When it comes to a new roof, deciding between EPDM vs. TPO versus rubber is a tough decision. The rubber variety is light and easy to install, making installation labor costs much lower than with PVC or TPO shingles. However, it is imperative to hire a licensed installer when choosing a rubber roof for your home. In this article, we'll discuss some of the pros and cons of each type of roof.

Costs of rubber shingles

If you're looking for an environmentally-friendly roof option, you might consider rubber shingles. These shingles are fire-resistant, energy-efficient, and resistant to high winds and harsh weather conditions. However, you should keep in mind that rubber shingles are not the most aesthetically pleasing of roofing solutions. As a result, you should consider installing them properly to get the best results. This way, your new roof will last a lot longer.

EPDM vs TPO

The main difference between TPO and EPDM for roofing is the welding process. TPO requires an electrical source to weld the materials together, and because of this, it is more expensive to install and maintain. EPDM requires little to no welding, and is much more affordable. A TPO roof can last for 22 to 30 years. Both types are durable. For the same price, you can expect EPDM to last about twenty to thirty years.

PVC vs TPO

While both are widely used for roofing, the main differences between the two are their durability and cost. PVC is a proven product, but TPO can be less expensive, but it has a shorter lifespan than PVC. Another disadvantage of TPO is that it tends to shrink over time, making it unstable and prone to leaks. To avoid this problem, TPO manufacturers are working on improving their chemical formulation and releasing updated versions of their product.

Synthetic composite vs rubber shingles

There are several differences between the two kinds of shingles. Asphalt shingles lose their granules, while cedar and metal shingles can rot and become dented when struck by a hail storm. Read more here. However, rubber shingles are impervious to moisture, and do not dent or crack. Additionally, they are resistant to burrowing insects. The choice between synthetic composite and rubber shingles for roofing is a personal one.

Cedar shakes vs rubber shingles

When comparing cedar shakes vs rubber shingles, it is important to keep the quality of installation in mind. The highest quality cedar roofing installation will have edge grain Western Red or Alaskan Yellow Cedar that is free of growth defects. Additionally, it will not include any sapwood. Lower quality cedar roofing may contain flat grain and even sapwood. These qualities make cedar roofing less durable than rubber roofing.