While Buffalo’s mid-summer temperatures climb well over 80°F, the roof protecting your business will climb into the low-to-mid 100s.
That heat bakes single-ply membranes, pops fasteners, and loosens seams faster than you might be expecting. It’s not a storm that rips roofing apart overnight, it’s a part of every year that slowly and steadily adds wear and tear.
Here’s what you need to know: the makeup of the membrane itself decides how that heat affects your building.
A bright-white TPO or PVC membrane can reflect much more of the sun’s energy than a traditional black EPDM or built-up roof.
If you’re responsible for keeping your eyes on your business’s roof and have questions on what those solutions entail? You’ve come to the right place.
Roof Membranes 101: Ingredients, Strengths, and Use Cases
TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) is the bright-white workhorse of modern commercial roofing.
TPO is one of the most popular single-ply roofing options out there today, made with a blend of rubbers reinforced with polyester or glass-fiber scrim. Additional ingredients may be used to provide additional UV stabilization or flame suppression.
When summer heat does roll around, a TPO roof reflects 80 to 90 percent of the sun’s energy, which can cut peak-summer cooling costs and keep rooftop temperatures in check.
Some of the most notable benefits of TPO roof materials include:
- Seam welds that are heat-fused, offering watertight joints to prevent leaks
- A lightweight construction that leads to quick commercial installation
- Resistance to UV rays, ozone, mold, dirt, and more irritants
- Lightweight walking resistance
TPO is a great option for low-slope commercial buildings like offices, warehouses and distribution centers. These roofs’ reflective properties are important for businesses looking for ways to reduce energy use (and costs) and contribute to sustainability efforts and certifications.
It also provides businesses with a clean, modern look, without sacrificing the toughness to survive Buffalo’s annual freeze-to-heat swings.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) starts with a vinyl base softened by plasticizers, then fortified with heat- and UV-resistant additives.
Often considered as a comparative option versus TPO, PVC is a membrane that holds up against harsher interior conditions.
- PVC has excellent resistance to chemicals, grease, oils, and other chemicals.
- Like TPO, this is a heat-welded membrane, important for creating a watertight barrier.
- PVC is known for its long service life.
Its natural white color kicks back solar radiation, giving both resilience and energy efficiency in one package.
Where might you find PVC roofs more helpful than TPO? Think about restaurants and industrial sites where the roofing system is key to providing excellent protection both to the interior and surrounding exterior environments.
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is the original “black roof” rubber membrane. Its synthetic-rubber recipe makes it the champ at handling frequent roof walks and storm impact.
EPDM is typically known for broader use in colder climates – meaning you’ll see plenty of these roofs in Buffalo, although the summers still get hot here.
What are some of the considerations for using EPDM over a white, single-ply roof like TPO or PVC?
- While it absorbs more heat, EPDM will offer more flexibility as the roof expands and contracts through temperature changes.
- By adding a reflective topcoat, you can reduce heat absorption without losing the flexibility that keeps seams tight through countless thermal cycles.
- The lifespan of an EPDM roof can push to 40 or 50 years with proper care. These also tend to be easy to patch and maintain as needed.
If budget, long-term durability, and weather resistance are your key priorities, EPDM is a roofing membrane you should take the time to consider. Coating and insulation options are important considerations here to build out the entire roofing system.
We’ll Help You Maintain Any Type of Roof
Summer heat can be tough on roofing membranes. With regular inspections, you can spot early warning signs before they turn into unplanned, expensive problems. Here are a few things to watch for:
- A white, chalky film on TPO or PVC sheets
- Wrinkles or bumps where the roof meets walls
- Thin cracks that look like spiderwebs on black rubber (EPDM) roofs
- Seams or edges you can lift with your hand
These signs might not seem concerning, but they’re early clues that your roof needs attention. Catch them early, and you’re tightening a few fasteners or fixing a few inches, not ripping off entire sections.
At Grove Roofing, we believe in showing up, paying attention to the details, and helping you avoid surprise costs down the line. We’d love to help with your next seasonal roofing inspection.