Polymer waterproofing membranes play a critical role in modern construction, with Thermoplastic Polyolefins (TPO) and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) being two widely used primary materials. Their long-term performance, particularly weatherability and durability, directly determines the reliability and service life of building envelopes. This article will delve into the impact of environmental factors on the molecular structures of these two materials from a materials science perspective and explore the underlying aging mechanisms and their respective application scenarios.
In the history of modern construction, persistent leakage, akin to a "water curtain cave," has long plagued the industry and end-users. The limitations of traditional waterproofing materials in terms of durability, environmental friendliness, and construction convenience have struggled to meet the higher demands of contemporary buildings for long-term safety, energy efficiency, and sustainability. Today, polymer waterproofing membranes, represented by PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin), and HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene), are leading a technological revolution with their superior performance, becoming the preferred solution for large public buildings, industrial plants, transportation hubs, and green roofs.
Recently, Canlon has added another internationally authoritative certification – its TPO/PVC waterproof membrane has successfully passed the product rating accreditation of the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) after three years of outdoor testing, making it one of the few domestic companies to hold certifications for both polymer waterproof materials. This also signifies that Canlon's roofing waterproofing products have reached internationally advanced levels in terms of thermal radiation efficiency and green energy-saving performance, opening new channels for expanding into the global green building market.
In recent years, with the advancement and deployment of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality initiatives, high-performance PVC and TPO polymer waterproof membranes, which offer energy savings and environmental benefits, have experienced rapid growth in China. Due to their superior physical properties, they exhibit exceptionally long-lasting aging resistance when used directly exposed, and have long held the position of "King of Roofing" in the North American market.
Recently, the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development released the second batch of new technologies for key promotion and application in improved housing. Starting from waterproof materials, water supply and drainage, renewable energy, prefabricated decoration, and all-age friendliness, a batch of new technologies and processes were announced to promote the construction of safe, comfortable, green and smart improved housing. The document prioritizes the promotion of waterproofing materials and new technologies for underground and roofing projects, including polymer-modified asphalt waterproofing membranes, synthetic polymer waterproofing membranes, reactive polymer waterproofing coatings, and hot-melt rubberized asphalt waterproofing coatings. Waterproofing materials suitable for interior, roofing, and exterior wall projects can include polymer emulsion waterproofing coatings and cement-based waterproofing materials, and detailed requirements are outlined.
The expected lifespan of PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) roofing membranes can vary depending on several factors such as installation quality, environmental conditions, maintenance, and the specific brand or quality of the membrane itself. Generally, high-quality PVC roofing membranes are designed to have a lifespan ranging from 20 to 30 years or more when properly installed and maintained.
Unveiling the Versatility and Durability of PVC Roofing Membranes
The installation process of PVC roofing membranes involves several key steps:Surface Preparation,Insulation Installation (if required),Mechanical Attachments,Adhesive Application or Hot Air Welding,Roll Out and Position the Membrane,Seaming, Flashing Installation,Detailing and Edging,Quality Control and Inspection
Recently, the "Proposed List of Intelligent Manufacturing Demonstration Workshops in Jiangsu Province in 2023" released by the Provincial Department of Industry and Information Technology has been published. After enterprise application, city and county recommendation, formal review, credit inquiry, paper material review, on-site verification and other procedures, the PVC intelligent manufacturing workshop of Suzhou Canlon Polymer Construction Material Co., Ltd. was successfully listed.