"maybe it's less about EPDM vs TPO and more about picking the right coating and installer?"
I get where you're coming from, but honestly, I think the material itself still matters quite a bit. Sure, prep work and coatings can make or break a roof, but some materials just seem to handle abuse better than others. I've seen TPO roofs hold up pretty well even without fancy coatings—especially in terms of fire safety and heat resistance. EPDM, on the other hand, seems more sensitive to installation quality and maintenance. Not saying EPDM can't be great if done right, but as someone who's always watching the budget, I'd rather go with something that's forgiving enough to handle minor mistakes or cheaper coatings without peeling like crazy after a couple summers. Silicone coatings are impressive, no doubt, but they're not exactly cheap either...
Yeah, good points all around. TPO definitely has an edge when it comes to fire ratings and heat reflection right out of the box. EPDM can be solid too, but it's true—I've seen more issues pop up if the seams aren't done just right or if maintenance slips a bit. Coatings help, sure, but they're more like insurance than a fix-all...
That's a fair assessment, especially about the seams on EPDM roofs. I've personally dealt with a similar issue—had an EPDM roof installed on a small commercial property I own, and while it was initially cost-effective, the seam maintenance did become a bit of a headache over time. Regular inspections helped catch things early, but you're right, coatings were more of a safety net than an actual solution.
Still, for budget-conscious folks like myself, EPDM can be appealing if you're diligent about upkeep. TPO's fire rating and heat reflection are definitely attractive features though, especially if you're looking at long-term savings on cooling costs. Appreciate you highlighting these points clearly—it helps homeowners like me weigh the upfront investment against potential future headaches.
Had a similar experience with EPDM seams myself—installed one a few years back, and while it held up okay, the seams were always the weak link. TPO's fire rating is definitely a plus, but I've seen some cheaper TPO membranes degrade quicker than expected under harsh sun. If you're considering TPO, make sure you're getting a quality product...otherwise, you might just trade seam headaches for UV issues down the road.
"If you're considering TPO, make sure you're getting a quality product...otherwise, you might just trade seam headaches for UV issues down the road."
Yeah, that's spot on. Inspected a commercial building last summer that had a cheaper TPO membrane installed about five years earlier. Looked decent at first glance, but once I got up close, it was pretty clear the UV had done a number on it—surface chalking and brittleness everywhere. The seams were actually holding up fine, ironically enough, but the membrane itself was starting to degrade prematurely.
On the flip side, I've seen EPDM roofs pushing 15-20 years with minimal issues aside from those pesky seams. If you can get someone who really knows their stuff to handle the seams properly (good adhesives and proper prep), EPDM can be a solid choice. But yeah...definitely don't skimp on TPO quality if you go that route. Seen too many building owners regret cutting corners there.
