Advantages of PVC and TPO vs Other Commercial Roofing Systems

Choosing a roof for a commercial building is not something one should take lightly.   A facility’s roofing system is one of the most important and expensive assets of the property. 

A  reliable roofing system keeps expensive equipment dry and operational, protects workers, and prevents weather damage to the building.

A high-quality roofing system also helps reduce operational costs by decreasing energy bills and repair costs.

Read on to learn more about PVC and TPO commercial roofing systems and why they are an excellent choice for your building.

Comparing Commercial Roofing Systems

Both TPO and PVC roofs are single-ply roofing membranes. This gives them several advantages over other commercial roof systems.

Let’s delve into the major differences between these single-ply roofing systems and other common commercial roofing systems.

Commercial Roofing Systems – Cost Comparisons

In any business, budget is an important consideration during construction or when replacing a roof. So, it makes sense to compare prices as a first step when considering your roofing options.

TPO is the most cost-effective commercial roofing system available. PVC is the more expensive of the two options, but it’s still more cost-effective than the other options.

While low-end EPDM may match and sometimes beat TPO in terms of cost, ongoing repair costs can eat into your budget over time.

Another long-lived roofing material, metal roofs are the most expensive type of roof for commercial buildings, followed by built-up roofs and modified bitumen roofing.

If your building already has a metal roof, you can save costs and improve its lifespan by retrofitting a TPO membrane to it, or adding a secure roof coating.

Versatility In Commercial Roofing Systems

Many building owners might not consider appearance paramount when choosing a roofing material, but first impressions count in building design.

TPO and PVC membranes come in a range of colors to enhance your building’s appearance. These include white, gray, tan, and a range of more vibrant shades.

Industry-wide, white or light-colored roofs have become the standard for commercial facilities because of their energy-cost-saving properties. 

Most commercial building roofs have complex designs, including slopes, curves, and penetrations. These complexities make roof installation and maintenance more difficult when compared to residential roofs.

Due to the flexibility of membrane roofing materials, roofing contractors can mold the material to suit unique roof designs. This reduces the chance of leaks.

Commercial Roofing Systems Installation

TPO fully adheres using a bonding adhesive. Installers can also attach it mechanically. In all cases, they heat-weld the seams to create a watertight surface.

Depending on the size of  the roof, the length of time for the installation process varies, yet it usually takes a few days and won’t disrupt your operations.

PVC roofing is easy to install over the roof deck using ballasted installation, mechanical attachment, or full-adhered installation.  It is usually laid out over a layer of insulation.

Then, installers heat-weld the seams together and install flashing to surround vents, HVAC equipment or skylights to prevent leakage.

You can install TPO and PVC roofs at any time of the year.

Built-up roofing systems involve a multi-layered, four-step installation process that takes time and increases the labor costs. They are applied using cold-process adhesives, torches, or hot asphalt.

Since BUR roofs are created on-site, they rarely have a consistent thickness, while layers of TPO and PVC are always even and regular.

Metal roof installations can be complex, disrupt your workflow, and take several weeks to complete.

Evaluating The Durability Of Commercial Roofing Systems

The lifespan of any roof depends on what it has to endure.

TPO is tear-resistant and impervious to chemicals, grease, and oil. It stands up well to all kinds of inclement weather, although PVC has the best record in hail storms.

Metal roofs are extremely strong, but you must check them regularly for loose attachments and they are prone to denting in heavy hail storms. BUR has good hail resistance, but it can become worn if it is exposed to ongoing extreme weather.

It’s important to check your roof for damages after inclement weather. The smooth surface of single-ply roofing systems like TPO and PVC roofs makes it easy to spot leaks or damages quickly so you can arrange the necessary repairs.

 It is more challenging to spot damages and pinpoint leaks on an uneven surface, like BUR or metal roofing.

Environmental Friendliness

When you opt for a light-colored TPO or PVC roof, your roof becomes highly reflective. This bounces the heat from the sun off your roof, helping keep the building’s interior cooler during warmer months.

This helps reduce the reliance on excessive air-conditioning, thus decreasing your facility’s energy usage and carbon footprint

 TPO and PVC single-ply membranes are recyclable materials. Neither of these roofing materials emit any dangerous toxins during installation or when involved in an accidental fire. Materials of BUR or EPDM roofing systems cannot be reused. The asphalt used in built-up roofing also emits unpleasant-smelling vapors that can cause health issues.

TPO has an A-class fire rating as manufacturers add a fire-retardant chemical to it during production. PVC resists flames and cannot burn on its own. Most asphalt roofing systems have a class B or C fire rating, so flames spread more rapidly with these materials.

Find Out More About Your Commercial Roofing Options

Both TPO and PVC commercial roofing systems are an excellent choice for any commercial building, with many benefits that make them superior to other types of roofing systems. Their durability makes them a cost-effective choice, although TPO roofs do have the edge price-wise over PVC roofing.

Matrix Roofing Systems Inc. can help you make the best choice for your commercial building according to local conditions and your industry. Request an appointment today and let’s discover your optimum roofing solution.