TPO Roof Vs. PVC roof

The importance of a reliable roof system for your company should not be underestimated. Leaks can stain the ceiling and make things look ugly. The same leaks can also damage the product or even create a slip hazard. Electrical problems arise. Bad smells. Negative curb complaint. None of the above are going to do well for your business. So when the time comes to repair or replace that aging roof and you are considering a TPO or PVC system, read on to discover the benefits of each.

Additionally, with the help of an Encinitas roofer, we'll go into great detail on what exactly these systems are so that you don't find your way around in the dark.

What is a TPO roof system?

TPO, known as thermoplastic polyolefin, is described by manufacturers as a single-ply roofing membrane that lies right over your existing roof (or one that has been completely removed). Despite its name, TPO is not made of plastic. The material is actually rubber. What you usually get with TPO is a blend of polypropylene-ethylene-propylene rubber. It's thin, reflects sunlight, and is inexpensive, which means you'll still have money in the bank at the end of the day.

Advantages of TPO roofing

Why exactly is this system so popular with business owners? According to the National Roofing Contractors Association, why does it make up 40% of the roofing market share?

• Cost – TPO is very affordable, ranging from $ 3.50 to $ 7.50 per square foot.
• Color – TPO is white and shiny; it slams the door quite skillfully with UV rays;
• Durability – Expect a TPO roof system to last for at least 20 years.
• Colors – Although mostly white, customers can also choose light gray, brown, or even black.

Disadvantages of TPO roofing

Since we do not live in a perfect world, there are some problems to be solved while looking at TPO. But as long as you continue with the knowledge in hand, the pitfalls become less dangerous. Pitfalls like:

• Choosing your manufacturer – Different manufacturers offer products of very different quality at exactly the same price.
• Thickness – Another problem with the manufacturer.
• Some will insist that a thicker TPO sheet last longer
  • In reality, all TPO roof systems have approximately the same service life (20 years).
• Hot Climates – While TPO is excellent at reflecting the sun, prolonged exposure to extreme heat tends to crack its surface.

What to consider with TPO roofs is to find a contractor associated with trusted manufacturers who are responsible for quality materials. Now we come to the PVC roof system.

What is a PVC roof system?

Polyvinyl chloride is another type of roofing membrane commonly used on industrial roofs with a flat or slightly sloping surface. What you get with PVC is usually two layers of the above with a layer of polyester in between. It's flexible, sturdy and, like TPO, a very popular choice with entrepreneurs looking to keep the rain off their customers' heads.

Advantages of PVC roofs

• durability
  • Hot air welds where the sheets join are actually stronger than the sheets.
  • No weaker material is used for binding.
• Chemical resistance
  • Many industrial plants expose their roofs to aggressive chemicals;
  • A PVC system is rarely or never damaged as a result.
• flexibility
  • PVC roofs are a bit more flexible than TPO and weld at a lower temperature.

Disadvantages of PVC roofs

As with TPO, the PVC system has some limitations:

• installation
  • The old roof needs to be completely removed before PVC can be placed and not just cleaned.
• costs
  • PVC roofs cost significantly more than TPO; $ 6 to $ 9.50 per square foot.
• Repair
  • You get approximately 20 years of service from a PVC roof. however …
    • The maintenance requirement usually increases after about 10 years
    • Repairs can be tricky as hot air welding can be less effective on older roofs

Upon further investigation, you will likely find that most specialists believe that the benefits of TPO outweigh those offered by PVC. Even so, the chemical resistance of a PVC system is an attractive plus for companies that release chemicals through a vent on the roof. As mentioned earlier, a good roof replacement contractor will steer you in the right direction. With the information provided here, we hope we have done the same.