What’s the Best Single-ply Commercial Roof System?
TPO vs. PVC or EPDM
Don’t let alphabet soup prevent you from making the best choice of single-ply roofing for your commercial building. Single-ply roofing systems are similar, comparable, and often a great roofing solution. Here’s a quick review of TPO, PVC, and EPDM systems’ pros and cons. Let us know if you have any questions. Our roofing experts are here to help you confidently make choices that protect your building and meet your goals.
PVC Roofing – Polyvinyl chloride
PVC became widely used across Europe in the 1960’s and was brought into the US in the 1970’s. So it’s been around for a long period of time and stands the test of time.
PVC can be installed in wide-open, large expanses on low-slope roofs. It comes in long rolls of membrane which install rather quickly. Where the edges of a roll meet up with a neighboring sheet of membrane, seams are fused or hot-air welded together. These seams provide structural integrity, creating strong, long-lasting bonds not prone to cracking or breaking apart.
There are tried, tested, and approved methods for mechanically fastening the membrane to the roof decking below. It can also be adhered to the roof with proper considerations and cautious execution.
Trust only well-trained commercial roofing experts to install your PVC roof.
PVC can be installed in wide-open, large expanses on low-slope roofs. It comes in long rolls of membrane which install rather quickly. Where the edges of a roll meet up with a neighboring sheet of membrane, seams are fused or hot-air welded together. These seams provide structural integrity, creating strong, long-lasting bonds not prone to cracking or breaking apart. There are tried, tested, and approved methods for mechanically fastening the membrane to the roof decking below. It can also be adhered to the roof with proper considerations and cautious execution. Trust only well-trained commercial roofing experts to install your PVC roof.
The chemical formulation of PVC roofing provides a few key characteristics:
- Inherently fire resistant – holds a Class A fire rating
- Highly resistant to chemicals – can withstand output from manufacturing or restaurant settings
- Reflects UV rays – preventing heat absorption and extending life expectancy (resists breakdown due to exposure)
- Customizable colors – can enhance brand aesthetics
- The manufacturing process is considered environmentally friendly
TPO Roofing – Thermoplastic polyolefin
Use of TPO roofing started in Europe in the 1990’s and was brought to the US shortly thereafter. Early formulations ran into trouble breaking down sooner than expected. So we’ve watched the industry problem solve and reformulate TPO into the cost-effective, long-lasting solution we install today. It is often mechanically fastened to the roof decking below, but it can also be adhered to the roof with manufacturer-approved methods. It takes skill and patience to install it properly to meet warranty codes.
Often used in the same applications as other traditional flat roofing products, it’s flexibility also makes it a great choice for smaller, narrow spaces. TPO is pliable and doesn’t move from where it’s installed, so it can easily go up and down walls, over the roof edge, and around penetrations.
- Doesn’t shrink over time due to age or fluctuating temperatures
- Commonly white or light colors – reflects heat absorption
- Durable in high temperatures and hail
- Secure – where you install it is where it will stay, but is flexible enough to shift with a building as it settles
- Manufactured with environmentally conscious methods
EPDM Roofing – Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer
This synthetic rubber roofing membrane has been around since the late 1950’s continues to receive improvements and industry advancements. It’s often seen as the most budget-friendly single-ply membrane, but it isn’t always the best fit. Its high points are easy installation, cold weather flexibility, and easy repairs. EPDM roofing can be quickly installed on large flat roofs. It only needs to be adhered at the seams, and it commonly has ballast (rocks or gravel) spread over top to help hold it in place. The lack of complex installation helps keep the cost low.
Issues that come up sometimes with EPDM roofing have to do with how it weathers over time. Prolonged exposure to UV rays often causes shrinking as the oils seep out of the asphalt base. Much like roads and parking lots experience spidering cracks that expand into seams tearing and fully separating. Where EPDM goes over walls or transition areas, age-induced shrinkage causes tenting as the membrane refuses to maintain its original shape or location. These vulnerable areas easily suffer punctures, tears, and sagging. In extreme cases, the shrinkage can pull edge metal into the structure and walls of the building causing structural damage.
Despite the known issues caused by aging, EPDM remains a common commercial roofing solution thanks to its cost effectiveness as a short term investment.