (SAM) white TPO membranes are LEED
compliant. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) designed by the LEED Green Building Rating
System. White Flex (SAM) is an E
NERGY STAR
FEATURES:
• High tack, pressure sensitive adhesive
• Wide window of weldability
• Outstanding puncture resistance
• Chlorine-free with no halogenated flame retardants
• Plasticizer-free, does not contain liquid or polymeric plasticizers
• Excellent low temperature impact resistance
• Excellent chemical resistance to acids, bases and restaurant exhaust emissions
• Exceptional resistance to solar UV, ozone and oxidation
• Low water vapor permeance and water absorption
• Hot melt extrusion processed for complete scrim encapsulation
• Warp knitted fabric (not woven) for smooth surface and greater thickness-over-scrim
• Polyester reinforcing fabric which is resistant to degradation by bacteria, mildew and fungi
• Consistent color
TYPICAL PROPERTIES AND CHARACTERISTICS:
See table that is attached for basic properties and supplemental section on page 4. Typical weights are 0.31 lb/ft
(1.5 kg/m
²
) for 45-mil and 0.39 lb/ft
²
(1.9 kg/m²) for 60-mil membrane.
TM
(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
® and California Title 24 rated roof product.
²
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CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS:
· A static electric charge may develop when removing the poly release liner from the
elastomeric pressure sensitive adhesive on the back of the membrane sheet. To avoid the
possibility of ignition, lids must be closed on any flammable solvent-based adhesives and a
fire extinguisher should be readily available.
· Sunglasses which filter out ultraviolet light are strongly recommended since tan and white
surfaces are highly reflective to sunlight. Roofing technicians should dress appropriately and
wear sunscreen to protect skin from the sun.
· Surfaces may promote slippery conditions due to frost and ice build-up. Exercise caution during
cold conditions to prevent falls.
· Care must be exercised when working close to a roof edge when surrounding area is snow
covered as the roof edge may not be clearly visible.
· Use proper stacking procedures to ensure sufficient stability of the rolls.
· Exercise caution when walking on wet membrane. Membranes may be slippery when wet.
· Store Flex (SAM) in the original undisturbed plastic wrap in a cool, shaded area and cover with
light colored, breathable, waterproof tarpaulins. Flex (SAM) that has been exposed to the
weather for approximately 7 days or longer must be prepared with Weathered Membrane
Cleaner prior to hot air welding.
INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS:
Flex Roofing Systems are fast to install since minimal labor and few components are required. The
systems may be installed utilizing labor-saving devices that make sheet welding fast, clean, consistent,
and easy to learn, while reducing strain on the roofing technician.
The Flex Pressure Sensitive Fully-Adhered Roofing System application begins with the insulation /
underlayment being attached per the required attachment specification.
1. The Flex Roofing Systems (SAM) TPO Membrane may only be installed when the
outdoor temperature is 50° F or rising.
2. The surface to which the membrane is to be applied must be very clean. Prior to membrane placement, the surface of the insulation or underlayment board must
be cleaned of dust and other foreign matter using a fine push broom or a blower.
INSTALLATION PROCEDURES:
Note: Priming of the insulation surface is not required; however, walls and vertical surfaces must be
primed with HP-250 Primer prior to installing the (SAM) TPO membrane.
1. Remove the release liner on one-half of the sheet starting from the split in the liner at the middle
of the sheet. The liner should be removed at an angle to reduce splitting or tearing of the liner.
Caution: A static electrical charge may develop when removing the release liner from the adhesive
on the back of the membrane sheet. To avoid the possibility of ignition, lids must be closed on any
solvent-based adhesives and a fire extinguisher should be readily available.
2. Roll the membrane onto the substrate while avoiding wrinkles. To achieve the best adhesion, the
membrane should be rolled onto the substrate at an angle. When applying the Flex (SAM) TPO
Membrane, it is recommended to maintain a large curve (radius) on the leading edge of the
2
membrane. This will help eliminate creases and bubbles that cannot be removed after the sheet is
in place.
3. Roll the Flex (SAM) TPO Membrane with a segmented roller to ensure full contact with the
substrate.
4. Fold back the remaining half of the sheet and repeat the above process.
HEAT WELDING PROCEDURES:
1. Refer to the Flex Adhered Application specification for typical heat welding procedures.
2. The membrane has an uncoated edge on one side along the length of the sheet for membrane
welding. Adjoining membrane sheets are overlapped lengthwise a minimum of 2 in. to provide
for a minimum 1-1/2 in. wide heat weld. It is recommended that all splices be shingled to avoid
bucking of water.
3. An uncoated edge is not provided at the ends of the rolls. Adjoining membrane sheets must be
butted together and overlaid with 6 in. wide Flex Reinforced Membrane, hot air welded along all
edges. Seal all membrane edges (where scrim reinforcement is exposed) with Cut-Edge Sealant.
WALL FLASHING:
1. Walls may be flashed using standard TPO membrane with Flex Bonding Adhesive or with (SAM)
TPO (primer must be utilized on all vertical surfaces).
Contact your Flex Representative for the specific design requirements and installation procedures for this
system.
FLEX (SAM) 45 & 60 MIL THICK REINFORCED TPO SHEET
BASIC PROPERTIES AND CHARACTERISTICS
Physical Property Test
Method
Property Of
Unaged Sheet
Property After ASTM
D573 aging
28 days @ 240 °F
Nominal thickness with adhesive, in. (mm)
45-mil
(adhesive nominal thickness is 0.010)
60-mil
(adhesive nominal thickness is 0.010)
Thickness over scrim, in. (mm)
45-mil
60-mil
Breaking strength, lbf (kN) ASTM D751
Elongation at break of fabric, % ASTM D751 25 typical 25 typical
Tearing strength, lbf (N) 8 by 8 in. specimen ASTM D751
initial solar reflectance Solar Spectrum Reflectometer 0.87
solar reflectance after 3 years Solar Spectrum Reflectometer (after cleaning) 0.83
An E
NERGY STAR
compliant low slope roof product must have an initial solar reflectance of at least
0.65 and a 3 year aged solar reflectance of at least 0.50. Cleaning of the aged roof surface is permitted
by the ENERGY STAR test protocol.
The Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) does not specify minimums for reflectance or emittance but
they do require specific protocols for testing and reporting. Cleaning of the aged roof surface is not
permitted for determination of radiative properties after 3 years.
A LEED “point” may be earned if a roof material is E
NERGY STAR
qualified and has a thermal
emittance of at least 0.90 as determined by ASTM E408.
California Title 24 requires an initial minimum reflectance of 0.70 and emittance of 0.75 as determined
by CRRC test protocol.
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Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) is calculated per ASTM E 1980. The SRI is a measure of the roof's
ability to reject solar heat, as shown by a small temperature rise. It is defined so that a standard black
(reflectance 0.05, emittance 0.90) is 0 and a standard white (reflectance 0.80, emittance 0.90) is 100.
Materials with the highest SRI values are the coolest choices for roofing. Due to the way SRI is
defined, particularly hot materials can even take slightly negative values, and particularly cool
materials can even exceed 100.
3. Flex TPO membranes conform to requirements of the U.S.E.P.A. Toxic Leachate Test (40 CFR
part 136) performed by an independent analytical laboratory.
4. Flex reinforced TPO was tested for dynamic puncture resistance per ASTM D5635-04 using the
most recently modified impact head 45 mil was watertight after an impact energy of 12.5 J (9.2 ftlbf) and 60-mil was watertight after 22.5 J (16.6 ft-lbf).
For additional information on Flex Products visit our website at www.flexroofingsystems.com