Armour Roofing Co. has done a lot of commercial roofing in Omaha, and we are often asked to break down the different single ply roofing system options. It’s an important question, and there are several key differences to take into account. These roofing systems have become an increasingly popular choice for flat roof commercial business owners in recent years, and they fall into three main types, EPDM, TPO, and PVC.
EPDM Systems
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is an elastic, synthetic rubber roofing membrane. An EPDM roof kit can be fabricated off-site with penetrations pre-installed or welds will be installed onsite. EPDM is most always black in color and has been used for about 60 years for commercial roofing. The black color retains heat from sunlight (a positive or negative aspect depending on the climate). The membrane is mechanically attached, and all seams are glued together with special adhesives to make it watertight. EPDM roofing systems are affordable and have a great lifespan of 10-20 years.
TPO Systems
TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) was first introduced in the 1980s and was used heavily in civil engineering for pond linings and tunnel waterproofing. TPO is chemically adhered to roofs, and the seams are heat welded to ensure a watertight membrane. TPO membranes are generally white in color, but many manufacturers offer a wide range of color options. A white membrane will reflect sunlight adding an element of energy efficiency to a commercial building. The costs are comparable to an EPDM system and the lifespan is around 15-20 years.
PVC Systems
PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride) is a popular choice when it comes to single ply roofing systems. They come in a variety of colors and are specifically engineered for strength coming in with a minimum breaking strength of 350 pounds per inch. Hot welded seams make PVC systems strong, durable, and watertight. PVC is chemical resistant and have a solid fire-resistance rating making them an excellent choice for commercial buildings and manufacturing facilities. A white membrane’s high solar reflectivity reduces AC loads for your commercial building. The lifespan is similar to other single ply systems coming in around 20 years.
Who does commercial roofing in Omaha?
If you’re considering a new or refurbished commercial roof in or around Omaha, you have a lot of options. Roofing technology has improved dramatically, and there are very few cases where a roof needs to be torn apart and rebuilt. Give us a call at (402) 289-7869, and we’d be happy to go through all of your available options for roof replacement and help you find the best fit for your commercial roof.
