Single-Ply Roofing Materials in Providence: TPO Versus EPDM

When you start looking around at your options for a new commercial, industrial, or residential roof, you will quickly realize that there are a lot of choices to be made. You suddenly understand that there’s a lot about roofing that you never knew and that it’s virtually impossible to make a decision on your own. So you speak with your contractor or builder and ask for advice. Metal roofing is expensive but can last a long time. Asphalt shingles are cheap but will need to be replaced in just a few years. What’s in the middle range that you can afford will provide long-lasting protection and can be installed quickly?

All You Need to Know

Your contractor spurts out the words “single-ply roofing,” and before you know it, you’re off on another journey of discovery, learning lots of stuff about roofing that you never knew existed. The final two choices will quickly become apparent: Providence TPO roofing and EPDM “rubber” roofing are by far the best options. One way to make a decision is to weigh the benefits, costs, and other considerations of each type of single-ply roofing materials against the other. The best way is to consult with a professional who will determine whether your structure would be best-suited for Providence TPO roofing or EPDM rubber roofing in Rhode Island.

It is also very crucial to understand that it doesn’t matter how well-made a product is or what the life expectancy of it is concerning commercial, industrial, or residential installation, if it is not put on correctly, it won’t last. The best way to protect your investment and your structure is to have your Rhode Island single-ply roof installed by a professional roofing contractor. A&M Sheet Metal & Roofing has many years of experience working with both TPO and EPDM roofing solutions. We can provide you with the quality installation services you need to get the most out of your new roof. Our team can also offer preventive maintenance services and other beneficial programs designed to help your roof to last for many years to come.

Providence TPO Roofing

The letters T-P-O stand for Thermoplastic Polyolefin, which is just another type of rubber-based single-ply roofing materials. It is a blend of various materials, including polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber. While you might not have a degree in scientific roof material development, all you need to know is that TPO is perhaps the most widely used roofing product in the market. It is affordable and, because it is white, it is excellent for reflecting sunlight and UV rays to make a building more energy-efficient. While there are other types of white roofing materials, when it comes to UV-resistance, TPO roofing wins hands down.

The formula used to create Providence TPO roofing has evolved quite a lot throughout the years. Lots of environmental testing and industrial applications have been used to refine the recipe and provide property owners with long-lasting single-ply roofing materials that out-perform the previous generation. TPO is flexible and is designed to adjust to the natural swelling and movement of a structure to ensure effective coverage over time. One of the most significant advantages of TPO over other types of Rhode Island single-ply roof installations is that it features all of the long-lasting durability of a rubber roofing (EPDM) solution, but with the proven performance of hot-air weldable seams.

EPDM Rubber Roofing in Rhode Island

The letters E-P-D-M stand for Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, which probably sounds familiar if you read the section about TPO single-ply roofing materials. The ethylene-propylene found in EPDM is also one of the compounds used in the formula for TPO, so they do share many similarities. Durable and flexible, EPDM rubber roofing in Rhode Island is resilient like TPO, as well as UV-stable, ozone-stable, and resistant to things like mold, algae, and mildew. While typically sold in black, there are other color options for the Rhode Island single-ply roof option, including white.

Tested in extreme climates, including winters in Alaska and hot, humid summers in Florida, EPDM rubber roofing stands up excellent to the elements with great results. Perfect for New England with our constantly changing weather patterns, temperatures, and precipitation, the ongoing maintenance for these single-ply roofing materials is quite low, and the roofing material itself can last upwards of 20 years or more, depending on the quality of the installation.

Get a FREE Estimate for Rhode Island Single-Ply Roof

If you are ready to get started and want to put a new roof on your Rhode Island residential, commercial, or industrial structure, contact A&M Sheet Metal & Roofing by calling 401.654.4128 and speak with one of our technicians. We can answer any questions you might have about single-ply roofing materials or help you make an informed decision between Providence TPO roofing and EPDM rubber roofing in Rhode Island.