The report prepared by the German Institut für Bautenschutz, Baustoffe und Bauphysik
Dr. Rieche und Dr. Schürger GmbH & Co. KG, confirms the excellent durability of TPO roofing membranes with no changes in the mechanical properties after 25 years of service life.
The report is based on a study of 17 to 25 years old roofs. The roof assessment and testing of the material samples was carried out according to the following criteria:
Roof assessment: General condition of the roof, roof build-up / assembly, flashings, welded seams, structural aspects.
Material samples: Thickness, tensile strength, elongation at break, low temperature foldability, peel strength and shear strength of site-welded seams, including the seams of new membranes welded onto existing exposed membranes, together with microscopic investigation of the membrane surface. These properties are those regarded as essential for predicting the durability of polymeric waterproofing membranes.
All roofs were found to be in good condition and the report concludes: "There is now 25 years of proven, positive experience for the durability TPO roofing membranes. Therefore given the standard roof conditions and use in compliance with the products application and maintenance requirements, these results also suggest that the polymeric TPO roofing membranes will continue to fulfill their waterproofing function for many more years."