You are a property owner and are looking at your options for roofing suitable for you. But with two great options in front of you, which do you choose? This question has even roofing companies confused.
It can be quite a dilemma when determining TPO or PVC roof system.
So, what you need is well-researched facts about the two options. Because without this knowledge, you risk investing in a roofing membrane that will not suit your property needs.
This article will give you well-researched facts about the two options to make a well-informed decision and get the roofing that better meets your needs.
What is TPO Roofing?
You may be wondering what the initials TPO stand for. TPO is thermoplastic polyolefin. It is a type of Single-ply membrane roofing. And if you are not a fan of the roofing jargon, it is the white roofing that you see over most residences and commercial buildings.
TPO membrane consists of thermoplastic materials and an ethylene-propylene rubber with a single layer and a scrim to reinforce. It is used to cover flat roofs.
The standard way of manufacturing the sheets is in rolled up 10, 12, or 20 feet wide sheets.
Due to the reflective nature of the TPO membrane, it is excellent to use for rooms that require cool temperatures.
It is relatively new in the market compared to other single-ply membranes.
Pros and Cons of TPO Roofing
The TPO membrane has excellent benefits and downsides like any other roofing type. It all depends on where you intend to install it and what purpose.
Discussed below are some advantages and disadvantages of this type of roofing.
Pros
- One of the outstanding benefits of using a TPO roof is its resistance to UV rays. And because of this, it is very efficient in cooling the room over which it is installed. As a result, it saves on cooling costs. It can be perfect for bedrooms.
- Compared with PVC roofing membrane, the TPO membrane is cost-effective. It has a relatively low price point. In addition to this, it offers a considerable amount of energy efficiency properties and is heat welded.
- It is also effortless to install because it is lightweight. Wide sheets also mean that not a lot of seams will require attention. In addition to this, it can be attached directly to the roof deck or fastened with adhesives.
- The chances of TPO roofing harboring mildew or algae is also very minimal.
- It has a lengthy lifespan of around 20 years.
- Its flexibility also means installing it in both residential and commercial properties.
Cons
- TPO membranes’ upper covering is laminated and introduces weaknesses like cracking shrinkage and material deterioration over time.
- Since it is relatively new in the roofing industry, it lacks a proven track record.
- There is a limitation in color options for TPO roofing compared to other types of roofing.
- TPO membranes have a low chemical resistance compared to PVC membranes.
- Another disadvantage is variations in the quality of these TPO roofs from different manufacturers. It means that there are some poor-quality TPO roofing options.
- Contractions can also occur in the seams if they are not properly installed, leading to water leaks from the roof.
What is PVC Roofing
PVC is the abbreviation for Polyvinyl chloride. In short, what is commonly referred to as plastic? It is another type of single-ply roofing system but has less oil and petroleum concentration than TPO membranes.
PVC roofing has two layers of PVC membranes with polyester placed in between to provide reinforcement.
It is ideal for flat roof surfaces or low-sloped roofs.
PVC is synonymous with durability and commonly used plastic in commercial buildings. In addition, it can withstand very extreme weather conditions.
It has been in use for the longest in this class of roofing systems and has a proven and consistent track record of reliability.
Pros and Cons of PVC Roofing
As discussed below, let’s look at some excellent PVC roofing features and drawbacks.
Pros
- PVC roofs are one of the most durable roofing systems you can get on the market. It is engineered to be strong and lasts for a long. Most last for longer than 20 years.
- It can withstand long exposures to chemicals and other hazards; hence it is ideal for a commercial setting that deals with chemicals.
- PVC roofing membrane has an excellent fire-resistance rating (Class A rating) because it is difficult to burn and can even extinguish itself.
- PVC roofing membranes are not limited to a range of colors, and you can get different color options in the market.
- It is resistant to punctures and tears.
- It gives consumers more options since it comes in various thicknesses and sizes.
- Repairs to PVC membranes are pretty simple. Required tools to repair are a heat welder and a roller which you can do for yourself.
Cons
- PVC does not usually do well in freezing temperatures. When exposed to such conditions, it becomes brittle and cracks easily.
- In the case of PVC burning, it releases some toxic chemicals into the atmosphere, which can cause harm to plant and animal life.
- PVC can prove a challenge and quite costly when installing, especially when you have an existing roof. It requires the existing roof to be removed first, and then the PVC roofing is placed on a clean and flat surface.
TPO vs. PVC Roofing – Side by Side Comparison
You have TPO and PVC roofing options for single-ply membrane roofing. However, you might wonder which roofing is best suited to your needs, so we have compiled a list of factors to consider when deciding TPO vs. PVC roofing system.
