Colorado roofing experts often express mixed opinions when it comes to determining whether EPDM or TPO roofing would be superior for installing a new commercial roof. Both systems have significant merits and benefits, and you’ll have to weigh your options carefully in most cases, depending on what you actually need from your new roof.
Experienced Fort Collins commercial roofing professionals confirm that EPDM is probably the most popular choice for affordable and highly efficient commercial roofing. It’s designed to last a long time (up to half a century in some cases) and to be remarkably low maintenance. These types of roofs have rapidly grown in popularity during the past few decades because they’re also easy to repair and install. There is no electrical source required for welding, and the EPDM membrane will typically perform better than TPO roofs during the winter.
TPO is typically better at reflecting sunlight and allowing your commercial AC units to work more efficiently. If your building is in the center of Denver and it’s large enough to require many separate air conditioners, your energy costs will likely be very high, especially in the summer. So installing a TPO roof can be a far more lucrative option in the long run, even if the upfront cost is slightly higher.
Another advantage of a TPO roof is that it has a slightly higher level of resilience compared to EPDM. Although it’s not normally noticeable, you will feel it when thunderstorms and hail storms hit, and your repair bills are significantly lower.