TPO vs EPDM Roofing: What’s the Difference?
TPO and EPDM are two of the most common commercial roofing materials due mainly to their affordability and ease of installation. While these roof systems share some similarities, distinct qualities set them apart. Understanding the differences between TPO vs EPDM roofing is essential for determining which material is best for your business.
Keep reading to learn more about TPO vs EPDM roofing, including the following:
- The difference between TPO vs EPDM roofing
- The pros and cons of EPDM roofing
- The pros and cons of TPO roofing
- Which roofing material is best for your business?
- How Seal Roofing can help with your commercial roof
The Key Differences Between TPO and EPDM Roofing
Both TPO and EPDM roofs fall under the category of single-ply membranes. They are both light, single-layered roofing systems commonly applied to low-sloped and flat roofs. But each material contains vital differences that should be considered when selecting the best option for your commercial roof.
The primary difference between TPO vs EPDM roofing lies in their chemical makeup.
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) roofing materials are made of synthetic rubber, which makes them a versatile solution for multiple roofing systems, like flat and low-sloped roofs. The chemicals and fillers used to create EPDM materials make them flexible yet durable and provide a black color that absorbs heat.
TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) materials are created using thermoplastics, fillers, and elastomers or rubbers. The unique chemical structure of TPO makes it lightweight, penetration resistant, and white, allowing it to reflect light and UV rays.
The varying chemical make-ups of each roofing system determine their qualities, both positive and negative, and ultimately cause contractors to use one over the other.
The Pros and Cons of EPDM Roofing
It’s important to understand that many advantages and disadvantages of using TPO vs EPDM roofing materials depend on specific factors, such as geographic location and the size of your roof. Still, commercial building owners should be aware of many EPDM roofing benefits and caveats committing to the material.
Pros of EPDM Flat Roofs
- Affordable: EPDM is an inexpensive roofing material compared to other commercial options.
- Flexible: Because EPDM membranes are made of flexible rubber, they can fit virtually every type of roof.
- Longevity: EPDM roofing can last well over twenty years with regular maintenance.
- Easy Installation: Being lightweight and manufactured into rolls, EPDM can be quickly installed, with fully adhered and mechanical attachment methods taking slightly longer.
- Durable: EPDM’s rubber membrane is highly durable, making your building far more resistant to high winds, heavy storms, and rainfall.
Cons of EPDM Flat Roofs
- Aging: Over time, EPDM flat roofs can experience shrinkage, seam adhesion, and cracking that can compromise their integrity.
- High Energy Consumption: While alternative color options exist, most EPDM roofing comes in black, drawing heat and requiring more energy to cool your building.
The Pros and Cons of TPO Roofing
There are many overlapping pros and cons between TPO and EPDM roofing, along with many differences, but they both work to achieve the same goal: to protect commercial buildings. Here are some of the most notable advantages and disadvantages of flat roof TPO:
Pros of Flat Roof TPO
- Low Cost: TPO is among the most affordable commercial roofing materials, and fast installation speeds help further reduce labor costs.
- Energy Efficient: TPO is typically installed as a white, highly reflective membrane that helps reduce energy consumption and fights damage from UV rays.
- Durability: TPO roofs are highly resistant to mold, dirt, algae, and punctures.
- Easy to Install: TPO membranes can be installed mechanically attached, ballasted, or chemically adhered over a flat roof to create a solid and effective layer of protection. The plastic in TPO systems doesn’t weigh much, so you don’t have to worry about the dangers of heavier materials that may compromise your facility’s structure.
Cons of Flat Roof TPO
- Varying Quality: TPO is a relatively new material, so its formulation has yet to be perfected. Consequently, membranes can vary in quality and result in diminished returns.
- Longevity: While the exact duration of a TPO roof is uncertain, they are projected to last anywhere from ten to twenty years—a shorter timeframe than EPDM roofing.
Longevity is an essential factor to consider when choosing between TPO vs EPDM roofing, but knowing how to extend the life of your roof can make the decision easier. Learn how to push roof replacements off as long as possible here.
Comparing TPO vs EPDM Roofing: Which Is the Best Choice?
There’s no perfect answer when comparing TPO vs EPDM roofing. One material isn’t necessarily better than the other, and while some commercial businesses may be better suited for an EPDM flat roof, others might benefit from using TPO membranes. To help you determine which solution best suits your business needs, consider the following factors:
Cost
If cost is your main concern, EPDM roofs are the most economical choice. While your roof’s size and installation method contribute to the total cost, the price of a TPO vs EPDM roofing is relatively close. However, if your budget is tight, an EPDM flat roof may be the most economical choice by a small margin when factoring in its longevity.
Durability and Longevity
Because TPO is inherently thicker, its seam strength is much stronger than EPDM’s adhesive seams. The plastic in TPO membranes is manufactured to be just as durable as the rubber in EPDM, and can easily withstand punctures, tears, mold, dirt build-up, and other ailments.
However, it’s crucial to note TPO roofing is relatively new, and the quality of your plastic can vary depending on the manufacturer. With continuous improvements to the formulation, it can be challenging to determine how well your TPO roofing membrane may perform over time. Still, you can expect flat roof TPO to last at least ten years and potentially up to twenty.
While not quite as strong as TPO roofing membranes, EPDM flat roofs are still highly durable and have been proven to last between twenty and thirty years with regular commercial roofing repairs. It’s important to note that aging EPDM can become brittle towards the end of its lifespan, but if reliability and longevity are essential to you, EPDM roofs are a wise choice.
Energy Efficiency
While flexible, EPDM rubber roofing materials absorb heat and increase internal building temperatures. The hotter your commercial building is, the more energy is consumed to keep it cool, which can wear down your HVAC systems and increase energy costs. While some EPDM roofs can come in white, TPO roofs are specifically designed to reflect light and harmful UV rays, which helps keep your building cool and reduces energy costs.
Maintenance
EPDM membranes don’t require much maintenance during the first few years after installation. But unlike TPO, the seams in EPDM roofing are treated with an adhesive, ultimately making them vulnerable to falling apart. In the long run, EPDM roofs require more maintenance to remain in good shape, but the repairs aren’t overly complicated.
On the other hand, TPO membranes are not as easy to maintain as EPDM roofing. As the compound ages, TPO membranes lose their flexibility and, subsequently, their thermoplastic capabilities. Fixing these issues is a dangerous task that requires years of experience—so always be sure to partner with a professional roofing contractor for your annual maintenance.
Looking for a Reliable Roofing Contractor in Philadelphia? Turn to Seal Roofing
As an established commercial roofing contractor in the Philadelphia metro area, Seal Roofing is dedicated to providing clients with reliable roofing services that protect their businesses. With over thirty years of experience, our experts can fully assess your situation and determine the best TPO vs EPDM roofing solution for your business.
Whether your business needs an EPDM flat roof or a TPO roof installation, we’ll get you taken care of. We offer commercial roof repair services, replacements, and construction for both methods of roof protection, ensuring that you’re covered no matter which roof you decide on.
Ready for a roofing system that lasts for years? Contact us today to connect with one of our experts and schedule a free inspection.
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Seal Roofing is a roofing contractor with a reputation for outstanding service, competitive pricing, and offering a full range of roofing services and solutions.
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