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Spotting Red Flags in TPO and PVC Commercial Roofing

December , 2023 | 7 min. read

By Anthony Marzbanian

large commercial building with flat roof

Navigating the world of commercial roofing can be tricky, especially when you're not a roofing expert yourself. Your business is like your baby, and it's tough to trust someone else with something so important. When it comes to your commercial property's roof, all the talk about TPO and PVC might sound like a foreign language.

Having a contractor show up to your building before a repair or replacement and blurt out a bunch of jargon you don’t understand is infuriating. TPO? PVC? Huh?

Here at RoofCrafters, we understand how overwhelming this can be. You've got enough on your plate running a business, and figuring out roofing issues shouldn't add to your stress. We've been working on commercial roofs for over 30 years, and we know that not understanding your roof can be a big worry. Many owners and managers tell us they feel in the dark because no one took the time to explain their roofing situation to them.

We're here to change that. We want you to be informed about your commercial roof, even before the contractor steps foot on your property. If you've been seeing some warning signs with your TPO or PVC roof and aren't sure what to do, you're in the right place. In this article, I'm going to break down what TPO and PVC roofing are all about and what red flags to look out for. Let's dive in! 

 

Understanding TPO Roofs: Essentials for Commercial Properties

 

Before we can delve into the red flags most commonly raised when it comes to TPO and PVC roofs, it’s important to understand what these types of roofs are, and what makes them different. So, what is a TPO roof? TPO is an acronym for thermoplastic polyolefin (see why the roofing industry shortened that?) and is a single-ply membrane that’s used most commonly in commercial roofing, however, there are instances where residential roofing will use it, too.

Commercial roofing crew on a TPO roof

TPO is made of ethylene propylene rubber and polypropylene. TPO is white, so it does a great job of reflecting heat as opposed to absorbing it. TPO can resist mold growth, impact damages, and high levels of debris buildup, which is a great choice for strip malls or warehouses. This will keep your flat roof and commercial area cool in temperature.

Uncovering the Basics of PVC Roofing for Commercial Buildings

 

PVC or polyvinyl chloride is not much different from TPO. It’s also a white, heat-reflecting membrane that is used primarily for commercial properties. TPO and PVC both belong to the thermoplastic, single-ply family, but what makes them different is the chemical compositions in their bases.

hood vent on a PVC roof with grease

PVC is composed of ethylene and chlorine. Both TPO and PVC are incredibly durable.  PVC on the other hand has greater chemical resistance, making it the frontrunner when it comes to restaurants, malls with food courts, or any other building with grease traps on the roof.

Identifying Key Red Flags in TPO and PVC Roofing Systems

 

Although TPO and PVC roofs are different in their chemical makeup, structurally speaking, they’re the same. They’re both used on low slopes and flat roofs, which means they tend to raise some similar red flags.

roofer installing a roof drain on a flat roof

These red flags include:

  • Water pooling
  • Mold
  • Ceiling moisture
  • Rot
  • Improper insulation 

Addressing Water Pooling Issues on TPO and PVC Flat Roofs

 

When it comes to flat roofs using TPO and PVC membranes, the number one most common red flag is water pooling. After a big storm or even light rain, if you see pooling water on top of your roof, you’ll want to get in contact with a roofer as soon as possible. The excess weight from the water will eventually cause damage to the structure of your roof, not just your roof itself, making this a pricey problem to fix. So, be sure to be diligent about pooling water. 

water pooled on roof

It’s also important to note that the location of the water may not always be its source. Water stains near a window won’t always mean they came from the window itself, and the condensation near the leaky pipe may not even be the source either. Water is sneaky, and likes to travel the path of least resistance. That being said, if you have a flat roof and are starting to see water inside of your building, there’s a good chance it’s coming from your roof. 

Tackling Mold Issues: A Key Indicator of Roofing Problems

 

With moisture inside of your building comes mold and mildew. Mold needs water to grow, and spreads like wildfire when paired with a roofing issue. Its presence behind or even on walls is a major roofing red flag and is a telltale sign that you need professional roofing assistance.

commercial roof replacement by RC crew

Although this problem could be the result of a plumbing problem, most often, water and mold are entering your walls through your flat roof. 

Identifying Ceiling Moisture: Distinguishing Roofing Concerns from Other Causes

 

roof breaking apart from leak

Ceiling moisture is not always a red flag when it comes to TPO and PVC roofing. Oftentimes, condensation on the ceiling could be caused by heat, air conditioning, and other ventilation problems. So, if you see moisture on your ceiling, don’t panic. However, if you tend to see moisture frequently on the top floor of your building, it could be caused by a roof leak.

Recognizing Rot as a Consequence of Roofing Issues

 

When water, moisture, and mold come together, what do they make? No, that’s not the beginning of a cheesy joke, I promise. These 3 elements combined create rot, which is no joke. Some commercial buildings unused areas with little to no traffic at any given time, so water, moisture, and mold can go unnoticed for quite some time.

rotten plywood damage at a valley transition of a roof

If you find rot in your building combined with these 3 other factors, there’s a high probability that it’s coming from your TPO or PVC roof. 

When to Repair or Replace Your TPO or PVC Roof

 

You now know all about the warning signs for TPO and PVC roofs. This means you're ready to make smart choices if you need a roof repair or replacement. But, if you're seeing any of the red flags we talked about in your commercial building, it's important to talk to a professional roofer right away.

Finding the right person for your roofing job can be tough. To help you out, we've got a handy guide called “The Top 10 Checklist." It's a list of 10 important questions to ask before you hire a roofing contractor. This checklist will help you make sure the roofing company does a great job and takes care of your TPO or PVC roof the right way.

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At RoofCrafters, we're pros at working with TPO and PVC roofs, and we offer some of the best warranties around. So, don't wait – get in touch with us to set up a roof check-up with our skilled team. And if you want more info, our learning center has lots of great stuff to read, like “How to Find the Right Roofing Contractor.” This will help you learn more about choosing the best roofer for your project.

 

Anthony Marzbanian

My name is Anthony, and I am the lead estimator of RoofCrafters’ Georgia/South Carolina division. The roof is the most important part of a structure, and people count on that to protect themselves and their families. That is one of the many reasons why I love my job and enjoy coming to work every day. The continuous training, honesty, and providing the customer with the Roofcrafters experience is what makes me the best in the business.