TPO vs PVC vs EPDM: Complete Single-Ply Roofing Comparison

Quick Comparison Table

TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin)

What is TPO?

TPO is a single-ply thermoplastic membrane made from polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber. Introduced in the 1990s, it's now the most popular commercial roofing system in North America, representing over 50% of new low-slope installations.

TPO Characteristics

• Thickness: 45 mil, 60 mil, 80 mil (residential to high-traffic commercial)
• Width: 10 ft and 12 ft wide rolls
• Colors: White (most common), tan, gray
• Installation: Mechanically attached, fully adhered, or ballasted
• Seams: Hot-air welded (creates stronger-than-membrane bond)
• Warranties: 10-30 years available

TPO Advantages

• Energy Efficient: White surface reflects 85%+ of UV rays (ENERGY STAR rated)
• Strong Seams: Heat-welded seams are extremely durable
• Cost-Effective: Less expensive than PVC, more durable than EPDM
• Widely Available: All major manufacturers offer TPO
• Easy Installation: Lightweight, flexible, quick to install
• Good Track Record: 30+ years of proven performance
• Recyclable: Can be recycled at end of life

TPO Disadvantages

• Less Chemical Resistance: Not ideal for restaurants or chemical exposure
• Variable Quality: Formulations vary by manufacturer (stick with major brands)
• Shrinkage Concerns: Older formulations had shrinkage issues (mostly resolved)
• Less Flexible in Cold: Can become stiff in extreme cold

Major TPO Manufacturers

• GAF (EverGuard TPO)
• Carlisle (Sure-Weld TPO)
• Firestone (UltraPly TPO)
• Johns Manville (JM TPO)
• GenFlex (EZ TPO)
• Versico (VersiWeld TPO)

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

What is PVC?

PVC roofing has been used since the 1960s, making it one of the oldest single-ply systems. It's a thermoplastic membrane containing plasticizers for flexibility and UV stabilizers for longevity.

PVC Characteristics

• Thickness: 45 mil, 60 mil, 80 mil
• Width: 10 ft and 12 ft wide rolls
• Colors: White, tan, gray, custom colors available
• Installation: Mechanically attached or fully adhered
• Seams: Hot-air or chemical welded
• Warranties: 15-30 years typical

PVC Advantages

• Chemical Resistance: Excellent resistance to grease, oils, chemicals
• Fire Resistance: Self-extinguishing, excellent fire ratings
• Longest Track Record: 60+ years of proven performance
• Very Durable: Resists punctures, tears, and wind uplift
• Flexible in Cold: Remains flexible in low temperatures
• Strong Seams: Heat-welded seams are extremely reliable
• Color Options: More color choices than TPO or EPDM

PVC Disadvantages

• Higher Cost: 15-25% more expensive than TPO
• Plasticizer Migration: Can become brittle if plasticizers leach out
• Incompatibility: Not compatible with tar, asphalt, or EPDM
• Shrinkage: More prone to shrinkage than TPO
• Environmental Concerns: Contains chlorine (though recyclable)

Major PVC Manufacturers

• GAF (EverGuard PVC)
• Carlisle (Sure-Weld PVC)
• Firestone (UltraPly PVC)
• Sika Sarnafil
• Duro-Last (prefabricated PVC)
• GenFlex (EZ PVC)

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)

What is EPDM?

EPDM is a synthetic rubber membrane that's been used since the 1960s. Often called "rubber roofing," it's known for durability, affordability, and a proven 50+ year track record.

EPDM Characteristics

• Thickness: 45 mil, 60 mil (residential to commercial)
• Width: Available in 7.5, 10, 15, 20, and 50 ft widths
• Colors: Black (standard), white (more expensive)
• Installation: Fully adhered, mechanically attached, or ballasted
• Seams: Tape-applied or liquid adhesive (not heat-welded)
• Warranties: 10-25 years typical

EPDM Advantages

• Lowest Cost: Typically 20-30% less than TPO, 30-40% less than PVC
• Longest Track Record: 50+ years of proven performance
• Extremely Durable: Resists hail, impact, and weathering
• Flexible: Remains flexible in extreme cold
• Easy Repairs: Simple to patch and repair
• Wide Sheets: Available in very wide sheets (fewer seams)
• UV Resistant: Excellent resistance to UV degradation

EPDM Disadvantages

• Seam Concerns: Tape seams can fail over time (adhesive seams better)
• Black Absorbs Heat: Black EPDM increases cooling costs
• Limited Colors: Basically black or white only
• Puncture Prone: Less puncture-resistant than TPO/PVC
• Chemical Sensitivity: Damaged by oils, greases, petroleum
• No Welded Seams: Can't heat-weld like TPO/PVC

Major EPDM Manufacturers

• Carlisle (EPDM Sure-Seal)
• Firestone (RubberGard EPDM)
• GAF (Ruberoid EPDM)
• Johns Manville (JM EPDM)
• GenFlex (EZ EPDM)

Detailed Cost Comparison

Material Costs (Per Square - 100 sq ft)

Installed Cost Comparison (2025)

Typical installed costs for a 10,000 sq ft commercial roof with mechanically attached system:

Performance in Different Conditions

Hot Climates (Southwest, Florida)

• Best: White TPO or PVC (excellent reflectivity)
• Avoid: Black EPDM (absorbs too much heat)
• Recommendation: 60+ mil white TPO for best value

Cold Climates (Northern States, Canada)

• Best: EPDM (remains flexible in extreme cold)
• Good: PVC (more flexible than TPO in cold)
• Caution: TPO can become stiff below 0°F

High Wind Areas (Coastal, Plains)

• Best: Mechanically attached PVC or TPO (strongest attachment)
• Good: Fully adhered any system
• Avoid: Ballasted systems

Chemical Exposure (Restaurants, Labs)

• Best: PVC (only recommended option)
• Avoid: TPO and EPDM (will deteriorate)
• Note: Extra cost of PVC pays for itself in longevity

Which System Should You Choose?