TPO and PVC are both white, heat-welded single-ply membranes, and on many Austin commercial roofs either one would do the job. The decision comes down to what reaches the roof (grease and chemicals especially), how long you'll own the building and your budget.
TPO vs PVC Roofing, Side by Side
| TPO | PVC | |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost | About $8–$14 per sq ft | About $9–$15 per sq ft |
| Typical lifespan with maintenance | About 20–30 years | About 25–30 years |
| Grease and chemical resistance | Moderate | Strong |
| Seams | Hot-air welded | Hot-air welded |
| Track record | Widely used since the 1990s | Used on roofs for decades longer |
Choose TPO When
- The building is an office, warehouse, retail space or similar, with no grease or chemical exhaust on the roof.
- You want a reflective white roof at the lower cost of the two.
- You plan a typical holding period and regular maintenance.
Choose PVC When
- A restaurant, food processor or other tenant vents grease or oils onto the roof. Grease breaks down TPO over time; PVC resists it.
- Chemicals from manufacturing or labs may reach the membrane.
- You want the longer service life and accept the higher price.
What It Costs on a Real Building
Multiply the roof area by the per-square-foot range: a 15,000 square foot roof would run roughly $120,000 to $210,000 in TPO, or $135,000 to $225,000 in PVC, before any deck repairs or special details. Tapered insulation, tear-off and rooftop equipment change the final number, so a site visit comes first. Our commercial roof cost calculator gives a starting estimate.
Before You Replace: Recover or Coat?
If the existing roof is sound and dry underneath, a recover or a silicone roof coating may extend its life for less than a full replacement. Core samples tell whether there's trapped moisture; if there is, replacement is the safer choice.
Get a Commercial Roof Assessment
We inspect commercial roofs for free and send a written proposal within 24 to 48 hours. Background on single-ply membranes is available from the National Roofing Contractors Association. Request your commercial roof inspection.
TPO vs PVC FAQ
For most offices, warehouses and retail buildings, TPO does the job at a lower cost. PVC is the better choice where grease or chemicals reach the roof, such as above restaurant kitchens.
TPO typically costs about $8 to $14 per square foot installed, so a 15,000 square foot roof runs roughly $120,000 to $210,000 before deck repairs or special details.
With proper maintenance, TPO typically lasts about 20 to 30 years and PVC about 25 to 30 years.