When it comes to roofing materials, there are to forms which are TPO and PVC. There are many individuals who struggle with the issue on which type to use when they are having a roof put on top of their home. Both TPO and PVC are flat roof systems, but they are made of different types of materials, and that is what sets them apart. One of the best things to do is to consult with your contractor who is going to be working on your roof, and ask the necessary questions and information that you will be needing to come to this decision. However, there are several things that you can look at to compare and contrast the differences in TPO and PVC roofing materials to help you make a better judgment for which one you will prefer to go with for your roof.
TPO stands for Thermoplastic Polyolefin, and they are a single-ply roofing membranes. They have gained a broad acceptance in the industry of roofing products for their installation advantages, and they are also one of the fastest growing commercial roofing products. There is a huge demand that is increasing for energy efficient and heat-reflecting roofing systems, and the TPO roofing membranes continue to provide just that. They provide exceptional resistance to chemical, ozone, and ultraviolet exposure. Thermoplastic materials are distinguished from the materials that are thermoset, and this simply means that there is no chemical crosslinking at all. The membranes can be softened repeatedly by heating them, and they can become hardened when they are cooled. The TPO membranes are extrusion with lamination, excretion-coating techniques, and calendaring lamination. The TPO sheets are reinforced with polyester and they are made of a unique blend of ethylene propylene and polypropylene polymers, and they contain flame retardants, UV absorbers, and they also contain colorant.
PVC stands for Polyvinyl Chloride, and it is made with two separate PVC roofing materials, and polyester is added in between these two layers to act as a form of reinforcement. There are several different types of materials that are added to PVC roofing materials to help make it more flexible, to prevent curing, and to make it UV stable as well. A PVC roof is specifically designed to reflect and repel dust and dirt. PVC sheets are produced by extruding or spread coating, calendaring, and they are basically reinforced with polyester or scrim or glass-fiber mats. The sheets also contain stabilizers and plasticizers, and there are other types of materials that are added as well, to make it flexible and to be able to successfully achieve any other desired physical properties to it. Gray and white are the most common colors that are produced for PVC membranes, however, they are also produced in a variety of colors.
In conclusion, it is really a debate on which type of roofing system that you, as the owner of the home, is wanting to use for your roof. TPO and PVC are both flat roof systems that are made up of different types of materials. The beneficial aspect of choosing either one of these systems, is the fact that both of them cost the same when it comes to price. This makes it easier to choose which roofing system best fits with what you are looking for when it comes to the roof of your home. Taking the time to research all of the necessary information, the materials in each roofing system, and asking your roofing contractor the informational questions that you require, is what will help you to decide in the type of flat roofing system that will best fit your needs.