When researching roofing surfaces for your commercial building, you are likely to come across several options, including shingle or tile and the white surface that you see on most flat roofs. But what you might not understand is that those white surfaces are not all the same material and do not offer the same benefits.
You are typically seeing one of two surfaces, either TPO or PVC roof surfaces. Before you can determine which of these roofing materials is the right choice for your building, you need to know more about the surface, installation, and cost of these materials to make a wise and well-informed choice. Please also understand that the team at Weather is always ready to spot your property and discuss the options, as well as inspect your current roof to determine if your need for a new roof is immediate or if you have repair options to increase the time to make this significant choice.
What Are These White Roofs Made Of?
PVC roofs are made of polyvinyl chloride and have been in use since the mid-1960s. The surface is very flexible and easy to install. One of the more impressive benefits of PVC is that the material is prefabricated to fit the roof, so there are fewer seams that could create leaks in the future. Thanks to this product’s long history, it is safe to estimate a life expectancy of up to 30 years. `
PVC roofs are made of polyvinyl chloride and have been in use since the mid-1960s. The surface is very flexible and easy to install. One of the more impressive benefits of PVC is that the material is prefabricated to fit the roof, so there are fewer seams that could create leaks in the future. Thanks to this product’s long history, it is safe to estimate a life expectancy of up to 30 years.
TPO roofing is made from a polymerized rubber blend that is typically comprised of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber. The surface is lightweight and flexible, making installing and cutting onsite easy. However, the seams created during the installation must be carefully sealed to ensure the roof’s integrity. While TPO is resistant to most chemicals and mold growth, it is not flame-resistant and does not offer the UV reflection of PVC. Finally, the life expectancy of TPO is 15 to 20 years.
Looking At the Numbers
TPO is the ideal surface to apply in a cooler and more calm climate. In these areas, the lower reflective quality is not as vital a factor. PVC is favored in high wind and severe weather regions as well as hotter climates, thanks to the impact of its UV reflection. However, the factor that causes many to select TPO is the lower initial installation cost. However, it is critical to look at the long-term cost, which could require two or three TPO roofing surfaces to equal the lifespan of one or two PVC surfaces.
As you explore the added cost savings of these surfaces when accounting for energy efficiency, stability, and the inconvenience of installing a new roof on your commercial property, please reach out to the Weather team for more precise information based on the size, location, and needs of your commercial roof.
