White commercial roofing systems can be useful under several circumstances. White might fit in well with your company's brand. You might also reside in a warm climate and might need a white roof that is able to reflect the sun's rays. There are two main types of white roofing systems: TPO and PVC. Overall, a PVC roof is better than a TPO roof.
The Long History of PVC
PVC roofs, also known as polyvinyl chloride, are a type of flat roofing system that has been around for decades. This type of roofing has a top layer known as a performance layer, a bottom layer known as the base layer, and a reinforcement scrim in between.
Durability
The top layer of your PVC roof is meant to be resistant to moisture, wind, and other elements. It is very thick and durable. The bottom layer, on the other hand, is made out of inexpensive materials. PVC is a popular choice that has been used for years because it is resistant to chemicals, fire-resistant, strong, and flexible.
TPO has a similar structure to PVC but is made out of polyvinyl chloride, and polypropylene, and contains various fillers such as fiberglass. TPO can look great, but the materials that it is made out of are not as durable and this type of roof is also thinner. Therefore, it's more likely to be punctured. For example, your roof is more likely to be damaged when walked on if it's a TPO roof than if it's a PVC roof.
Energy Efficiency
One of the concerns a commercial building has, especially in hotter climates, is how hot the building will become. The hotter the building, the more expensive it will be to use air conditioners. PVC roofs are better able to reflect sunlight and will not be as hot as a TPO roof. Your HVAC system will also last longer with a PVC roof.
Recyclability
While TPO is a newer roofing material, it's not clear how well you will be able to recycle your TPO roof. With PVC roofs, there are various certifications it has received to verify that you will be able to recycle the roof when it needs to be replaced.
The Cost
PVC roofs can be prefabricated. This makes them easier to install, less expensive to install, and can be installed more quickly. Therefore, it makes more sense to install a PVC roof.
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