Home and business owners with flat roofs have two quality options for a Spring TX roof replacement: PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, and TPO, or thermoplastic olefin. Both types of roofs create an impermeable barrier, and because of their material qualities, they will cost less in the long run compared to more conventional metal, asphalt, and ceramic systems found on typical pitched roofs.
Very Similar Materials
PVC and TPO are both thermoplastic materials. By applying heat, installers can soften and mold them into any shape. No other type of roofing material comes close to matching this level of impermeability. Think of overlapping asphalt shingles — they only work when water can freely flow down the roof. If water were to flow back up the roof, it would penetrate under each shingle. PVC and TPO roofs work regardless of direction.
How TPO and PVC Roofs Save You Money
These newer materials come in several light shades of gray and white. Lighter colors reflect more sunlight while absorbing less heat. Especially in hotter climates like Houston, light colored roofs will substantially reduce your cooling bills. However, PVC roofs have a tendency to grow brittle and crack when the temperature drops below freezing. A few nights every year with frost should not be an issue, but expect some leaks and shrinkage if the temperature drops below 20. TPO roofs hold up better under cold conditions.
Working the Early Kinks Out
A Spring TX roofing contractor have less experience with TPO roofs as the material has only been available for about 20 years compared to the 50-year history of PVC roofs. Early products and installation guidelines often resulted in roofs prematurely weathering, but manufacturers have updated their production and installation standards. A typical TPO roof installed today will last just as long as a PVC roof.
Membrane Thickness Is the Key
TPO membranes come in a range of thicknesses from 11 mils all the way to 80 mils. Residential applications are typically 45 to 65 mils, but commercial buildings can often get away with thinner membranes — 11 mils is a minimum, but 20 mils is preferable. Even the thickest membrane is just 0.08 inches thick — about 20 sheets of paper! TPO and PVC membranes come in large rolls up to 100 feet long, and because they are lightweight, installation is faster and less expensive than with a conventional roofing system.
Whether you choose a TPO, PVC, or other type of roof, the Spring TX residential roofing pros at Paramount have got you covered! Check out our selection of residential and commercial roofing services and products by calling us today at (713) 748-4000.