As a commercial property owner, you know the importance a roofing system serves to a building’s safety. In fact, the roof is the most integral part of any construction project; it is shelter that protects a building from virtually any kind of extreme weather condition.

When it comes to installing a commercial flat roofing system, knowing which system to go with is one of the most important aspects. Selecting the most appropriate commercial roofing system will not only save you on repairs and future wear and tear costs, it will also protect the structural integrity of your building as a whole.

Whether you are replacing an existing roof, or have an entirely new construction project on-hand, choosing the best appropriate commercial roofing system involves some thorough research. During your search, you may find conflicting advice about commercial roofing systems in general.

That’s why we’re here to help! We want to help you feel confident in your decision-making, so we’ve outlined below some basic facts about two popular commercial roofing systems to help clarify your options: TPO and EPDM roofing systems.

TPO Roofing System

Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) is a newer roofing system type that uses single-ply membranes. This material is specifically designed to resist damage from UV light and other chemicals.

The main advantage of a TPO roofing system is that it reflects sunlight, and as a result, can lower your cooling costs significantly. For this reason, TPO roofs are most common in warmer climates, however, they can also be of sufficient value to property owners who are looking for a roof that’s both durable and affordable.

The general lifespan of a TPO roofing system is 15-20 years.

EPDM Roofing System

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) is another type of single-ply membrane roofing system made from a high-performance synthetic rubber. EPDM has been around longer than TPO, and it’s proven track record makes it an easy choice when installing a new commercial roof.

More specifically, because EPDM roofs are black, they become advantageous in Toronto’s cold winters where absorbing heat is desirable. Recently, there have been other available options for the coloring of EPDM roofs, however black is still the most frequently used colour.

The main advantage of an EPDM roof is that it is one of the most inexpensive commercial roofing systems available on the market today. It’s also easy to install and extremely long lasting; EPDM roofs have an average lifespan of 25-30 years.

In addition, an EPDM roofing system will withstand exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light and extreme weather conditions. It’s flexible, yet durable, and while it’s best suited for low-slope buildings, EPDM roofs are generally designed to accommodate various building designs and structures.

Which Roofing System Should I Choose?

The best roofing system for your commercial property will depend on a number of factors:

·      Your overall budget

·      The use of your building

·      Your climate and location

·      Building codes and other local regulations

·      Building size, design and structure

Based on these factors and the information we’ve provided above, choosing between a TPO or EPDM roofing system can be made much simpler.

Toronto’s Trusted Commercial Roofing Contractors

To choose the best commercial roofing system for your property, consult with the experts at Crown. Our highly qualified Toronto based commercial roofing contractors can evaluate your property, explain your options, and help you reach a final goal of choosing a roofing system that will perform best for you.

Let us help to get you started. Contact us today for a free roofing inspection