At first glance, PVC roofing membranes and TPO roofing membranes can look almost identical. Both are typically white single-ply roofing materials used in commercial and industrial applications. However, that is where the similarities end. When deciding what roofing system is best for your project, it is important to understand the differences between PVC and TPO roofing to ensure the best long-term durability, performance, and costs.
Key points to consider
- PVC and TPO are chemically different.
- Performance history and proven longevity.
- Upfront cost vs life cycle cost.
- Differences in benefits and limitations.
What are PVC and TPO roofing membranes?
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
- Single ply roofing membrane made from ethylene and chlorine.
- Suggested for buildings exposed to chemicals, grease, oils, and heat.
- Heat-welded seams to create a permanent watertight bond.
TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin)
- Single ply roofing membrane made from ethylene propylene rubber and polypropylene.
- Often selected for budget driven commercial roofing projects.
- Also uses heat-welded seams, but welds are not as strong as PVC.
Goliath PVC Key Benefits
- Lifespan 30+ years.
- Reflectivity helps keep membrane cooler to make it last longer.
- Built to withstand long exposure to ponding water without deterioration.
- Fully recyclable.
- Excellent flexibility across all climates and maintains performance in changing environmental conditions.
- Inherently fire resistant.
- Anti-wicking polyester reinforcement provides strength and tear resistance.
- Industry leading top-ply thickness and acrylic top finish enhances weather resistance and durability.
- Carbon reduction strategies are supported through high reflectivity and reduced cooling demand.
- With long lifespan and low maintenance cost, PVC has the lowest life cycle cost in the industry.
Check out all the Benefits to PVC roofing membrane.
TPO Key Benefits
- Highly reflective surface, keeping buildings cooler.
- Cheaper initial cost than PVC.
- Fully recyclable.
- Flexible membrane which can handle a building natural expansion without cracking.
Why Choose Goliath PVC?
- PVC has a performance history proven since the 1960s, where TPO being introduced in the 1990s is still evolving.
- Despite the higher initial costs of PVC, it is cheaper than TPO in the long run due to its much longer life cycle.
- PVC is self-extinguishing, making it very fire resistant, and TPO is not self-extinguishing.
- TPO is much more rigid than PVC and installing membrane flashing could lead to difficulties and higher time consumption during the install.
- TPO requires a cut edge sealant only where the TPO membrane has been cut. This type of sealant is more likely to lead to needed repairs rather than a PVC heat welded seam.
- Even though both are UV resistant, TPO’s performance is variable as it can show vulnerability in hot climates.
- Looking at industry feedback, PVC has been widely adopted and trusted with 50+ years of experience. TPO has mixed reviews with its ongoing formulation changes and only 30 years of experience
At Goliath we pride ourselves on the superior quality of our PVC and the expertise of our experience Goliath team. Our materials are designed, engineered, and well researched to perform and exceed your expectations and requirements.