1. Cost
Between TPO and PVC roofs, PVC is the more expensive option. TPO roofs generally cost around $3 to around $10 per square foot installed, while PVC can range from $4 to $12 per square foot installed.
For an average size 1,200 square foot roof, the cost of TPO roofs will range from $3,600 to $12,000. PVC roofing will be $4,800 to $14,400 for the same 1,200 square foot roof.
It translates to more installation costs for PVC membranes over TPO membranes.
In addition to this, PVC membranes will have a slightly higher installation cost, especially where there is existing roofing. It can’t be installed over other pre-existing roofings. You will have to spend extra money to pay a professional to install your PVC roof properly.
Installation costs are generally lower for TPO membranes since the sheets are lightweight and can easily be installed. However, you will need to get more than just the roofing material.
You will need to purchase insulation installed directly underneath the roofing and add flashing along the corners and seams. It is vital in preventing water leaks.
Labor costs for both TPO and PVC membranes are generally the same.
2. Appearance and Design
The TPO roof was initially designed to be a better alternative to PVC roofs. And because of this, they tend to share some similar characteristics when it comes to their appearance.
One similarity between the TPO and PVC roofing systems is that they are usually installed over flat roofs or slightly sloped roofs.
In addition to this, most TPO and PVC roofing usually come in the same color, white. There are many variations in color for PVC roofing, but for the TPO, the primary colors are white, gray, and Tan.
At first sight of the two roofing systems, it is almost usually hard to distinguish them. But upon closer inspection, you get to see the differences in these roofing systems.
For instance, TPO is relatively rigid as compared to PVC. With advancements in technology, manufacturers add plasticizers to the PVC membrane.
In terms of design, TPO roofing has a thermoplastic polyolefin bound to an ethylene-propylene rubber. On the other hand, PVC has polymerizing vinyl chloride monomers as membranes.
3. Durability/Lifespan
When it comes to longevity and overall long-lasting capabilities, PVC is your go-to roofing membrane. It offers better resistance to puncture and can withstand extreme weather conditions, contrary to the theory that TPO roofs should generally be more durable and last longer because they lack plasticizers.
PVC roofs will hold up much better than TPO roofs in intense sun exposure and heat.
In addition to this, prolonged exposure of TPO roofs to grease and animal fats will ruin them very quickly. So installing a TPO roof over an establishment like a restaurant where the chimney leads up to the roof would be a terrible idea.
TPO roofing material has a low chemical resistance and does not do well with prolonged exposure to some chemicals. So, again installing it on roofs of specific industries and factories will leave you with hefty maintenance costs in the long run.
4. Energy Efficiency
Generally, both TPO and PVC roofing systems are energy-efficient because their reflective properties reduce UV radiation and penetration. If you have these single-ply roofing systems installed in your building, you will probably feel the cool climate that they bring to the rooms.
With this kind of roofing system, you won’t feel the need for an HVAC system, or if you have one, it won’t run hard as much. So, in the long run, you will save yourself on air conditioning costs and be energy-efficient thanks to these single-ply roofing systems.
However, the reflective properties of PVC and TPO roofing systems can be compromised by dirt and debris collecting on the roof over time. Therefore, the roofing membranes must be kept clean to enhance energy efficiency.
5. Environmental Friendliness
TPO roofing has better environmental friendliness than PVC roofing due to its different chemical composition compared to PVC membrane.
The plasticizers used in PVC break down faster, thus increasing the breakdown rate and sipping of these chemicals into gutters and drainage.
In addition to this, in case of a fire, PVC though a slow-burning material, will release harmful emissions into the atmosphere compared to TPO roofing material. The added chemicals in PVC material contribute to this.
TPO roofing material is also recyclable; hence you won’t find it adding to landfills.
Generally, TPO roofing material is an eco-friendly roofing system.
6. Installation
When it comes to installation, ask any roofing contractor, and they will tell you that TPO roofs provide more challenges when installing than PVC roofing.
Unlike TPO roofing material, PVC roofing material is made with special plasticizers that help increase its flexibility, making it easier to install.
However, their installation process is almost the same. There are four ways of doing this.
- Mechanically fastened installation with screw-type fasteners.
- Self-adhered Installation
- Fully Adhered Installation using glued seams.
- Induction heating installation.
It is recommended that a qualified roofing contractor install both roofing membranes properly.
7. Comfort and Sound
When you decide to install either TPO or PVC roofing, you will enjoy comfort in terms of sound. How? You might ask.
For example, when it rains, the rain usually splatters on the roof, making a lot of noise that can disturb or prevent you from enjoying your peace. The single-ply roofing system, especially PVC, has excellent noise cancellation properties.
