Exploring the power of TPO and PVC

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn about the efficiency and performance that make TPO and PVC a great option for commercial roofs. 

When beginning any roofing project, choosing the material/product to install is one of the most crucial steps. The material a roof is made of, whether it is a residential or commercial property, is key to its success. Not only do contractors need to make sure they are choosing a durable material that will withstand anything the local climate can throw at it, they also need to think about cost-effectiveness for the owner. Balancing both of these factors can be a bit of a challenge, but the experts at Commercial Distribution Specialists have settled on TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) as two of their favorite reroofing options for low-slope roofs.  

Why TPO? 

TPO is a type of single-ply roofing that is made of a blend of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber that has been rolled into a large sheet. This blend gives it a variety of benefits including: 

• Affordability: Using TPO can save businesses thousands of dollars in comparison to options like asphalt shingles and metal. And this affordability does not sacrifice its durability.  
• Durability: TPO roofs tend to last up to two decades since they are resistant to UV rays, heat and weather elements.  
• Energy-efficiency: TPO roofs have a reflective property, which can make buildings more energy efficient by reducing the amount of heat absorption (and subsequent removal of that heat by air conditioning units) in the summer.  
• Ease of installation: Additionally, TPO roofing is relatively easy to install without large maintenance or repair demands over the course of its life span.  

Benefits of PVC 

PVC roofing is another single-ply membrane that is used in both commercial and residential roofing. It is most well-known for being white, making it very reflective of heat absorption. But that’s not the only advantages that come with using PVC on a flat roof. 

• Waterproofing: PVC is a single-ply membrane with welded seams. This means it does not have gaps in it (like asphalt shingles might have) and is therefore “virtually impervious to leaks.” 
• Resistance to elements: In addition to great performance in the face of water intrusion, PVC is highly resistant to other things like fire, chemical and wind. This makes it ideal for areas with high levels of humidity, frequent rainfall or other weather conditions that can degrade traditional roofing materials.  
• Insulation: PVC also has low thermal conductivity which makes it a perfect insulator. This helps retain heat inside the building in cold times and keep heat out in the hot times, ultimately saving energy and expenses over the years. 
• UV resistance: In addition to handling water and moisture well, PVC is able to resist UV radiation, making it “an excellent choice for hot climates where conventional asphalt shingles would be prone to fading or cracking over time due to sun exposure.” 

Choosing your material 

At the end of the day, there is not always a right answer for what product to use. It’s important to consider the roof you are working with and the area you are located in when making a decision on products and materials. Make sure that you consult with professionals, like those at Commercial Distributions Specialists, to get the best understanding of your product options and how they will perform in relation to your local climate, building codes and more.