Two of the most popular materials offered by commercial roofing companies are TPO and PVC roofing. TPO or thermoplastic polyolefin is a rubberized material mixed with several filler materials like talc and fiberglass for strength. PVC or polyvinyl chloride is a single-ply material that includes plasticizers for increased flexibility. While both are widely used in commercial roofing, one may be better for your business. But how do you choose? Here are the pros and cons of using TPO over PVC.
PROS
Durability
One of the major advantages of TPO over PVC commercial roofing is the added durability. PVC roofing uses plasticizers, a product used to reduce brittleness and increase flexibility. Plasticizers can be susceptible to damage from UV radiation. For that reason, TPO roofs tend to stand up better to weathering than PVC roofs.
Cost
Another benefit of TPO over PVC is the reduction in costs. Per square foot, TPO tends to be cheaper than PVC. TPO is sold in rolls and is often priced by the square foot. In most cases, you can expect to pay between $3.50 and $14.00 per square foot for TPO roofing.
Environmentally Friendly
TPO roofing is highly solar reflective, meaning that the light color of the material reflects the sun's rays rather than absorbing them. This helps keep the building more energy efficient and also helps reduce the breakdown of materials on the roof over time through exposure to UV rays. Additionally, TPO is completely recyclable. Once the roof has completed its life cycle, all the materials can be reused to make more TPO roofing.
CONS
Newer Material
One of the drawbacks of using TPO over PVC is that TPO is still a fairly new material on the market. That means that manufacturers are often tinkering with formulas to improve quality and durability as more usage data is obtained. Therefore, not every TPO roof is created equal, and quality can vary between manufacturers.
More Labor
Another disadvantage of TPO over PVC is that the installation process is slightly more labor-intensive than PVC. The reason for this is that the plasticizers in PVC increase their flexibility. TPO, however, is a more rigid material and that can result in longer installation times and possibly increased labor costs.
Less Chemical Resistant
TPO is less chemical resistant than PVC roofing. If chemicals are a concern when it comes to your business, this should be a factor to consider when choosing your commercial roofing material.
Contact commercial roofers to learn more.
Very few roofers would say their job is easy. In fact, many describe the work as downright tough! But that does not mean that roofers do not enjoy or value the work that they do. Many workers get satisfaction from working with their hands, and they really enjoy creating a roof from simple materials. They also like the logistical challenges, such as figuring out how to get shingles up on a tall roof, or how to most safely repair a damage gutter. If you'd like to learn more about roofing as a profession, then you've arrived at the right blog.