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AFRICA
GEOSYNTHETICS
AFRICA

PolyTape Root Barrier

PolyTape RB340 is a UV-stabilised, double-coated polypropylene needlepunched nonwoven root barrier - tested to CEN/TS 14416 root penetration resistance standard. Engineered to redirect tree root development downward, protecting buildings, concrete paths, walls, pipelines and underground infrastructure from structural root damage. 340 g/m², 1.6 mm thick, resistant to soil chemicals, mildew and insects, with an assessed service life exceeding 100 years in buried conditions. Available coated on both sides for full impermeability or non-coated where water permeability to surrounding land drains must be maintained. Supplied across 30+ African countries - the continent's only specified, tested and certified PP root barrier system.

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Technical Specification of PolyTape Root Barrier

PolyTape RB340 PP Root Barrier is a UV-stabilised, double-coated polypropylene needlepunched nonwoven geotextile engineered specifically for root control in urban infrastructure, landscaping, civil construction and horticultural applications. Tested to CEN/TS 14416 root penetration resistance standard, PolyTape RB340 physically redirects tree and shrub root development downward - preventing lateral root migration that causes wall cracking, concrete path failure, pipeline damage and building foundation undermining. At 340 g/m² and 1.6 mm thickness, it combines high root penetration resistance with the mechanical robustness required for vertical installation in hard urban environments.

PolyTape RB340 is available in two configurations: PP-coated on both sides for applications requiring full water impermeability - retaining walls, building perimeters and hardscape protection; and non-coated for applications where water permeability to surrounding land drains must be maintained. Both configurations are resistant to soil chemicals, mildew, insects and biological agents, with an assessed service life exceeding 100 years in buried conditions at soil temperatures above 25°C. Weathering resistance, acid and alkaline resistance, oxidation resistance and microbiological resistance are all certified at 90% retained strength (EN 12224, EN 14030, EN ISO 13438, EN 12225).

Geosynthetics Africa supplies PolyTape RB340 PP Root Barrier across 30+ African countries - the continent's only specified, tested and CEN/TS 14416-certified root barrier system available with pan-African logistics and technical selection support. Available in widths of 1 m and 2 m in 25 m and 50 m rolls, sized for urban streetscape, residential, commercial and infrastructure applications. Where root control is a structural requirement - not an afterthought - PolyTape RB340 is the specified solution.

Typical Values for GEOTEXTILE FABRICS

Root Penetration Resistance
CEN/TS 14416 Certified
Mass per Unit Area
340 g/m² · 1.6 mm Thick
Service Life
100+ Years Buried (TÜV Assessed)
Chemical Resistance
Acids · Alkalis · Oxidation · Microbiological - 90% Retained Strength

Properties & Dimensions

PropertyTest MethodPolyTape RB340
Root Penetration ResistanceCEN/TS 14416Certified Pass
Assessed Service LifeTÜV Austria100+ Years Buried
Mass per Unit AreaEN ISO 9864340 g/m²
Static Puncture ResistanceEN ISO 122363,250 N
Chemical & Biological ResistanceEN 14030 · EN 1222590% Retained Strength
Standard Roll Width-1.0m
Standard Roll Length-50.0m
Download Full Technical Datasheet for PolyTape Root Barrier (PDF)

Popular Catalogue Items

PolyTape RB340 PP Root Barrier

PolyTape RB340 PP Root Barrier

1m x 50m , Moles , Roots
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Related Product Groups

Non-Woven GeotextilesWoven GeotextilesHigh-Strength GeotextilesGeotextile TubesPaving FabricsFiltration Geotextiles

