TPO vs. PVC Roofing: What’s The Difference?

Many homeowners debate between wood and asphalt tiles for their roofs and never consider manufactured alternatives like TPO and PVC. The differences between the two become more apparent the deeper you look into each, and which one you choose will depend on your budget, local climate, preference for environmentally friendly material, and how long you want it to last.

TPO vs. PVC Roofing: Key Differences

Thermoplastic polyolefins (TPO) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are both single-ply membrane roofing materials that are more different than they might appear at first glance. TPO is a newer material and costs less than PVC, but both compounds provide weather-resistant options for flat or low-angle roofs.   

What Is TPO Roofing?

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TPO roofing is a membrane that only requires one layer when used for roofing. That layer is overlaid on itself and heat-sealed, resulting in a watertight roofing solution that can be much less expensive than classic alternatives, including PVC. 

The downside is that compared to PVC, TPO’s lifespan is shorter, it isn’t as widely adopted, and it’s more difficult to install (but can be installed in extremely low temperatures). 

Best for:

• Large-scale operations where cost is key.

• Climates that lean more toward cold than hot. 

• Possible energy-efficiency credits. 

• Installation during winter. 

• Those looking for color options. 

Pros of TPO Roofing

TPO roofing isn’t something commonly seen on residential properties for a few reasons, namely it’s appearance and lack of history using it for houses. That being said, TPO can be a great choice for industrial applications such as commercial real estate roofing, or even roofing on apartment buildings. 

A benefit of TPO is it can be installed down to negative-20 degrees Fahrenheit during the off-season cold months, which are a less expensive time for roofing projects. The material offers excellent resistance to punctures and denting and is easy to install as it only requires a heat bond, forgoing the nails or adhesives other roof types require. 

This type of roofing material is energy efficient and doesn’t require materials derived from fracking as PVC does. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, TPO is much less expensive than PVC. For large projects, this can mean significant cost savings.    

Cons of TPO Roofing

Despite the pros listed above, there are a few problems with TPO. For one, the material has a lifespan of about half that of PVC, and it’s more prone to cracking or the seams failing in hot temperatures. While installation is easy in terms of steps and equipment involved, improper installation is easy to do and will result in a roof that leaks both air and water. 

One of the main reasons TPO roofing isn’t more widespread in the United States is because, as a country, the U.S. gets plenty of sunshine. When you compare TPO to PVC, it’s clear which one stands up better than UVs, and it isn’t TPO.

What Is PVC Roofing?

Photo: Doralin / Adobe Stock

PVC roofing is similar to TPO until you get down to the details. While both are single-ply membranes, PVC is made with materials that result in extreme chemical and fire resistance. The downside, however, is that the extraction of the materials used in PVC construction can—and often are—the byproducts of fracking, which is a process on the opposite end of environmentally conscious.

PVC is used much more widely due to its lifespan—nearly doubly TPOs—and because it holds up well to external factors. Whether or not PVC is right for your project will come down to your goals, budget, and appearance to the public.

Best for: 

• Projects requiring strong resistance to fire and chemicals.

• Applications in hot climates. 

• Those looking for the longest-lasting product.

• Any project that requires a flexible product for installation. 

Pros of PVC Roofing

There are many pros of PVC roofing. In fact, it will be the better choice for most applications if you can get past the initial cost and environmental impact. PVC has very low (almost zero) maintenance requirements, is recyclable, is extremely resistant to adverse conditions, and has decent insulation properties. Talk to a local roofing installation pro to determine if PVC is a good fit for your project.  

When it’s installed correctly, PVC is watertight and remains so for many years. It reflects light well, so while it isn’t kind to the environment during manufacturing, it can lead to energy savings within the structure through lower heating or air conditioning bills. 

Cons of PVC Roofing

PVC isn’t perfect. While it may be more widely used and easier to attain than TPO, it has some serious drawbacks. For one, PVC is known to create pools over time. Being flexible during installation is a good thing, but nobody wants a roof with puddles. PVC is the hot-weather favorite, but it doesn’t do well when the temperature approaches and drops below freezing. 

A significant issue with PVC is how it’s made—with fracking, which is known to damage the ecosystem. Unfortunately, fracking is how key PVC materials, like ethane, are sourced. In an age where companies are being held increasingly responsible for their treatment of the planet, it may be a better idea to consider alternatives to PVC when discussing roof options.  

TPO Roofing vs. PVC Roofing

Appearance​: Tie

Both TPO and PVC look the same—flat sheets of white, grey, or dark grey. Very rarely are either colored beyond those three options as these roofing options are utilitarian. White is an excellent reflector, which is why most roofs made from these materials will be either white or off-white. Up close, they look nearly identical.

Durability​​: PVC

Durability wins in almost every category here except low temps. PVC is much more resistant to chemicals and fire than TPO. Because of this, insurance premiums are usually lower when a PVC roof is installed. Because these are both most commonly used in industrial zones, this may explain why TPO isn’t as popular in North America.  

Chemical Resistance: PVC

Due to the carbon aspect of PVC construction, it’s extremely resistant to all manner of acids, salts, fats, alcohols, and other corrosive materials. This isn’t to say it can stand up to anything, but considering PVC’s prevalence in industrial areas, it’s comforting to know your roof can handle the odd chemical spill. 

Fire Resistance: PVC

The chlorine in PVC acts as a natural fire retardant. TPO doesn’t have this, which is why it’s much less likely to stand up to high heat. While PVC is more fire-resistant than wood, it still can’t hold up to materials like steel.

Price​: TPO

TPO is considerably less expensive than PVC. This is because it’s much less expensive to produce, and you also need less of it when compared to PVC. The ease of sealing TPO also contributes to its lower price, as you only need to heat seal the layers together. 

Ease of Installation​: Tie

There aren’t complicated aspects of installation for either of these materials. As long as the installation professional is following instructions and isn’t installing during extreme heat, cold, or rain, the layers should seal together easily, resulting in a watertight roof. 

Ease of Repair​: Tie

Repairing either of these roofs involves tearing up the damaged layer and replacing it. Since both materials are fairly easy to work with, and the tools required aren’t overly complicated, they both require about the same time and effort to repair. 

Length of Life​: PVC

PVC has almost double the lifespan of TPO. This is due to its resistance to chemicals and heat, as well as the fact it’s often thicker than TPO. If longevity is your primary concern, you should take TPO out of the running. Just remember, you’ll pay more for the increased lifespan of PVC. 

Eco-Friendliness/Sustainability​: TPO

TPO is leaps and bounds more sustainable than PVC, which is notorious for its (negative) environmental impact. Like many things, the more eco-friendly and sustainable option may not be as hardy or resilient as the more manipulated option, so remember that while TPO is on the surface more sustainable and eco-friendly, PVC is also recyclable. However, we can’t ignore that some of the materials required to make PVC are sourced from highly controversial environmental practices.  

ROI and/or Resale Value​: PVC

While it’s hard to calculate the exact return on investment, PVC is much more widely known and therefore should put buyer’s minds at ease when purchasing a property. The increased savings in insurance costs should also help offset the initial cost and result in a higher overall return.