Difference between TPO and EPDM Roofing in Waynesboro, GA

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Commercial roofing usually involves flat roofing systems, unlike residential roofing systems. Commercial roofs cover much larger areas than residential roofs typically. Some shingle roofing systems are prevalent for residential roofs. However, they are generally not advisable for commercial roofs for different reasons.

When you install shingles on a flat roofing system, water easily becomes trapped under the shingles. Even if they are properly installed, there is no place the water can go. Thus, it will remain in place and weaken the shingle, and ultimately the roof itself. The majority of flat roofs can stay leak-free for approximately seven years, whereas shingled flat roofs cannot stay leak-free for this period. Therefore, many cities necessitate the pitch degree to a shingled roof. A flat roof pitch can be structurally existing or necessitate a specially designed taper system construction.

Instead of weighing your chances with a shingled commercial roof, why not install a TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) or EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) roofing system? They encompass synthetic rubber. However, if you do not know how to go about this, why not contact the commercial roofing specialists at Dusty Greer Roofing? They can help you decide on the ideal roofing membrane for your commercial building. Nevertheless, this article strives to elaborate more on the differences between these popular commercial roofing systems.

What is TPO Roofing?

As one of the rapidly growing commercial roof systems in the market, TPO roof is in a broad family of rubber roofing materials – a blend of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber. TPO is a single-ply roofing membrane comprising a single layer of synthetics and reinforcing scrim useful for covering flat roofs.

What is EPDM Roofing?

EPDM roofs are single-ply membrane systems that comprise a synthetic rubber compound enabling its flexibility. This roofing system has been used on commercial roofing facilities for decades and is considered a time-tested option.

Differences between TPO and EPDM Roofing and When to Use One

If you are in the market for a new roofing system, then you probably realized very fast that there are different options to choose from—TPO, EPDM, and PVC membrane. With various options available, you may opt to leave the decision to your roofing contractor—you just let them tell you what you should do. If you are financially well-off to construct your building, then you can easily let your architect make the call. Either way can work. Though, it makes sense to edify yourself about the matter. So, what is the difference between TPO and EPDM roofing?

EPDM roofing systems have been the roofing industry leaders for single-ply roofing for more than 5 decades. However, the TPO roof is rapidly gaining popularity and may even outstrip the EPDM roof because of its various advantages starting with energy efficiency. EPDM roof incorporates a dark surface which makes it absorb heat in summer conditions thereby forcing cooling systems to work overtime.

On the other hand, similar to PVC membranes, TPO roofs reflect sunlight hence allowing commercial air conditioners to work efficiently.  Additionally, TPO roofing systems are highly resistant to punctures as compared to EPDM roofing. It provides roughly 3-times more protection against punctures. This translates to leaks when the rain starts pouring. During installation, TPO roofs are often welded, making the system exceptionally durable. However, on the contrary, it can complicate installation since welding necessitates an electrical source. Thus, any repairs that may become necessary for a TPO roofing system can be difficult to implement since electricity will be required to do the repairs. Also, some TPO models have had some seam and material failures involving cracks. Improvements are constantly being made hence it is impossible to know how precisely TPO will last.

Nevertheless, if your commercial buildings are located in an area that typically receives a significant number of hailstorms, the EPDM roof is the best system to embrace. Its synthetic rubber surface essentially bounces the hail off with little to no damage to the roof surface. TPO systems, contrariwise, are made of thermoplastic materials. When struck by hailstones, they produce concentric circles which remain in place. This may compromise the roofing system’s membrane.

Repairing EPDM membranes is somewhat easier to implement for roofing specialists as no electrical source is required for welding. Unlike TPO and PVC roofs that are usually mechanically attached, the EPDM roof fully adheres with the seams of the commercial roof with liquid adhesives. Moreover, if your commercial structure has solar panel installations, you are better off choosing EPDM roofs since they will not interfere with sunlight absorption. TPO membranes reflect sunlight off the surface and into the solar panels. This may result in operation failure.

Benefits of TPO and EPDM Roofing

There are many benefits of TPO and EPDM roofing vs PVC roofing and other roofing systems that make them a very convenient option for commercial roofing:

Benefits of TPO roofing

· Energy efficiency — TPO systems reflect sunlight efficiently hence keeping the room cooler and allowing you to save energy and money by utilizing less air conditioning.

· Highly resistant to punctures — Punctures are leaks that result from the rain pouring down on the roofs. TPO membranes offer roughly 3-times more protection against punctures.

· Highly durable — TPO roofing is often welded hence making the system extremely durable. The EPDM historical usage is estimated to be 60 years. TPO rubber roofing also provides superior weather and break resistance—its two primary selling points. TPO roof has gained traction over the past few years because of its notable thermal properties.

Benefits of EPDM Roofing

· Strong resistance – EPDM membrane owes its durability to its exceptional resistance to membrane fatigue, hail, UV radiation, heat, and fire among other structural threats.

· Easy maintenance – Despite requiring more maintenance as it ages, the upkeep of an EPDM roofing system is not that demanding.

· Easy installation – The installation and maintenance of EPDM roofing membranes are painless as they do not need special equipment for installation. The labor costs required to apply them are minimal, thus this contributes to their affordability.

· Proven reputation for durability – Simply because they are cost-effective, this does not imply that EPDM roofing membranes are not of good quality. Its existence for decades gives it a sild track record for longevity. EPDM roofing is easy to repair as no electric source is needed for welding. If your building has solar panels installed or if you are planning to have them installed, it is better to go for this roofing system as it does not interfere with sunlight absorption.

Choose the Commercial Roofing Experts in Waynesboro, GA

Both TPO and EPDM roof systems are ideal for protecting your commercial building. Picking one over the other may depend on your geographical location, contemplating rain, hail, and heat. Additionally, it may depend on external factors, like your intent to mount solar panels on the roof.

Both roofing membranes have mechanically-fastened fusion seams which are beneficial in cold weather installation. Moreover, they can be fully-adhered systems – the ideal approach for the sake of durability and warranty usage. If you cannot quite decide on which roofing membrane to go for, please contact Dusty Greer Roofing - the commercial roofing experts in Waynesboro, GA with any queries or concerns. We will be glad to provide you with a professional recommendation on the best roofing system for your circumstances. We are always a service request away from solving your problems.