EPDM vs PVC Roofing
Durability vs Chemical Resistance: Which Membrane is Right?
The choice between EPDM (rubber roofing) and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) often comes down to one critical question: Will your roof be exposed to grease, chemicals, or industrial exhaust?
With over 30 years installing both systems across New Jersey and New York, we've learned that choosing the wrong material for your building's specific conditions can cut roof life in half. This guide will help you make the right choice.
Critical Warning: If your building has restaurant kitchen exhaust, food processing, or chemical storage, EPDM is not recommended. Grease and chemicals degrade rubber roofing rapidly. PVC is the only appropriate membrane for these environments.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | EPDM Roofing | PVC Roofing | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lifespan (Standard) | 30-50 years | 20-30 years | EPDM |
| Chemical Resistance | Poor | Excellent | PVC |
| Grease Resistance | Poor | Excellent | PVC |
| Cost (per sq ft) | $ | $$$ | EPDM |
| Seam Strength | Adhesive/Tape | Heat-Welded | PVC |
| Cold Weather | Excellent (-40°F) | Good | EPDM |
| Fire Resistance | Class A (with coating) | Class A (inherent) | PVC |
| Color Options | Black, White | White, Tan, Gray | PVC |
| Repair Ease | Simple patches | Heat welding needed | EPDM |
| Energy Efficiency | Moderate (white option) | Excellent (reflective) | PVC |
The Critical Difference: Chemical Resistance
This is where the EPDM vs PVC decision becomes non-negotiable for certain building types.
EPDM: Chemical Vulnerability
EPDM's rubber composition is vulnerable to petroleum-based products, animal fats, and certain industrial chemicals. When exposed:
- Membrane softens and swells
- Material loses tensile strength
- Seams begin to separate
- Roof fails prematurely (5-10 years)
PVC: Chemical Immunity
PVC's vinyl composition is inherently resistant to oils, greases, and most industrial chemicals. Benefits include:
- Resists animal fats and cooking oils
- Withstands industrial chemical exposure
- Maintains integrity near exhaust vents
- Full lifespan even with exposure
Which Should You Choose?
Based on our 30+ years of installation experience, here are our recommendations by building type:
Restaurants & Food Service
Kitchen exhaust and grease require chemical-resistant PVC. EPDM will fail prematurely near grease hoods.
Required: PVCMedical & Lab Facilities
Chemical exhaust systems and sterilization processes require PVC's chemical resistance.
Recommend: PVCIndustrial Manufacturing
Facilities with chemical processing or industrial exhaust benefit from PVC's durability.
Recommend: PVCWarehouses & Storage
Standard warehouse conditions allow EPDM's durability and cost savings to shine.
Recommend: EPDMCold Storage Facilities
EPDM's exceptional flexibility at -40°F makes it ideal for refrigerated buildings.
Recommend: EPDMOffice Buildings
Standard office buildings without food service can benefit from EPDM's longevity.
Recommend: EPDMMixed-Use Buildings?
For buildings with restaurants on the ground floor but offices above, we often recommend a hybrid approach: PVC membrane around all kitchen exhaust areas with EPDM for the remaining roof area. This provides chemical protection where needed while optimizing cost. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.
Detailed Analysis
EPDM Rubber Roofing
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer
Advantages
- • Exceptional 30-50 year lifespan in standard conditions
- • Proven 60+ year track record in the industry
- • Lower upfront cost than PVC
- • Superior flexibility in extreme cold (-40°F)
- • Easy, inexpensive DIY-friendly repairs
- • Excellent UV and ozone resistance
- • White EPDM available for energy savings
Disadvantages
- • Degrades when exposed to grease/oils
- • Not suitable for restaurants
- • Adhesive seams less reliable than heat-welded
- • Can shrink over time if improperly installed
- • Black color absorbs heat (unless white option)
PVC Roofing
Polyvinyl Chloride Membrane
Advantages
- • Immune to grease, oils, and chemicals
- • Required for restaurants/food service
- • Heat-welded seams (strongest in industry)
- • Superior fire resistance (Class A inherent)
- • White reflective surface (energy savings)
- • Multiple color options available
- • Excellent puncture resistance
Disadvantages
- • Higher upfront cost than EPDM
- • Repairs require professional heat welding
- • Shorter standard lifespan (20-30 years)
- • Can become brittle in extreme cold
- • Contains plasticizers that can migrate
Cost Comparison
10,000 Sq Ft Commercial Roof
Restaurant Roof (With Kitchen Exhaust)
For restaurants: PVC costs more upfront but saves significantly over time due to 3-5x longer lifespan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PVC or EPDM better for restaurant roofs?
PVC is significantly better—and often required—for restaurant roofs. Kitchen exhaust releases grease and animal fats that will degrade EPDM rubber within 5-10 years. PVC is specifically engineered to resist these substances and will last its full 20-30 year lifespan even with constant grease exposure.
Can EPDM be used near kitchen exhaust vents?
No. EPDM should never be installed directly around kitchen exhaust vents or grease hoods. Animal fats and cooking oils will soften and degrade the rubber membrane. For restaurants, we exclusively use PVC around all kitchen exhaust areas—even if EPDM is used elsewhere on the roof.
Which is better for cold climates: PVC or EPDM?
EPDM performs better in extreme cold. Rubber roofing remains flexible at temperatures as low as -40°F, while PVC can become brittle in severe cold. For buildings in areas with harsh winters (and no chemical exposure needs), EPDM's cold-weather flexibility is advantageous.
Are PVC and EPDM seams equally durable?
No, PVC seams are stronger. PVC uses heat-welded seams that create a molecular bond stronger than the surrounding membrane. EPDM uses adhesive or tape seams, which are the most vulnerable point of rubber roofs. While EPDM seam technology has improved, heat-welded PVC seams remain superior for long-term leak resistance.
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Not sure which system is right for your building? Schedule a free consultation and roof inspection. We'll evaluate your specific conditions and recommend the best material.
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