Choosing between a metal or TPO roof for your Vancouver commercial building

What’s better for your Vancouver commercial building, a metal roof installation or TPO roofing? Both roof types are excellent options, providing great durability, longevity and recyclability. Additionally, each is capable of qualifying for LEED credits.

Here are some of the pros and cons of each to learn how they differ and why you might consider one over the other. 

Metal roof installation

Metal roofs provide long-term protection for commercial buildings. There are different types, or profiles, available to suit varying budgets, appearances, and types of building use (apartments, warehouses, hospitals, office buildings, etc.)

Pros

• Excellent severe-weather protection

• Long-lasting & durable

• Excellent fire resistance

• Low maintenance

• Different metals available (steel, aluminum, etc.)

Cons

• Some metals are heavy, requiring more structural support

• Some profiles more prone to corrosion (exposed-screw profiles)

TPO roofing

TPO stands for thermoplastic polyolefin. This type of roof is also known as single-ply membrane roofing. It is typically white in colour for a “cool roof” effect, and is manufactured without noxious chemicals. It is therefore environmentally friendly and safe to work with. 

Pros 

• Lightweight

• Excellent UV and wind resistance

• Excellent energy efficiency

• “Cool roof”: reflects heat keeping building cooler

• Quick installation

• Cost-effective

Cons

• More vulnerable to punctures

• Needs more frequent cleaning to maintain optimal reflective ability

Each of these types of roofs has excellent properties worth considering. However, there are other factors to consider as well. How long do you foresee owning the building? In other words, is this a long-term investment? What type of building is it? Different buildings serve different functions and require different roofs. Do you want a particular aesthetic? Are you looking to create a green building with LEED certification?

If you need assistance with some of these questions and/or other considerations, professional Vancouver commercial roofers like Laurentian Roofing can help. We are commercial roofing specialists serving commercial businesses across Vancouver from Whistler to Chilliwack.

We’ll give you a free estimate for a new roof or a roof replacement for your commercial building. Give us a call at 604-345-7663.