You likely already know there are several types of flat roofing, single-ply roofing systems on the market. Materials include ethylene propylene diene terpolymer – EPDM, Thermoplastic Polyolefin – TPO, or Polyvinyl Chloride – PVC.

Each is designed for use on flat roofs, so which one do we consider to be the best, specifically for restaurants? The answer comes down to the material type that each roof system is made up of. Tusing Builders and Roofing Services offer all the roofing systems previously mentioned, however, when it comes to restaurants, our answer is always “PVC”.

PVC or Polyvinyl Chloride is resistant to many substances such as chemicals, but more importantly, in this case, is Animal fats. Nearly every restaurant has roof vent penetrations and out of these vents come greases, oils and animal fats. Over the past couple of decades, we have noticed a trend of degradation surrounding these roof penetrations on EDPM and TPO roof systems. That is, the animal fats eat away at the membrane. We have not seen this on PVC roof systems.

Chemical Resistance

• Lard (Animal Fats)
• Phosphoric Acid
• Zinc Chloride
• Bleach
• Copper Sulfate
• Muriatic Acid
• Fruit Juice
• Latex Paint
• Polypropolene
• Ferric Chloride
• …and more

The answer is clear. If you are roofing or reroofing a restaurant, we strongly suggest that you put PVC roof membranes at the top of your list. Contact directly at 866-584-2712 for additional points of consideration.