TPO Or EPDM: What Is The Best Flat Roofing Material For My Commercial Building?

Although it may require more frequent repairs and maintenance, flat roofing is still the number roofing style of choice for homeowners and property managers in New York. Of course, there are many flat roofing materials out there, so how can you decide which is best for your commercial building?

TPO roofing membrane and EPDM membrane, these types of single-ply roofing membrane are currently the top flat roofing materials of choice by many New Yorkers. While the two are a great choice, each has its unique strengths and weaknesses. That means, for you to select the best option for your building, you need to know the pros and cons associated with each of these flat roofing materials. It will also be vital to know how much you can expect to spend on each of them.

Understanding Single Layer Membrane Roof

Single-layer membrane or single-ply membrane is one of the advanced areas in roofing technology. They are basically sheets of rubber, plastics, and several other synthetics, ballasted or chemically adhered or fastened to an insulating layer of a building. They are also called plastomeric or elastomeric roofing membrane roofs and come in different types, including

• Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO)
• Neoprene (polychloroprene)
• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
• Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM)

With all these types, Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) and Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) are the most sought-after flat roofing materials by many homeowners and property managers in NY. But of course, you have to go one. So, what is the best type of flat roofing material for your NY home?

Cost of Installing EPDM Vs TPO

Generally, it will cost you about $3 to $14 per square foot in materials and labor to install a typical single-ply membrane commercial roofing system. However, most residential and commercial flat roofing contractors may charge less.

The TPO roofing system will cost about $3 to $7 per square foot, both in material and labor, to have a professional roofer install a TPO roof for you.

EPDM roofing membrane is the oldest and decisively the cheapest single-ply flat roofing material. It will cost about $2 to $5 per square foot to install an EPDM roofing system.

However, the price of installing your TPO roofing system or EPDM roofing system can be affected by several factors, including,

• The size of your roof
• The condition of your existing roofing system
• Your choice of insulation
• How accessible is your roof
• The type of warranty

Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) Roofing Pros

• Durability and Longevity (can last up to 50 years)
• Easy to install
• Easy to repair
• Resistant to fire, rain, and pests
• Excellent Elasticity and Flexibility
• Very affordable (more affordable than any other flat roofing material)

EPDM Roofing Cons

• It absorbs heat
• High energy bills (due to its poor reflective quality)
• Not too pleasant aesthetics (not so appealing, compared to TPO)
• Cracks, breaks, and shrinkage

Pros of Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) Roofing

• Energy Efficiency (reflects UV rays)
• Budget-friendly (though more pricey than the EPDM)
• Resistant to the elements
• More aesthetic appeal

Cons Of TPO Roofing

• Problem of quality (as several manufacturers make it)
• Problem of bust, crack, or leaks
• Uncertainty with its Longevity (due to changes in TPO compounds over the years).

With all of these pros and cons, it should be easier for you to come up with the flat roofing material that best serves your interest. If you’re still confused, you can reach out to a professional flat roofer near you for advice. For more information or questions about flat roofing, contact  Bushwick Roofing, 519 Knickerbocker Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11221 718-285-7841, https://www.bushwickroofingny.com/.