Are all TPO membranes the same? Prudêncio explains the uniqueness of the Köster brand
When it comes to choosing the most suitable TPO membrane for each waterproofing project, the question often arises: are all TPO membranes the same?
Throughout this article, we will clarify this question and help you understand the differences between Köster TPO membranes and others on the market.
Understanding the differences between the various options is essential to making a more informed decision and choosing the membrane that ensures efficient, safe, and long-lasting waterproofing.
The use of TPO membranes is booming in the construction sector due to their durability, UV resistance, and unique properties for waterproofing. This acronym for thermoplastic polyolefins refers to a type of single-ply waterproofing, which is applied by heat welding using robotic systems. However, not all TPO membranes are equal in terms of quality and performance or should be applied in the same context, nor do they share all application methods.
Membrane quality can vary according to several factors such as material composition, thickness, or reinforcement. Some TPO membranes are manufactured with a higher percentage of high-quality polymer and additives, resulting in higher durability and resistance of the material to aging and building demands.
In addition, another factor that may have a direct influence on the choice of TPO membrane is its manufacturing technology. Some TPO membranes are manufactured with a technology that allows, for example, to reinforce the reinforcement, providing a final product with greater strength and stability.
The type of polymer used to manufacture the membrane is also an aspect that influences its quality. And here we come to the first distinctive topic: Köster membranes are based on polyethylene (PE) unlike most which are made of polypropylene (PP).
PE provides greater flexibility, abrasion, and tensile strength, greater resistance to UV radiation and temperature ranges, and therefore also greater durability, among other advantages.
This has consequences for the application rules. One example: the high strength of Köster membranes allows them to be simply fixed at the perimeter of areas, where they meet vertical elements, whereas most manufacturers require a bonded profile to be placed in these areas and their membranes to be fully welded to this profile.
Köster, one of the oldest TPO manufacturers in the world, has added another differentiating feature: the top and bottom layers of its membranes are produced using the same quality material, bringing technical superiority to the product and the strength of the welds.
Are Köster TPO membranes only applied to roofs?
As a waterproofing solution, they can have multiple applications, such as water channels and reservoirs. However, roofs represent the majority of their use.
Prudêncio is committed to providing an exclusive service to its customers, applying only Köster TPO membranes in its waterproofing and roofing solutions. In this way, it offers guarantees of between 10 and 25 years and a service life of 40 years for its systems.
But the choice of this product for our waterproofing projects is not only about the excellent performance guaranteed by the brand. Köster TPO membranes are also highly environmentally responsible, as they do not contain or release toxic or environmentally hazardous compounds and do not include plasticizers and non-molecular binders like PVC membranes, so they are fully recyclable.
So, in summary, the answer is No! TPO membranes are not all the same.
Their quality varies depending on the manufacturer and their recipe, which makes each product distinctive. That’s why it’s important to choose the right material because we’re not only talking about the safety of buildings but also of the people in them.
If you found this article interesting, we recommend that you complement your reading with the article: Why are Köster TPO membranes the most suitable for waterproofing?