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Commercial Roofs and Fire Safety: TPO vs EPDM

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Posts: 7
(@dhawk22)
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Had a TPO roof installed about five years ago, and honestly, the fire rating was a plus for insurance. But after a nasty hailstorm last summer, we ended up patching more than expected...makes me wonder if EPDM would've held up better? Anyone else dealt with similar trade-offs?

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wildlife689
Posts: 4
(@wildlife689)
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"makes me wonder if EPDM would've held up better?"

Yeah, hailstorms can really throw a wrench in things. I've seen EPDM roofs handle hail pretty well, but honestly, no roof is bulletproof. TPO's fire rating is definitely a solid perk for insurance, so don't beat yourself up too much about the choice. Sometimes it's just luck of the draw with weather... Curious though, did your installer mention anything about hail resistance when you chose TPO?

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zeusallen769
Posts: 8
(@zeusallen769)
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I've gotta say, EPDM isn't always the hail-resistant champ people think it is. Had an EPDM roof on a warehouse a few years back—hailstorm rolled through and left it looking like Swiss cheese. Sure, TPO has its quirks too, but that fire rating you mentioned is no joke when insurance comes knocking. Honestly, roofing choices feel like picking your poison sometimes... you trade one benefit for another headache down the road. Did your installer offer any warranty specifics about hail damage coverage?

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ejohnson42
Posts: 5
(@ejohnson42)
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Had a similar experience with EPDM—hail damage wasn't pretty, and warranty specifics were vague at best. TPO's fire rating definitely helps with insurance, but like you said, it's always a trade-off... roofing feels like a never-ending balancing act sometimes.

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phoenixl70
Posts: 6
(@phoenixl70)
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"roofing feels like a never-ending balancing act sometimes."

Couldn't agree more—especially when juggling durability, fire rating, and cost-effectiveness. I've noticed TPO's reflectivity can be a real advantage in hotter climates, but I'm still curious about its long-term resilience compared to EPDM. Has anyone here dealt with TPO roofs older than 10 years? I'd be interested to hear how they've held up over time, especially regarding seam integrity and puncture resistance...

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