QINGDAO ZHONGNUO NEW MATERIAL CO., LTD.
1. Material Characteristics Comparison
| Material | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| HDPE |
- High strength, puncture resistance - Chemical/aging resistance - Eco-friendly, non-toxic |
- Poor flexibility, requires welding for seams - Demands flat substrate |
| EPDM |
- Excellent elasticity and weather resistance (-40℃~120℃) - UV/ozone resistant - Long lifespan |
- Seams require adhesive (leakage risk) - Limited color options (mostly black) - Higher cost |
| PVC |
- Good flexibility, easy installation - Weldable seams - Low cost |
- Contains plasticizers (poor eco-friendliness) - Softens in heat, brittle in cold - Poor oil/solvent resistance |
| TPO |
- Superior weather resistance (-50℃~120℃) - Eco-friendly (no plasticizers) - Weldable, heat-reflective |
- High cost (especially imported brands) - Inconsistent quality in domestic products |
2. Recommended Applications
(1) HDPE
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Ideal for: Landfills, basement slabs, tunnels, chemical environments (acid/alkali resistance).
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Avoid: Complex-shaped roofs, low-temperature areas (low flexibility).
(2) EPDM
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Ideal for: Long-term exposed flat roofs (e.g., green roofs), water reservoirs, cold storage.
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Avoid: Areas requiring high seam reliability, projects needing light-colored reflective surfaces.
(3) PVC
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Ideal for: Lightweight roofs (metal roof renovations), irregular structures (pipes/angles), non-high-temp environments.
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Avoid: High-temperature facilities, eco-sensitive projects (e.g., LEED certification).
(4) TPO
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Ideal for: Commercial roofs (energy-efficient reflection), extreme climates, green building projects.
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Avoid: Budget-constrained projects, strong acid/alkali environments.
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3. Key Selection Factors
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Environmental Conditions:
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Extreme temps: Prioritize TPO/EPDM.
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Chemical exposure: HDPE > PVC > TPO.
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UV exposure: EPDM/TPO perform best.
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Installation Requirements:
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Complex shapes: PVC (flexible).
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Seam reliability: HDPE (welded), TPO/PVC (welded) > EPDM (adhesive).
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Budget:
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Cost-effective: PVC/HDPE.
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Premium: TPO/EPDM.
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Sustainability:
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Prioritize TPO/HDPE (plasticizer-free); avoid PVC (chlorinated).
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4. Typical Use Cases
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Underground projects: HDPE (puncture/chemical resistance).
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Commercial roofs: TPO (energy efficiency + durability).
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Old roof renovations: PVC (lightweight + easy installation).
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Harsh climates: EPDM (elasticity + freeze-thaw resistance).
5. Critical Notes
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Seam Treatment: EPDM relies on adhesives—strict quality checks required; others prefer heat welding.
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Substrate Prep: HDPE needs flat surfaces; TPO/PVC tolerate minor deformations.
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Lifespan: EPDM/TPO: ~30 years; PVC: ~15-20 years (plasticizer migration reduces longevity).