You might even sleep through a rainy day without disturbance because the PVC roofing will absorb all the noise caused by rain splattering on the roof and the wind’s howling as it does when passing through wooden ceilings.
Your room will be soundproof, and you will enjoy the ambiance of a quiet room.
8. Waterproof
With the advent of rainfall, heavy storms, typhoons, and hurricanes, water leaks through the roof are significant concerns and nuisances. And because of this, there is a need to ensure you get the best waterproof roofing material, whether the TPO or PVC roofing material.
Failure to take into consideration the impact of water leaks can mean that;
- You will have extensive structural damage to your property when water spills over the walls and reaches the foundation.
- You will damage the interior of your house when water penetrates the roof and starts reaching important electronics and gadgets installed in your home.
- All this means that you will dent your pockets with expensive repairs and maintenance costs.
Both TPO and PVC roofing materials are heat weldable. It means that they are resistant to leaks which is a great plus for industrial or residential premises.
With good and careful installation by a qualified professional with the required tools, potential leaks can be avoided or controlled from reaching the building interiors. In addition to this, the Fewer seams of the TPO and PVC roofing material also contribute to this roofing system’s waterproof nature.
Despite this, building owners with TPO roofs enjoy a more waterproof penetration to the PVC roofs. The seams’ heat welding makes it almost entirely waterproof.
9. Cleaning
Cleaning your TPO or PVC roofing is essential in roof care for the following reasons.
- The reflective nature of single-ply membranes membrane to the sun’s ultraviolet rays may be compromised when the roof does not have that distinct white look. It will, in turn, affect the energy-saving properties of a single-ply roof.
- To maintain the aesthetic look of the roofs.
- Debris and dirt can accumulate over time, compromising the structure of the single-ply roof membrane.
- When dirt accumulates on the roof, it may encourage the growth of mold, algae, and other plants and weeds.
- The growth of these plants will attract birds and pests to camp on the roof and hamper the roofing, leading to leaks.
- Harmful chemicals that harm the roof may accumulate on the roofing material, causing the membrane to break over time.
Generally, TPO and PVC roofing system cleaning is the same and should be done regularly.
A low-pressure power washer will effectively remove all the dirt and debris accumulated for this work. You can also use a mild, non-abrasive detergent to clean.
Another essential thing to note is that PVC and TPO materials are slippery when wet. So it is best to use the services of a qualified professional to do the cleaning.
10. Maintenance
Maintenance costs for TPO and PVC roofs are generally low but maintaining PVC roofs is high.
PVC membrane has chemicals that ensure its flexibility. However, the same chemicals tend to break down over time, weakening the membrane and leaking. And this is when the repairs and maintenance are needed.
TPO material lacks these plasticizers to make it flexible, will be less prone to break down over time, and require fewer repairs and maintenance.
It is also highly recommended that a qualified roofing expert do maintenance to avoid making the roof much worse than it already is.
11. Property Value – When Installed and Resale Value
When we look at the value of a property, most homeowners, property owners, landlords, or real estate valuers will look at the value of a house in terms of the building, giving them value for money higher than what they used in construction.
It simply means that making a profit is preferred most of the time. But, of course, this boils down to the cost of materials used, one of which is the material used for roofing.
Upon installation, buildings with single-ply membrane roofing will have an excellent sell value, but buildings with PVC roofing will have a slightly higher sell value. The cost of installing a PVC roof is higher than the TPO roof translating to a high sell value.
You have used the building for several years now. You now want to sell it; generally, buildings with TPO roofing have a higher resale value because the acquisition, installation, and maintenance of TPO roofing do not cost as much as PVC roofing. In the long run, this results in buildings with TPO roofing being preferred over buildings with PVC roofing.
In addition to this, TPO roofing also lasts long, which is a great plus when considering selling your building. Minimal or no renovations for the roofing will be needed when that time comes.
TPO vs. PVC Roofing: Which One Should you Choose?
TPO vs. PVC roofing is a tough nut to crack. However, the advantages of PVC roofings generally outweigh those of TPO roofings whether they are being used for Industrial, Institution, or private home roofing projects.
It is in contrast to current trends in the roofing industry, where most people prefer TPO roofings because they are cheaper. And because of this, many TPO manufacturers try to make variations of the TPO roofing material, hence compromising the quality.
Generally, PVC roofing has withstood the test of time and has been on the market for 60-plus years compared to TPO roofing which has only been in the market for 30 years with multiple reformulations.
Again, TPO or PVC roofing depends on understanding each roofing system’s unique advantages and disadvantages and applying that to your roofing needs. That will provide you with enough information to make an informed decision about your preferred roofing system.