TPO vs. PVC Roofing: Best Choice for Louisiana’s Heat and Storms
Roofs are your first line of defense from the elements. Therefore, you need a high-quality roofing system if you live in an area like Louisiana that experiences extreme weather conditions, such as storms and heat in the summer. Picking the right roofing system goes beyond aesthetics because you want a roofing material that is durable enough to protect you against these harsh elements. This guide explores Louisiana’s two most popular roofing options before shopping for a roofing company in Baton Rouge: TPO and PVC roofing.
Key Takeaways
- TPO roofing is made of strong and flexible materials that offer energy efficiency.
- TPO roofing can reduce indoor temperature by 50% during the hot Louisiana summer. This roofing solution is best suited for homes located in hot climates.
- PVC roofing is made from a durable, flexible material that can withstand extreme weather conditions.
- PVC roofing is the superior choice for Louisiana’s heat and storms as it is weather- and mold-resistant.
- TPO roofing has an average lifespan of 20 to 25 years, while PVC roofing can last up to 30 years. Both roofing types require minimal upkeep to remain in top condition.
TPO Roofing for Louisiana’s Heat and Storms
Typically made for commercial roofing, TPO roofing is becoming popular as a residential roofing system. It is made from thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) material, which is more commonly known as white “cool” roofs.
This roofing system consists of a white roofing membrane with a single-ply mixture of rubber and fillers made from strong, flexible materials. While recently popular, it has been around for over thirty years and has only gained traction among residential roofing solutions in the last few years.
Its popularity is due to its energy efficiency. It can cool your home by up to 50% compared to conventional roofing systems. It does this by reducing the heat flow to the space underneath the roof, allowing homes in Louisiana to maintain a cooler indoor temperature.
It can cool a home more efficiently because the materials are heat-seared, providing a single, continuous surface with overlapping edges. The roofing material is not delivered in pieces but delivered and installed as a single roll. Installing it on a house’s roof uses one of three methods: sealing, fastening, or bonding. This design prevents heat from penetrating the roof and the home, increasing energy efficiency and improving cooling capabilities.
So, which homes benefit from TPO roofing? Is it a good choice for the following circumstances and roofing needs for:
- Houses located in hot climates, such as in Southern US
- Homes with flat roofs
- Commercial or multi-family dwellings
In addition to the above, TPO roofing is the best solution for Louisiana homeowners looking for energy efficiency and low maintenance. With an average lifespan of under 25 years, you can maximize your investment without much upkeep. However, environmental factors and extreme weather conditions can significantly lower the roof’s lifespan, so you must maintain it regularly if you want your TPO roofing to reach its life expectancy.
Harsh and sunny climates will cause TPO roofing to degrade in quality faster. However, compared to other roofing systems made of rubber material, this type of roof is more resilient. Follow the basic roof maintenance procedure to ensure it will last according to its average lifespan.
PVC Roofing for Louisiana’s Heat and Storms
PVC roofing is another solid choice for homeowners in Louisiana. If you are unsure about TPO roofing, you must consider this alternative.
PVC roofing is made of a single-ply polyvinyl chloride membrane and is used mostly on commercial roofs. It has been the top choice for commercial roofing for over 50 years, but homeowners in Louisiana are considering it for their homes.
PVC is produced by blending PVC with other additives and reinforcing materials. This helps create a flexible yet durable material highly resistant to harsh elements, such as heat and storms.
The durability of PVC roofing makes it a popular choice for Louisiana homeowners because it can last between 20 to 30 years. This durability enables it to withstand extreme weather conditions like heat and storms. The material’s strength contributes to that durability, as it is engineered to have a minimum breaking strength of 200 lbs per inch and sometimes higher.
Regular and proper maintenance can extend the lifespan of PVC roofing. However, homeowners in Louisiana would be pleased to know that it requires low maintenance and upkeep. You need to clean the roof and eliminate debris to keep it in good condition.
In addition to the advantages of having a PVC roof in Louisiana, it is also waterproof and leak-resistant. The waterproof material offers maximum protection against leaks and can withstand intense storms, ensuring your home stays dry. Meanwhile, the seams of PVC roofing are heat-welded for a seamless design that offers a superior barrier against moisture.
The weather-resistant features of PVC roofing make it an ideal choice for the Louisiana climate. In addition to protecting your family against leaks and premature degradation due to extreme heat, PVC roofing is mold-resistant. It is also energy-efficient, so you can cool and heat your home without spending more energy (and without raising energy bills!).
TPO vs PVC Roofing: Which Is Best for Louisiana Homeowners
Choosing a durable and weather-resistant roofing system is non-negotiable for Louisiana homeowners. As the primary line of defense against the elements, a reliable roofing solution gives your family peace of mind and the protection they deserve.
The latter is superior for Louisiana’s climate when comparing TPO vs PVC roofing. TPO roofing is energy-efficient, especially during the summer because of its reflective quality, but PVC offers superior durability and performance. It has a higher melting point than TPO, which means it can handle extreme heat in the summer. Its weather and mold-resistance are additional benefits that make it suitable for protecting your home year-round.
Hot summers, frequent rainfall, and the possibility of hurricanes subject roofs to extreme conditions, causing premature degradation. Anything less than capable of withstanding the extreme heat, storms, and hurricanes will put your home—and family—at risk. If you cannot decide which material is best for your home, you can discuss it with a roofing company in Baton Rouge.
