TPO vs PVC Roofing Systems

What you put on your building’s roof


Is very important. Not only in terms of cost but also in terms of longevity as well as environmentally practical. Putting the right roofing material on your roof will save you money throughout its lifespan.


Because there are so many roofing material options, this is not always an easy choice to make. When you are ready to add or replace a roof, then it is time to make comparisons to see which option is best for your building and its design.


Continue reading our article to find out more about the TPO and PVC roof material options. It is filled with the information you need to make the best decision for your budget and building.


What is TPO roofing material?


The full name for this roofing material option is Thermoplastic Polyolefin. That is a mouthful if you go to say it, which is why most people just say TPO. This roofing material is made from polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber and is a single-ply membrane.


It is reinforced with a polyester mat and contains UV light inhibitors, pigments, flame retarders, and biocides, with the last ingredient included to fight off mold, bacteria, rodents, rodents, and even insects.


The dimensions are 6 to 16 feet wide by 50 to 1000 feet long and range in thickness between 45 and 80 mils. While waterproof, the membrane surface is slippery when wet so you do need to be careful when walking on it.


Also, you can buy this roofing material option in white, tan, or gray colors. Not a lot of options but enough to make sure your roof does not clash with your building's color design.


What is PVC roofing material?


The real name for this roofing material is Polyvinyl Chloride, which is much easier to pronounce than TPO’s real name. This is an actual PVC material that is made in two layers sandwiching a polyester reinforcement scrim.


The top layer has a UV-resistant protective additive and the bottom layer comes with plasticizers to create better flexibility for the roofing material. The roofing layers are welded together through a heat weld system creating no gaps to let water or moisture inside.


Like TPO, it is waterproof but it is very slippery when wet. The size those layers come in may vary and you need to talk to your roofing supply company for specific measurements.


Getting those specific measurements will help you decide how many sheets you need to purchase. This is a very good roofing material option for most low-slope roofs.


The differences between TPO & PVC


While the two products may sound similar, there are a lot of differences you need to know about before making your purchase. The following chart will help you see those differences at a glance:


Category
TPO
PVC

Lifespan
  39 years
 60 years

Chemical resistance
 Vulnerable to oil and grease trap exhaust
Excellent chemical resistance

Fire resistance
 Meets fire standards
 Meets fire standards

Tear strength
 55-pound force per inch
 45-pound force per inch

Break strength
TPO is stronger than PVC and has a higher break strength rating
 PVC is not as strong as TPO so it has a lower break strength rating

Warranties
 Can come with extended warranties and other guarantees
 Can come with extended warranties and other guarantees

Price
 Cheaper than PVC
 More expensive than TPO

Installation
Much easier than PVC and can be attached directly to the roof
Harder to install due to the heat weld system required


TPO and PVC pros and cons


While roofing materials are strong and can last a long time, they are not perfect. Here are some pros and cons to think about when you are deciding between these two roofing materials


#1. TPO Pros:

1. Affordable- one of the cheaper roofing material options on the market today
2. Energy efficient- The TPO roof reflects the sun’s rays cutting down on the heat inside your building. This will lower energy costs
3. Lightweight- takes a lot of pressure off your joists and rafters
4. Easy to install- attaches directly to the joists or other roofing materials so adhesives can be used
5. Can be recycled

#2. TPO Cons:

1. Shorter life span- may not last beyond 15 to 20 years and needs to be replaced
2. Can leak at the seams

#3. PVC Pros:

1. Resists chemicals- when your roof is exposed to different chemicals, this roofing material survives better than other roofing styles
2. Fire-resistant- great for those buildings that work with high-temperature products
3. Resists wind and weather better than other materials
4. Longevity- is said to be able to last between 30 to 60 years depending on the quality of the PVC material
5. Can be recycled

#4. PVC Cons

1. More expensive to install
2. Hard to repair
3. Can crack in cold weather

How to choose one over the other


Here are some tips to guide your selection process:


#1. The type of roof design will dictate which roofing material you can use.
#2. If the material can be applied directly to your current roof, the older roof may not need to be torn off.
#3. Which material will be cheaper to buy and install if you do need to re-roof
#4. How many AC/heating units are on the roof, how many vents are there, and other components that stick out of the roof?
#5. How much foot traffic will the roof see?
#6 Building location- some roofing material Is not good in cold weather
#7. Current building usage

When it comes to deciding which roofing material, TPO or PVC, is better for your building, call our company today. We are Motor City Roofers and we are located in Detroit. We also know roofs and roofing materials.


To get all your questions answered and a free estimate, call or come into our office today and ask your questions. We have the right answers for you and can provide all the information you need to make the best decision for your building’s roof.


Talk to us before it is too late and before your roof needs more work done to it.