Induction welding technology used for roof membrane attachment
began in Europe and has been available in the U.S. for about 15
years. Currently, several U.S. roofing manufacturers offer
induction welding-installed systems for TPO and PVC roof membranes.
A roof assembly using induction welding is similar to a traditional
system where fasteners and plates are used to attach insulation to
a structural deck. But unlike a traditional system, a roof membrane
is bonded to fastening plates without membrane penetration or a
fastener line at the membrane sheet seams.
An induction welding system uses fasteners and coated plates to
secure roof board insulation to a structural deck. A TPO or PVC
membrane then is attached from above the roof membrane to each
plate with an electromagnetic induction welding tool.
At press time, eight manufacturers offer induction
welding-installed systems that achieve FM Global's wind-resistance
rating when tested as part of a roof assembly. Each manufacturer
has an agreement with OMG Roofing Products, Agawam, Mass., to
produce fasteners and coated plates for their specific systems, as
well as Rhino-Bond® Tool—a stand-up electromagnetic
induction welder used on roofs to create a bond between a coated
fastener plate and the underside of a roof membrane. For a list of
manufacturers currently offering induction welding-installed
systems for thermoplastic roofing, see the
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