I was recently helping my brother-in-law look into some roofing options for his small commercial building, and we ended up diving pretty deep into PVC membranes. One thing I learned (kinda the hard way) is that you really gotta factor in more than just the upfront price per square foot. At first glance, PVC seemed pricier compared to TPO or EPDM, but then we started looking at lifespan, maintenance costs, and energy savings over time. Turns out PVC can actually come out cheaper in the long run if you're thinking 15-20 years down the line.
One tip I picked up is to ask contractors specifically about warranty details and installation methods—some companies have hidden fees or exclusions that can surprise you later on. Also, don't forget to factor in potential insurance discounts for fire resistance or hail resistance ratings. Those little things add up.
Curious if anyone else has tips or hacks when comparing roofing options like this? Or maybe some hidden costs you've run into?
PVC definitely has its perks, but honestly, for smaller commercial buildings, EPDM might still be a solid bet. My neighbor went with EPDM 12 years ago—minimal maintenance, no major issues, and saved a good chunk upfront. Sometimes simpler can be smarter...
