The Most Common Commercial Roofing Problems
September 11, 2025When it comes to commercial roofing, the first thing that comes to mind is the material. Material plays a key role in deciding the age of the roof, along with other factors. If we talk about trends in commercial building, flat and low-slope roofs are prettystandard these days, and the most common materials for preparing them are TPO, EPDM, and PVC.
But this blog will help you a lot to estimate which of these three is better for your business. Suppose you are one of those people looking for the best roofing contractors near me. In that case, you need to be someone with fundamental knowledge about the subtle nuances that exist in the various possibilities.
Let us outline some key differences that clearly differentiate TPO, EPDM, and PVC roofing systems to avoid any confusion.
What Is TPO Roofing?
TPO is the Thermoplastic Polyolefin. It is a cost-effective and energy-efficient attraction in commercial roofing. In other words, the TPO single-ply membrane reflects sunlight, reducing energy costs (by keeping the building cooler). Hence, this would be a saving on energy for a business.
Advantages of TPO:
- Reflects the UV rays and keeps the building cool
- Cheaper compared to PVC
- Easy installation and repairs
- Chemical resistance is great
Disadvantages of TPO:
- Quality is left to the manufacturer
- Might not last as long as PVC
- A trusted roofing expert for commercial buildings will have given their advice on whether TPO is right, according to the size of your building, its situation, and your budget.
What Is EPDM Roofing?
Ethylene propylene diene monomer constitutes the whole meaning of EPDM. Yes, as the name suggests, it is a rubber roofing material known for its longevity and ease of installation. Being black, EPDM does not reflect heat but absorbs it. Due to its durability and ability to withstand adverse weather conditions, it is a preferred choice by many businesspeople.
Advantages of EPDM:
- EPDM lasts for a very long time, sometimes for up to 30 years.
- Easy to repair
- Resistant to weather and UV damage
- Cost-effective upfront
Disadvantages of EPDM:
- Less energy efficient because of heat absorption
- Limited color choices
Many business owners are looking for a roof replacement company to opt for EPDM due to its low cost and reliability.
What Is PVC Roofing?
PVC, or you can say Polyvinyl Chloride. Whenever it comes to the highest durability and tremendous energy efficiency roofing, the first name that will come up is PVC roofing. This is one type of single-ply roofing that is particularly well-suited for your business’s roofing needs. The PVC membrane is white, reflecting sunlight to cut down on cooling costs, ideal in hot-weather climates.
Advantages of PVC:
- Strong fire-retardant
- Chemical and grease resistant
- Energy efficient
- Long service life (20-30 years)
Disadvantages of PVC:
- Higher upfront cost than TPO or EPDM
- It can be more complex to install
- A commercial roofing contractor would help you decide whether the extra expense for PVC would make sense for your commercial property.
How to Choose the Right Roofing System?
Choosing between TPO, EPDM, or PVC depends on several important factors:
- In relation to the budget, cheap alternatives are TPO and EPDM, compared to PVC, when one is concerned about the initial cost.
- The reflective types of materials, such as TPO and PVC, cannot be recommended for the hot regions where energy expenses are minimal.
- EPDM is famous for the long life that it affords with resistance to the elements, whereas PVC is known for having better chemical resistance.
- PVC stands as a better option, especially when it concerns uses in buildings subjected to grease or chemicals, such as restaurants.
One of the key selection criteria for the best contractors should be to verify that they are conveniently located in your area, in accordance with the specific requirements of your construction project. For this, you can put in Google “best roofing contractors near me,” and fine-looking drops will come up for you in your locality. An experienced contractor will examine the roof, look into the budgetary restrictions, and outline the best approach that can be taken todo so.
Why Work with a Professional Commercial Roofing Company?
In the case of roof replacement, a professional commercial roofing company will give you expert advice and quality service. It is best to work with experienced professionals to get the job done right the first time, be it a complete roof replacement or some repairs at best. Look for reviews, licenses, and experience when searching for a roof replacement company. A reputable contractor will help you select the kind of roofing suitable for your building and for your lifestyle.
Conclusion
So, if you are also looking for a better roofing, then after reading this blog, you will have the answers to your questions. If you understand my points, then it will not take you much time to understand which is better among TPO, EPDM, and PVC.
Every material has its advantages, and that choice really depends on your building’s needs, location, and budget. However, any experienced contractor will tell you that it is always wise to rely on a professional roof replacement contractor when looking for reliable solutions.
If you cannot make the right decision, let Precise Roofing LLC, the leading commercial roofers, help you with the right choices and have them carried out professionally.