Advantages of TPO and EPDM Rubber Roofing in Rhode Island

Two of the most popular choices for commercial and industrial properties include TPO or single-ply roofing and EPDM rubber roofing. While some property owners do a DIY installation, commercial businesses will get a much better return on their investment if they work with a commercial roofing contractor. It might seem like a simple installation, but without the knowledge, experience, and proper tools, a lot can go wrong when companies try to install it themselves. Affordable, durable, and quick to install, both TPO and rubber roofing in Rhode Island are commonly used for all types of roofs and are even an excellent choice for damp-proofing a structure.

What is EPDM Rubber Roofing?

The chemical compound used to create EPDM rubber roofing is Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer. This compound is durable, flexible, and environmentally-friendly in its own way. Once installed, rubber roofing in Rhode Island is UV-stable, ozone-stable, and will move and shift with the structure for even longer-lasting strength. Buildings that have static roofing installations will ultimately experience leaks, breaks, and other issues over time due to structure settling, earthquakes, and other common architectural situations.

An excellent choice for extreme climates, EPDM rubber roofing has been tested in Florida for hot and humid weather, as well as in Alaska for freezing cold winters. This fantastic material tested excellent in both locations. The structures in the New England area have to face many challenges that are unique to our region. The range of temperatures between summer and winter, as well as extreme weather conditions, can make many other types of roofing materials very susceptible to damage and increased wear and tear. However, with EPDM rubber roofing, the ongoing maintenance costs are very low, requiring minimal attention and repairs throughout its lifetime.

What is TPO Single-Ply Roofing?

The term “TPO” stands for the chemical compound used to create this durable roofing material, which is Thermoplastic Olefin. Often referred to as single-ply by contractors and builders, TPO roofing systems are designed to provide all of the long-lasting durability of the EPDM rubber roofing in Rhode Island. However, TPO roofing has another clear advantage in the proven performance that is only available through the use of hot-air weldable seams. When installed by a commercial roofing contractor, TPO roofing is highly resistant to tears, impacts, and punctures, providing excellent flexibility to allow for structural changes over time.

Resistant to ozone, algae, and friendly to the environment, TPO single-ply roofing is very easy and quick to install. When compared to EPDM rubber roofing side-by-side, the seam strength of TPO roofing is estimated to be three to four times as strong. EPDM roofing systems use adhesive or tape seams, while TPO systems use hot-air weldable seams. Extensively tested in extreme environments, single-ply roofing is highly resistant to damage and that protection can be increased, as there are multiple thickness and width options available, depending on the manufacturer. TPO single-ply is also available in multiple color choices as well to coordinate with the design and style of your building.

Which Choice is Best?

When it comes to picking a roofing material between EPDM rubber roofing and TPO single-ply roofing, it comes down to a few factors. Your best bet is to consult with a professional commercial roofing contractor at A&M Sheet Metal & Roofing. We will come out to your property and take a look at your structure. Whether you are putting a new roof on an existing building or picking out a roofing material for a brand new property, our experienced installers can help you make an informed decision to maximize the return on your investment. There are many benefits to both using either TPO single-ply roofing or rubber roofing in Rhode Island, but the differences are what will help you decide.

Give us a call at 401.654.4128 and speak with one of our technicians. We can answer any questions that you might have about EPDM rubber roofing or single-ply roofing, and we can also provide you with other options that might be suitable for your commercial property. You could also schedule a consultation so we can provide you with a FREE estimate for any of the services that we offer. A&M Sheet Metal & Roofing is a commercial roofing contractor serving clients throughout Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Connecticut.