TPO refers to Thermoplastic Polyolefins, which is a polymer produced using existing polymer production technology based on polypropylene and polyethylene, polymerized together with rubber.
This name has a strong direction for the roofing industry: thermoplastic means it can be melted by heating, which means it can be installed using thermal welding, which is very reliable, fast, clean and cheap (hot air is the cheapest adhesive); at the same time, a thermoplastic material also means that it can be recycled at any stage of use, from polymerization to the end of its service life, and thermoplastic has no limitations like thermosetting materials (such as EPDM), so it can be colored in any shade and has other benefits, such as utilizing a white reflective surface to save energy.
The other part of the name, olefin, means that, unlike other popular thermoplastic roofing membranes (PVC), the TPO polymer does not contain chlorine and no chlorinated components are added during processing; Thermoplastic polyolefins is made of only carbon and hydrogen atoms, and has minimal impact on the environment. The catalloy process also allows TPO roofing membranes to have low-temperature flexibility without the addition of any plasticizers. In addition to environmental benefits, it also possesses long-term dimensional stability.
TPO waterproofing membrane is manufactured by blending TPO resin with optional modifiers (such as flame retardants) and colorants to produce waterproofing membranes suitable for exposed roofs.
With the application of TPO waterproofing membranes in Europe and America totaling billions of square meters (over 98% of which are manufactured from Basel raw materials), the superior performance of TPO membranes has gained customers' trust and approval. Due to its excellent long-term performance (with a lifespan of 50 years) and advanced installation methods, the global market for single-layer thermoplastic polyolefins (TPO) waterproof membranes has grown to over 100 million square meters per year, making it the fastest-growing star product in the waterproofing industry in Europe and America.
Weatherability: excellent resistance to ultraviolet radiation and natural aging, with a waterproofing effect that can last up to 50 years.
Free of plasticizers, so there is no other membrane phenomenon of rapid aging caused by plasticizer bleeding and migration, resulting in a longer membrane lifespan.
Excellent puncture resistance (fabric-reinforced and more puncture-resistant).
Welded with hot air. The bonding strength of the seam is stronger than that of the membrane itself, forming a complete waterproof layer.
Excellent low-temperature impact resistance (-40℃).
Excellent resistance to chemicals, including various acids, alkalis, oils, and good resistance to degradation caused by bacteria, fungi, and algae.
Good resistance to root penetration and can be used for green roofs.
High tear strength, high elongation at rupture, and good resistance to deformation.
Environmentally friendly and recyclable.
Can be made into light white, white, or colored materials. Light white can reflect sunlight and insulate heat; the solar reflectivity of white thermoplastic polyolefins (TPO) is more than 80%, which is far higher than the U.S. "Energy Star" standard (Energy Star standard of 65%), avoiding the urban heat island effect; colored materials can beautify the environment.
Due to the TPO membrane's excellent aging resistance and other properties, we recommend that it be primarily used for exposed roofing on lightweight steel, concrete, and in green roof systems.
