TPO vs. EPDM. What’s Right For Your Building?

When you are in the market for roofing, TPO and EPDM can sound like two of the same thing. TPO stands for thermoplastic polyolefin and is a type of synthetic material. It was created to be an affordable alternative to traditional rubber roofs with higher costs associated with maintenance and installation. EPDM stands for ethylene propylene diene monomer, which is a thermoset polymer that has been used in roofing products since the 1970s. This article will help you decide and understand the difference between TPO vs EPDM roofing.

What is TPO?

TPO roofing is a type of material that can last longer than traditional rubber roofs. TPO has been around for more than 30 years and was developed to be an affordable alternative with lower maintenance costs compared to other materials such as PVC, metal, or wood shakes. TPO also offers energy efficiency benefits due to its properties being able to insulate better against the sun’s rays while still retaining comfortability in hot weather conditions.

What is EPDM?

EPDM stands for ethylene propylene diene monomer, differentiating it from TPO because it is a thermoset polymer. This synthetic material provides excellent durability and flexibility and does not require any fuel-based products during installation as TPO does. TPO is also more expensive than EPDM. The only downside to TPO is that it cannot withstand the heat well and will be more prone to tearing.

What’s Better EPDM or TPO?

The decision about TPO vs. EPDM can vary depending on your needs for roofing material. The right kind of TPO or EPDM material you choose will depend on your needs in order to get what best suits you at this time. TPO was created as a better option with lower maintenance costs but comes with its own challenges where the temperature may not always work out well depending on when someone installs TPO. EPDM is also known for being affordable as one other plus side while still maintaining durability and flexibility where TPO cannot maintain heat as well in high temperatures. TPO might be better if you want to insulate your home and still have a roof that will last years, where EPDM is perfect for those who don’t care as much about durability but rather seek something affordable with less maintenance costs. TPO would require more on upkeep like fuel-based products.

Is EPDM TPO Compatible?

TPO and EPDM are not compatible with each other. You can install an EPDM membrane over an existing roof only if a new layer of 5/8″ plywood, 5/8″ OSB board, or polyisocyanurate board with a fiberglass backing is used as the installation barrier. This also helps to protect your investment in rubber from UV damage making it last longer due to its durability and resistance to tearing.

TPO is a thermoplastic polyolefin that cannot withstand the heat from high temperatures, making it an unsuitable material for roofs in climates where hot weather conditions often exist. EPDM can be used as TPO’s replacement when considering what kind of roofing will work best for you based on your needs, such as durability, budget, or insulation goals.

What is the Best EPDM Roof Coating?

The best EPDM roof coating is TufCoat. Tufcoat’s UL-rated membrane offers water protection and a long lifespan for your TPO or other types of roofs that are coated with this product. It can also withstand extreme weather conditions such as heavy snow, ice, rain, hail, high winds, and more which makes it excellent at protecting the integrity of your home from all kinds of natural disasters like hurricanes.

Tufcoat was initially designed to be used on both metal and TPO roofing but has now been expanded to PVC applications as well since the company introduced its new line in 2007. The material they use provides an added layer of insulation against heat while also blocking out UV rays, which TPO is ineffective. Tufcoat offers the best protection from all kinds of weather conditions that may happen both inside and outside your home or building while maintaining durability and flexibility when TPO cannot maintain heat in high temperatures.

TufCoat can be used to help restore, repair, seal, and protect any kind of roofing material such as TPO, PVC, metal roofs, or more, providing an added layer of insulation against heat with its unique properties, making it a good option for those who want something affordable with less maintenance costs but have no need for the exterior look on their roof like TPO’s smooth appearance might offer you where EPDM doesn’t do well at handling extreme hot temperatures. TPO can’t maintain heat in high temperatures as EPDM does.

How Do I Know if I Have EPDM or TPO?

Material Used

An EPDM roof is made of recycled materials and can withstand heavy rain. It starts with combining old tires, boots, and other sources to create the material before mixing in slate or sawdust for density and strength and using an innovative printer-style flattener that ensures quality after inspection. In comparison, TPO is made of polymerized polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber. Aside from these base materials, manufacturers reinforce the material with fiberglass and talc.

Physical Appearance

TPO roof is smoother than EPDM, and TPO also has a lower life expectancy.

Costs

TPO is more expensive than EPDM because TPO needs less maintenance. TPO can last up to 50 years without any major repairs needed, whereas an EPDM roof will require replacement every 20-25 years, or else it’s at risk of leaking, cobwebs forming, ice damming, and much more. TPO is the best option for those who don’t care about durability but rather seek something affordable with less maintenance costs.

Ease of Installation

Both materials are easy to install in most cases, thanks to their simple requirements, which anyone can do regardless of skill level. TPO is easier than EPDM, but TPO also has a lower life expectancy and can’t withstand the heat while EPDM does.

How Long will an EPDM Roof Last?

An EPDM roof will last anywhere from 15 to 20 years. TPO roofs can also vary in lifespan, but the average is around 18-25 years, making it not as long as an EPDM’s life span and requiring more maintenance than an EPDM would need to keep up with TPOs demands for upkeep like fuel-based products.

How Many Years Does a TPO Roof Last?

TPO roofs may be the best option for those looking to replace their rooftop in a few years. They are durable and have an average lifespan of 22-30 years or more!

Conclusion

A TPO vs. EPDM roofing decision is an extremely difficult one. Both of these roofing systems are excellent at protecting your commercial building and the contents inside your home. Depending on where you live, one system may be better than another for different needs like heat or rain. Both have advantages that make them great options when it comes to installing a new roof over an existing structure, such as needing fewer people to do so since they can be fastened either mechanically or adhered with glue.

Now that you know the difference between TPO and EPDM roofing, it’s time to contact your trusted roofing contractor, ManhattanRoofingnyc.com, and get professional advice on which roofing systems suit your building best!