We had a similar experience with EPDM—super easy to patch up after storms, but yeah, the heat buildup was noticeable. We switched to TPO on our newer building and noticed a decent improvement in cooling costs. Mineral wool sounds interesting though...wish we'd thought of that earlier.
- Good points on TPO vs EPDM—I've seen similar cooling improvements with TPO during inspections.
- Mineral wool definitely has its perks, especially with fire resistance and insulation. But keep in mind, installation can be trickier and pricier upfront.
- Also worth noting: TPO seams need careful attention during install to avoid leaks down the line. Seen a few cases where rushed installs led to issues later...
Good insights here. I've definitely come across my share of TPO seam nightmares—nothing like showing up to an inspection and finding the roof looking like Frankenstein's monster stitched together in a hurry. When done right, TPO can be fantastic, but man, those rushed installs can turn ugly quick.
On the mineral wool front, you're spot-on about the fire resistance. Had a client once whose insurance premiums dropped noticeably after they switched to mineral wool insulation. Sure, the upfront cost stung a bit, but they were pretty happy when the annual savings kicked in. Still, I've seen installers struggle with mineral wool, especially if they're used to foam or fiberglass. It's like watching someone wrestle with a giant itchy blanket—funny for me, not so much for them.
One thing I'd add about EPDM is that while it might not offer the same cooling perks as TPO, it's pretty forgiving during installation. I've inspected EPDM roofs that were clearly DIY jobs, yet somehow they're still holding strong after years. That said, EPDM isn't exactly winning any beauty contests—especially after a few seasons of weathering.
Overall, every roofing material has its quirks. The key is knowing what you're getting into beforehand and making sure whoever's installing it isn't rushing to clock out early on a Friday afternoon...
Good points all around. I've definitely seen my share of EPDM roofs that look rough but somehow keep on ticking. One thing I'd mention about TPO, though—if you're worried about fire safety, make sure you're checking the manufacturer's fire ratings carefully. Not all TPO membranes are created equal, and some have better fire resistance than others. I've seen a few projects where the contractor assumed all TPO was the same, only to find out later they needed extra fire barriers or coatings to meet code.
As for mineral wool, yeah, it's a bit of a beast to handle at first. A trick I've learned from watching experienced installers is to cut it slightly oversized and compress it gently into place. It expands back out and fills gaps nicely, giving you better insulation and fire protection. Just make sure you're wearing gloves and long sleeves—otherwise, you'll be itching for days afterward... learned that one the hard way.
Great tip on the mineral wool—I learned the glove lesson myself too, haha. On TPO vs EPDM though, from a budget standpoint, EPDM often feels like the safer bet. I've seen older EPDM roofs that look beat-up but still hold water out surprisingly well. TPO fire ratings can be tricky, and adding barriers or coatings later can really blow your budget. I'd say double-check those specs upfront or you might end up spending way more than planned... speaking from experience here.