Three Questions To Ask Before You Order

1.What is the difference between a root barrier and a standard geotextile?
A standard geotextile is not a root barrier. Geotextiles are engineered for filtration, separation, drainage and reinforcement - their aperture sizes and mechanical properties are not designed or tested for root penetration resistance. PolyTape RB340 is a purpose-engineered root barrier tested specifically to CEN/TS 14416 root penetration resistance standard using lupinus alba seeds in lime-free soil over 6 weeks. If a product does not carry CEN/TS 14416 certification, it has not been tested as a root barrier - regardless of what it is called.
2.How deep should the root barrier be installed?
Installation depth depends on tree species, root architecture and the infrastructure being protected. As a general guideline, root barriers should be installed to a minimum depth of 600 mm for shrubs and small ornamental trees, and 1,000–1,500 mm for large canopy trees with aggressive root systems such as ficus, eucalyptus and jacaranda - all common in African urban environments. For specific species and structural protection requirements, consult a landscape architect or arborist. PolyTape RB340 is available in 1 m and 2 m widths to accommodate both depth requirements without field cutting.
3.Coated or non-coated - which do I specify?ength?
Specify PP-coated both sides where water transmission through the barrier zone must be prevented - building perimeters, retaining walls, hardscape and pavement protection. Specify non-coated where surrounding land drains or soil drainage systems must remain functional alongside root control - tree pits adjacent to drainage infrastructure, permeable paving systems and applications where soil water balance must be maintained. Both configurations carry identical CEN/TS 14416 root penetration certification and 100+ year TÜV-assessed service life.
4.Will PolyTape RB340 last in African soil conditions?
Yes. PolyTape RB340 is assessed as durable for more than 100 years in buried conditions at soil temperatures above 25°C - independently verified by TÜV Austria Hellas. It is certified resistant to acids (EN 14030), alkalis (EN 14030), oxidation (EN ISO 13438) and microbiological degradation (EN 12225) at 90% retained strength. African soils range from highly alkaline black cotton clays to acidic laterites and saline coastal profiles - PolyTape RB340 is resistant across all of them.
5.Can PolyTape RB340 be used for tree pit lining in paved urban areas?
Yes - tree pit lining is one of the primary applications. Install PolyTape RB340 vertically around the full perimeter of the tree pit to the specified depth before backfilling. Use non-coated configuration where the tree pit drainage system must remain connected to surrounding soil moisture. Use coated configuration where pavement waterproofing or building proximity requires full impermeability. Overlap joins by minimum 150 mm and secure with staples or pins before backfilling. The 1 m width is the standard specification for tree pit installations.
6.Is PolyTape RB340 suitable for protecting underground pipelines and services?
Yes. PolyTape RB340 is specified for protection of underground pipelines, cable ducts, irrigation mains and drainage infrastructure from root intrusion. Install vertically between the planted tree or shrub and the service corridor to the full depth of the service. The 3,250 N static puncture resistance (EN ISO 12236) ensures the barrier withstands installation in stony or compacted urban soils without damage. For pipeline protection in high-tree-density streetscapes, continuous barrier runs using the 2 m width minimise join frequency and installation time.

Specification For The Design, Installation Of PolyTape Root Barrier

Excavation & Preparation - Excavate the barrier trench or tree pit to the specified depth - minimum 600 mm for shrubs and small trees, 1,000 -1,500 mm for large canopy trees. Ensure trench walls are clean, stable and free of sharp stones, roots and debris that could damage or puncture the barrier during installation. Confirm drainage requirements before selecting coated or non-coated configuration.

Barrier Placement - Unroll PolyTape RB340 vertically into the prepared trench with the full specified depth achieved. Maintain barrier in vertical position against the trench wall - do not fold or crease at the base. For tree pit installations, wrap continuously around the full perimeter of the pit with no gaps. The 1 m width suits standard tree pit depths; the 2 m width suits deep installations and pipeline protection corridors without field cutting.

Overlaps & Joining - Overlap all joins by a minimum of 150 mm. Secure overlaps with ground staples or pins before backfilling — unsecured overlaps can open during compaction and create root pathways. For coated configuration, tape overlaps with compatible PP tape for full impermeability at joins. For non-coated configuration, standard stapled overlaps are sufficient.

Backfilling & Completion - Backfill in compacted layers — do not use mechanical compaction directly against the barrier face. Ensure the top edge of the barrier is at or slightly above finished ground level to prevent root bypass over the top of the barrier. Do not cut the barrier below specified depth to accommodate utilities or services — reroute services or increase barrier depth. Record installation depth and configuration in project documentation.

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