Which is better TPO or PVC roofing?

While PVC offers better resistance to puncture and weathering, TPO (like PVC) is recyclable and environmentally friendly. Its reflective surface reduces UV radiation and helps with energy efficiency.

What is the difference between PVC and TPO?

While TPO and PVC are both in the thermoplastic, single-ply family, they are very different in their base chemical composition. TPO is made of ethylene propylene rubber and polypropylene, while PVC, also commonly known as vinyl, is composed of ethylene and chlorine.

How long does 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.

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.

How long does a PVC roof last?

EPDM and TPO roofing generally last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, while TPO roofs have stronger seams than EPDM roofing. With proper maintenance, a PVC roof can last up to 30 years.

White Commercial roofs. TPO VS PVC, are they the same?

Which type of roofing sheet is best?

PVC Plastisol coated corrugated sheets are very durable. They comprise steel sheets treated with primer paint and PVC rolled on their surface. These roofing sheets don't scratch or fade easily and typically can last for around 25-30 years.

Is PVC roofing good?

Thanks to the hot air welded seams and durability, PVC roofing is also resistant to strong winds. It has also been proven that they have survived Category 3 hurricanes. So regardless if you have a low or high-rise building, they will be able to withstand high wind speeds.

Can you 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.

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 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.

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.

Is TPO waterproof?

If you're curious about TPO waterproofing membrane specification. Here's where the magic happens: a TPO's hot air-welded seams make it 100% resistant to water penetration. Unlike PVC, property owners enjoy a leak-proof roof for a long period of time.

Is TPO a cool roof?

TPO, also known as a “Cool Roof”, is a very durable and energy-efficient roofing system. TPO roofing can reduce heating and air conditioning costs by as much as 25 – 35% once installed and completed. TPO can be used in many applications from commercial to residential flat roofs.

Are PVC and TPO compatible?

Also, unlike TPO and EPDM, PVC is not compatible with a lot of peel and stick or self adhered patching products. As a result, a white EPDM or TPO self adhered patch will typically not adhere properly to a PVC membrane. As a rule of thumb, the only way to patch or flash to a PVC roof is to weld it with compatible PVC.

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.

Does TPO Weld to PVC?

Heat welding of PVC and TPO works perfectly around these roof units. The technicians will seal the membrane seams, stopping moisture from dripping through around the base.

How strong is TPO roofing?

As TPO membranes have hot air welded seams, its seam strength is three times stronger than conventional rubber roofs that use tape systems. It is also about six times stronger than those with glued seams. This is very beneficial when using rooftop supports that need to be fastened to the membrane.

Does TPO roofing shrink?

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

How do you care for a TPO roof?

A mild household detergent and water should be used in cleaning the membrane's surface. This should be followed by completely rinsing the roof using a low-pressure power washer. After cleaning, the roof should be inspected for damage and any incidental damage should be repaired according to GAF's guidelines.

How strong is PVC roof panels?

PVC is an astonishingly strong material. For example, the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) specifies that a roofing membrane must have a weight capacity of 200 lbs per square inch. PVC can hold a weight of 350 lbs. It's also easier to repair than some other plastic roof materials.

Is TPO better than tar and gravel?

Often times you will find that TPO is actually cheaper with many advantages whereas Tar & Gravel has more disadvantages. When it comes to environmental questions both help with UV light in that it will reflect or absorb the UV light for roof longevity.

Is TPO roofing flammable?

Single-ply roofing materials such as TPO are a sub-specialty category of roofing. This means that single-ply roofing is made using highly flammable and toxic materials. Solvents and adhesives are used to compose and install TPO roofing, which does make it flammable.

Is a PVC roof waterproof?

These PVC sheet membranes are manufactured using superior raw materials chosen for strength and durability, giving PVC waterproofing membranes a very long service life. Providing PVC sheet membrane products are installed correctly, they will provide long term waterproofing protection.

What is the most durable roofing material?

Corrugated galvanized steel is one of the strongest, most durable roofing materials, since it lasts longer, is more resistant to wind, and absorbs less heat than asphalt shingles.

Is PVC roofing heat resistant?

PVC roofing membranes are inherently fire resistant. Thermoplastic PVC is a naturally fire resistant polymer – a distinction between it and all other roofing plastics.