Commercial Roofing Specialists: TPO VS. PVC

How to Decide Between TPO and PVC Roofing

It can be tough to decide between TPO and PVC roofing materials for your commercial or industrial building. Here are a few factors you should consider:

• Both TPO and PVC roofing materials have different price points. TPO and PVC have different cost characteristics, and total project costs depend on system design, installation requirements, maintenance considerations, and market conditions, but it’s important to consider the long-term costs of each material before you make a decision. Don’t forget to factor in maintenance and repair expenses. If you’re having a tough time figuring out how much the long-term cost of either of these materials will be, give us a call. We can explain everything you need to know.
• It’s important that you choose a roofing material that has the durability you need. Although both TPO and PVC roofing systems are commonly used in commercial roofing, TPO and PVC have different performance characteristics related to puncture resistance, flexibility, and chemical exposure. The appropriate system depends on project requirements. If you believe your building’s roof will have a lot of foot traffic or there’s potential for damage from falling debris, the appropriate roofing system depends on project requirements, expected roof usage, exposure conditions, and building-specific factors. You can discuss this with your roofing expert when you call us for a quote.
• Environmental impacts. Environmental considerations for TPO and PVC roofing systems vary based on product formulation, manufacturing processes, recycling availability, installation methods, and end-of-life disposal practices. Property owners should evaluate these factors when selecting a roofing system.
• Think about the maintenance requirements of TPO and PVC before you make a decision. Regular inspection and maintenance are generally recommended for both TPO and PVC roofing systems. However, specific maintenance tasks may be different for each, which means you should talk to our roofing experts to find out which one is the right choice for you.

What is the Process for Installing a TPO or PVC Roof?

Although the process for installing a new roof will depend based on several factors, including the building’s size, style and shape — and the type of roofing system you’re having installed — the process usually looks like this:

• Inspection, evaluation and planning. The first step in any commercial roofing project is for us to inspect the existing roof and evaluate its condition. We’ll look for any signs of damage, wear or leaks, and we’ll make recommendations based on what we find. After we’ve evaluated your roof, we’ll work with you to design a new roofing system that meets your needs and your budget. That generally involves choosing between TPO and PVC, designing a drainage system and planning for necessary modifications to your roof’s structure.
• Permits and approvals. We’ll get the appropriate permits and approvals from local authorities, building owners and everyone else we need them from.
• Tear-off and prep. If your existing roofing needs to be replaced, we’ll begin by tearing off the old roofing material and preparing your roof deck for a new roofing system. Sometimes, that involves removing old insulation, repairing structural damage and cleaning the roof’s surface.
• After your roof is prepared, we’ll begin installing your new roofing system. We’ll put in insulation, lay the new roofing material and install any necessary accessories, such as vents, skylights and HVAC equipment.
• Cleanup and maintenance. After we’re done installing your new roof, we’ll inspect it thoroughly. Then, will clean up the job site and remove any debris. We’ll also provide you with instructions for ongoing maintenance and let you know you should call us periodically for inspections so we can help monitor the condition of the roofing system over time.

New View Roofing has access to commercial roofing products from established manufacturers used throughout the industry. If you’re trying to decide between a TPO or PVC single-ply roofing membrane for your commercial roof, our team of experts will help you make an informed decision.