Thermoplastic Polyolefin
...historically proven performance
The popularity of TPOs for use in roofing applications has increased tremendously in the U.S. during the past decade and now the trend is continuing in the UK. This is largely due to a highly desirable set of performance characteristics that polypropylene-based (PP) TPOs provide, which are not available from any other commercial roofing product on the market. Thermoplastic polyolefins have been around the worldwide roofing industry for over a decade and PP-based TPO products used in exposed or outdoor applications have been common in the U.S. since the 1970s.
Worldwide, PP TPOs account for a large commercial value in a variety of applications including:
AUTOMOTIVE:
bumpers, side panels, air intake ducts, wheel well liners and interior trim
RECREATIONAL:
golf cart bodies, snowmobile belly pans and bodies for inline roller-skates
CONSTRUCTION:
roofing, geomembranes, insulation and corrosion protection
(on gas and oil transmission lines)
POLISYSTEM UK LTD. is now able to offer the market its new TPO membranes, which are the result of years of research and experience, confident that its customers will appreciate a new waterproofing technological innovation with high performance.
The impermeable synthetic membrane manufactured by Polisystem offers the following advantages:
Ageing resistance
Results of artificial ageing tests provide evidence that the values of Polisystem products are better than the values achieved by other impermeable membranes present in the market. For example, Polisystem membrane, subjected to the severe thermal stress, (UNI 8202 p 26) after 180 days at 70°C presented a deterioration of only 10°C of the flexibility test. These results are confirmed by the excellent performance of the Polisystem membranes installed so far. Polisystem membranes do not require any kind of protection and can be directly exposed to the atmosphere.
An environmentally friendly solution
The impact on the environment during production, installation and working life is exceptional when compared with other membranes present in the market.
Recyclability
The materials used in the production of Polisystem membranes, including packaging, such as tapes, labels, etc. are 05 category and are therefore recyclable.
Thermal stability & UV resistance
Due to the nature of the plastic material used and of the glass scrim, Polisystem products have a high thermal stability. This property guarantees the possibility of working in extreme conditions e.g. roofs exposed directly to the sun‘s rays; with Polisystem applied vertically, on insulating materials.
The UV resistance of the membranes has been tested in accordance with
EN norm 1297.
Compatibility with bituminous products
Polisystem membranes offer great advantages when an old bituminous membrane cover is to be restored. The Polisystem sheets can be laid directly with a woven or non-woven polypropylene or polyester between them and the old bituminous covering.
Safety of product
(Control of Substances Hazardous to Health – COSHH)
The materials used for Polisystem products are well known and tested over time, so future unknown problems will not occur. See our brochure for specifics.
Dimensional stability
The glass scrim used in the manufacture of Polisystem membranes ensures the dimensional stability required for a waterproofing covering. Tests show that the dimensional variation is less than 0.02% when the temperature changes of about 70°C.
The dimensional stability of the membranes have been tested in accordance with
EN norm 1107-2.
High cold flexibility levels
The good values achieved by the Polisystem membranes in the cold flexibility test allow them to be installed in environmental conditions which would be prohibitive for other membranes.
The cold flexibility of the membranes have been tested in accordance with
EN norm 495-5.
Root resistance
In accordance with EN 13948 a two year test was carried out on the Polisystem membranes manufactured by Polisystem S.p.A. The surface and joints of the membranes did not show any penetrations or perforations caused by roots after the 2 year period.
The Polisystem membranes are therefore considered to be root resistant according to EN 13948.
The test on root resistance relates to the data and material characteristics as well as the applied jointing technique and manufacturing technique described in the report.
Impermeability to water vapour
The technology used in the production of Polisystem membranes ensures uniformity and continuity to the surface; this gives the product great resistance to vapour. Tests have also shown that even the welds made with an overlap of 6 cm are highly resistant to steam (minimum value 200.000 µ UNI 8202 p 23). Therefore Polisystem membranes can be considered as a vapour barrier.
Chemicals and biological resistance
The nature of the materials used and the manufacturing technology, gives Polisystem membranes great resistance to bacteria aggression that can be generated by stagnant water e.g. tanks for the settlement of sewage, water oxidation basins etc.
Rot proof
The materials used ensure that Polisystem waterproofing membranes are not subject to rotting.
Strength
The high strength of the polymers and the glass scrim used in Polisystem membranes give them an excellent performance lengthways and transversely. These characteristics also make Polisystem membranes suitable for mechanically fixed covers.
The tensile properties of the membranes have been tested in accordance with
EN norm 12311-2.
Strength of sealed hot air welded laps
The nature of polymers used for Polisystem membranes and the experience gained on site, demonstrates the versatility and ease of welding. This enables quick laying and complete resistance to water ingress over a design life in excess of 40 years.
Aesthetic aspect
Until recently, the idea of combining practicability, pliability, weld ability, aesthetic aspect, etc. in a single waterproofing membrane would not have been possible. Materials available previously in the market only found partial solutions to these problems. Over the last few years, the building industries have laid great importance on aesthetics; the surface colouring of the Polisystem range of membranes is lasting and is virtually maintenance free, providing harmonious, aesthetically pleasing results with high performance.
Resistance to hailstones
Polisystem products are particularly resistant to hailstones; the special mechanical properties associated with the elasticity of the materials used in the production of Polisystem membranes guarantee a solution to this problem.
Plastic and elastic properties
Raw materials used in the production of Polisystem membranes guarantee ductility and perfect adjustment to dimensional variations for any situation.
Clean installation
All the operations required for the installation of the Polisystem products can be done with total cleanliness for the installers, equipment used and the surrounding areas.
