EPDM roof systems are one of the most popular options for residential flat roof and low-slope applications. Composed of synthetic rubber, an ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) roofing membrane offers superior weather resistance while remaining a cost-effective option. PVC, on the other hand, delivers exceptional seam strength; in fact, heat-welded PVC seams are stronger than the PVC roofing membrane itself. TPO roofing membranes were designed specifically to combine the best of PVC and EPDM membranes. A TPO membrane delivers the advantages of an EPDM roof paired with the durability of heat-welded PVC seams. Now that we’ve established the differences among these three roofing options, let’s get into how much you can expect to pay for each.
The Cost of an EPDM Roof
If you decide to go with an EPDM roof installation, you can expect to pay somewhere between $4 to $8 per square foot, which works out to be about $6,000 to $12,000 for 1,500 square feet. However, depending on the current roof, market conditions, and location, these costs may be slightly higher or lower.
Beyond the upfront installation costs, EPDM roofs come with long-term expenses as well. The most frequent problem with EPDM membranes over time is the failure of the glued seams due to freezing water or drying out. Depending on your climate, your EPDM roof will need to be repaired within five to ten years of the initial installation.
EPDM roofs have been on the market longer than PVC and TPO roofs. They remain popular because they offer a long service life and do not require special equipment for installation, and rubber is cheap to produce. EPDM is resistant to UV rays, fire, and cracking because it stays pliable even as temperatures fluctuate. At the same time, it requires very little maintenance other than seam repairs.
The Cost of PVC and TPO Roofs
On average, PVC and TPO roofs cost about $5.50 to $9.50, so if you end up choosing a PVC or TPO roof, expect to pay a higher upfront cost when compared to an EPDM roof. PVC and TPO roof require specialized equipment for installation. While PVC membranes offer exceptional durability and extended warranties, they’re also the most expensive of the three. TPO roofs combine the best of both options but since TPO is a new technology, not all TPO roofs are made equal. Roofing companies are still experimenting and figuring out the technology, so make sure you choose an experienced roofing contractor like Rainville Carlson if you decide on TPO.
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The Cost of PVC and TPO Roofs
On average, PVC and TPO roofs cost about $5.50 to $9.50, so expect to pay a higher upfront cost than an EPDM roof. PVC and TPO roofs require specialized equipment for installation. While PVC membranes offer exceptional durability and extended warranties, they’re also the most expensive of the three. TPO roofs combine the best of both options, but not all TPO roofs are made equal. Roofing companies are still experimenting with and figuring out the technology, so make sure you choose an experienced roofing contractor like Rainville Carlson if you decide on TPO.
Still Not Sure Which Roofing Material Is Right for Your Building?
Rainville-Carlson provides peace of mind knowing you have an experienced roofing expert on your side. If you’re not sure which material is right for your facility, contact us and one of our team members will guide you through the options.
Lifetimes
When weighing cost, another critical factor to consider is the expected lifespan of a new installation or roof replacement. Here’s what you can expect from these three options:
- PVC – A PVC roof will typically last 15 to 30 years with proactive maintenance.
- EPDM – EPDM roofs last 10 to 15 years on average depending on climate and maintenance.
- TPO – TPO membranes last about 7 to 20 years depending on who installed them.
How Material Shortages Are Impacting Roofing Projects
The roofing industry hasn’t been immune to recent supply chain shortages, and some of the most affected items include fasteners, plates, adhesives, and EPDM and TPO materials. The biggest reasons for the lack of available products include:
Manufacturing Delays
Manufacturing plants shutting down during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly slowed the production of roofing materials. This short-term pause had long-term implications that continue to affect the industry.
Along with production shutdowns, market uncertainty led many suppliers and contractors to reduce order sizes. This scaling back of materials reduced the available product inventory when order sizes increased.
Chip Shortage
Computer chip shortages affect everything, and that includes roofing materials. These chips power manufacturing processes, and their scarcity has caused inventory issues that are impacting product shipments and machine repairs.
These supply chain issues not only impacted product availability, but also prices for existing materials. The Association of General Contractors reported that material prices increased 20% in 2021, and lead times increased to an average of six to eight weeks.
How To Protect Yourself From Supply Chain Shortages
With material shortages continuing to affect the roofing industry, many business owners are looking for ways to protect themselves. While all roofs eventually need to be replaced, regular maintenance significantly maximizes their lifespan. Rainville-Carlson offers roof maintenance contracts that clean roofing systems, repair membrane damage, and apply caulk as needed. Our plans increase roof life expectancy, minimize repairs, and lower long-term costs for clients.
Rainville-Carlson: A Leading Provider of High-Quality Roofing Materials
Rainville-Carlson has been an industry-leading provider of quality roofing materials since 1924. We believe that the best roofing material is the one that best suits your building’s needs, operations, and budget. Along with our selection of EPDM, TPO, and PVC roofs, we also offer slate, metal, and green roofing options. We take pride in being Minnesota’s most reliable roofing provider and handle everything from roof repairs to installations. Contact the experts at Rainville-Carlson today to learn more about our options.
