Which is better EPDM or TPO?

TPO has better dimensional stability than EPDM. EPDM is more likely to shrink which can cause a variety of problems on your roof.

Is TPO more expensive than EPDM?

TPO roofing membranes are more expensive than EPDM. Regardless of which membrane you choose, it is better to spend more money and invest in a thicker membrane. Both EPDM and TPO roofs perform better and last longer if they are thicker.

What's the difference between EPDM and TPO?

EPDM has a dark surface, which in summer conditions will absorb heat, forcing cooling systems to work overtime, whereas TPO roofing reflects sunlight, allowing commercial air conditioners to work more efficiently. TPO also has a somewhat higher resistance to punctures than EPDM.

What is the longest lasting flat roof?

PVC Single-Ply Membrane

It is designed to last between 15 and 30 years, making it the longest-lasting flat roof material you will find. It should come as no surprise that many commercial roofing contractors will only install a flat roof if it is PVC.

How many years does a TPO roof last?

It comes in a variety of thickness ranging from 45 mil to 80+ mil which can fit within a wide variety of budgets. 80-mil TPO roofs come with up to a 25-year warranty and with the appropriate maintenance, it is not uncommon for a TPO roofing system to last as long as 30 years.

EPDM vs TPO Flat Roof - What's The Difference?

Can I walk on a TPO roof?

Flat Roof Surfaces You Can Walk On

Whether its BUR (Built-up Roofing), TPO (Thermoplastic polyolefin), Modified Bitumen, or Single Ply Roofing, your roofing professional can apply the right waterproofing membrane to make it possible to walk on.

Is TPO roofing good for residential?

TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) is a single-ply white membrane used in both commercial and residential roofing. Due to TPO being a white membrane, it reflects heat instead of absorbing it. If you have a flat roof or a low-slope dormer over a bedroom, TPO is a great option because it'll keep the room below cooler.

What type of roofing is best for a flat roof?

PVC roofing

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) roofing membranes have been heralded as one of the best flat roofing materials in the single-ply roofing industry. The material is made from processed petroleum or a natural gas and salt mixture.

Which type of flat roof is best?

EPDM Membranes

Quite possibly the best flat roofing membrane, EPDM is a relatively low-cost flat roof material that offers a number of significant advantages. Clean, straightforward installation, incredible strength, a long lifespan, and a smart finish combine to make EPDM membranes a difficult one to beat.

How long do EPDM roofs last?

EPDM roof membranes remain stable over time and can have a life expectancy of over 50 years. ** Made from synthetic rubber, EPDM roofing membranes have two primary ingredients, ethylene and propylene, which are derived from oil and natural gas.

Is EPDM roofing any good?

As you can see after going through our list, EPDM rubber roofing has more benefits than most other roofing methods. It is a strong, durable and resistant material which is easy to repair should damage happen. It is no wonder that this product is getting more and more popular with our shoppers.

Can you put TPO over EPDM roof?

Yes. Recovering with TPO is a great option for a building with an aging EPDM roofing system. It's easy. It's far less costly and disruptive than a full tear-off.

Is PVC roof better than EPDM?

Comprised of synthetic rubber, an ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) roofing membrane offers superior weather resistance while remaining a cost-effective option. PVC, on the other hand, delivers exceptional seam strength; in fact, heat-welded PVC seams are stronger than the PVC roofing membrane itself.

How thick should a TPO roof be?

TPO is a type of roofing membrane that can come in a variety of thicknesses. The most common thickness is probably 60 mils. (A mil is a unit of measure where 1-mil is equal to 0.001 inches. So, a 45-mil roofing membrane is actually 0.045 inches thick; whereas a 60-mil membrane is 0.06 inches thick, and so on.)

How much should an EPDM roof cost?

EPDM Roof Installation Cost

For installation, the EPDM roofing cost per square foot will normally range between $3.25 and $14.75. The average price is about $4.50 and $5.50 per square foot. That being said, you can expect to pay between $6,000 and $18,000 for a full roof.

Does TPO roofing shrink?

TPO does not shrink over time, but PVC can and this will cause many problems on a roofing job.

Can you walk on EPDM?

Full Answer. All of our roofing systems are designed to take foot traffic and will withstand access to the roof for window cleaning and general maintenance The EPDM systems can be walked on both during and after installation, EPDM is designed to take LIGHT foot traffic for occasional cleaning or maintenance.

What is the cheapest flat roofing material?

TPO or thermoplastic polyolefin is also part of the most affordable types of roofing materials for flat roofs. Cost starts at $5 per square foot and could reach up to around $8. It is a single-ply roofing membrane used for flat roofs construction. The best thing about it is that it is highly flexible.

How often should a flat roof be replaced?

But what happens when your flat roof is in need of a replacement? On average, flat roofing may need replacing or at least repairing around every 15 – 20 years.

What sheet material is used on flat roofs?

Flat roof felts are bitumen impregnated sheets, which are applied in layers. They are available as either self-adhesive sheets or bonded together with hot or cold bitumen.

What is TPO flat roof?

What is TPO Roofing? Thermoplastic Polyolefin is a single-ply roofing membrane that is one of the fastest-growing commercial roofing systems on the market. TPO roofing systems are made up of a single layer of synthetics and reinforcing scrim that can be used to cover flat roofs.

Which is best for a flat roof rubber or Fibreglass?

If you have a tight budget but need a flat roof which is still of high quality, EPDM is the most cost-effective option. GRP fibreglass is often the more premium product, but this needs to be balanced with the fact it can be the stronger and longer-lasting of the two.

Is TPO roof slippery?

TPO is a single-ply material and is not designed to take on heavy foot traffic, which means certain types of footwear may damage the roof. Despite the relative flatness of such roofing, high winds and the risks of slipping (TPO can be slippery when wet) are safety concerns that professionals are prepared for.

What are the advantages of TPO?

TPO membranes are highly durable.

They hold up well to long-term exposure to the sun's ultraviolet light, and they are highly resistant to puncturing, tearing, or water damage. They are even resistant to bacterial growth and dirt buildup, so it will be easier for you to keep your roof clean.

Is TPO roofing expensive?

Although many different factors can influence the price of your roof, in most cases, you can expect to pay between $3.50 and $9.50 per square foot. Overall, TPO roofing costs typically range between $7,000 and $11,500.