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TPO vs. EPDM vs. PVC: Which Roof Performs Best in the Greater Atlanta Climate?

If you’re planning a commercial roof replacement in Greater Atlanta, you’ve likely heard the same three options come up again and again: TPO, EPDM, and PVC.

Each system has its strengths, performs differently depending on your building, and reacts differently to Atlanta’s heat, storms, and humidity.

We caution facility managers and commercial property owners throughout the Greater Atlanta area to not always go with what’s most common, but the option that will actually perform best for a specific building and long-term goals.

Keep reading for a thorough breakdown of each option so you can determine what’s best for your property. 

Understanding Atlanta’s Roofing Challenges First

Before comparing materials, it’s important to understand what roofs face in our region.

Roofs must withstand:

  • Long, hot summers with intense UV exposure
  • High humidity and moisture retention
  • Heavy rainfall and sudden thunderstorms
  • Wind-driven rain events
  • Occasional hail
  • Freeze–thaw cycles in late winter

Any roof installed here needs to handle heat, movement, moisture, and storm pressure, often all in the same week.

TPO is The Most Common Choice

TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) has become the dominant commercial roofing system in the Atlanta market, and for good reason.

Where TPO Performs Well

  • Reflective white surface reduces heat absorption
  • Strong heat-welded seams resist water intrusion
  • Cost-effective for large roof areas
  • Meets cool roof and energy performance standards

During our hot summers, TPO’s reflective surface helps reduce rooftop temperatures and eases HVAC strain, a major advantage for warehouses and retail centers in areas like Kennesaw and Marietta.

Where TPO Has Limits

  • Heavy rooftop traffic can cause wear
  • Poor installation can lead to seam failure
  • Requires consistent maintenance to prevent ponding-related stress

When properly installed and maintained, TPO performs reliably in our climate. But like any system, workmanship matters.

EPDM: The Durable Rubber Option

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is a black rubber membrane that has been used in commercial roofing for decades.

Where EPDM Performs Well

  • Flexible in temperature swings
  • Strong resistance to impact damage
  • Proven long-term track record

EPDM handles freeze–thaw cycles well, which can be beneficial during late winter temperature shifts.

Where EPDM Has Limits

  • Black surface absorbs heat
  • Higher rooftop temperatures in summer
  • Seams are adhesive-based rather than heat-welded

During a long, hot North Georgia summer, EPDM’s heat absorption can increase building cooling demands. For some properties, that tradeoff is acceptable. For others, energy performance becomes a deciding factor.

PVC: The Premium Chemical-Resistant Option

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is similar in appearance to TPO but is chemically different and often positioned as a higher-performance system.

Where PVC Performs Well

  • Excellent resistance to chemicals and grease
  • Heat-welded seams for strong water resistance
  • Reflective surface similar to TPO
  • Durable under rooftop equipment

PVC is often a strong choice for restaurants, manufacturing facilities, or buildings where grease and chemical exposure are concerns.

Where PVC Has Limits

  • Higher upfront cost
  • Not always necessary for standard office or retail properties

For buildings without chemical exposure or heavy rooftop demands, PVC may exceed what’s needed.

How They Compare in Atlanta’s Climate

FactorTPOEPDMPVC
Heat ReflectionStrongLowStrong
Storm ResistanceStrong (if installed well)StrongStrong
Seam StrengthHeat-weldedAdhesive-basedHeat-welded
Chemical ResistanceModerateModerateExcellent
CostModerateModerateHigher
Energy EfficiencyHighLowerHigh

No system “wins” across every category. The best performer depends on your building type and priorities.

So Which Roof Performs Best in Greater Atlanta?

For many commercial buildings — especially warehouses, offices, and retail centers — TPO often provides the best balance of performance, energy efficiency, and cost in Atlanta’s climate.

However:

  • Buildings with chemical exposure may benefit from PVC.
  • Older structures or specialty projects may lean toward EPDM in certain situations.
  • Heavy-traffic rooftops may require additional reinforcement regardless of membrane type.

The material is important, but so is proper drainage design, insulation, installation quality, and long-term maintenance.

The Bigger Question Is What Does YOUR Building Need?

The right roofing system isn’t determined by trends. It’s determined by:

  • Your roof layout
  • Drainage performance
  • Rooftop equipment
  • Tenant demands
  • Budget and lifecycle goals
  • Local weather exposure

No roof performs well if it isn’t installed properly and maintained consistently.

Choosing Between TPO, EPDM, and PVC

TPO, EPDM, and PVC can all perform in Atlanta’s climate. The difference isn’t just the material but how well the system matches your building and how well it’s installed.

For facility managers throughout Greater Atlanta, the goal isn’t choosing the most popular option. It’s choosing the system that protects your property long term.

Not sure which roofing system makes the most sense for your building? We work with commercial property owners across Greater Atlanta to evaluate options and design roofing solutions that perform in our climate. Reach out to our team to start the conversation.

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5 Greater Atlanta Storm Patterns Every Facility Manager Should Plan For

Spring storms in the Greater Atlanta area don’t announce themselves politely. One week, everything feels calm, and the next you’re dealing with wind-driven rain, clogged drains, or a leak that didn’t exist the day before.

For commercial property owners and facility managers in Marietta, Kennesaw, Acworth, Woodstock, and the surrounding metro areas, planning and preparing for these storms in February can make a huge difference in how your roof holds up. Once spring storms arrive, crews get busy, small issues turn into emergencies, and reaction replaces prevention. You don’t want your property dealing with that chaos. 

Understanding the storm patterns that hit Greater Atlanta every year allows you to get ahead of problems instead of responding to them after damage is done.

1. Fast-Moving Thunderstorms With Heavy Rain

One of the most common spring storm patterns in Greater Atlanta is the fast-moving thunderstorm that dumps a large amount of rain in a short time.

These storms are especially hard on:

  • Flat and low-slope commercial roofs
  • Buildings with aging or undersized drainage systems
  • Properties surrounded by trees

In areas like Kennesaw and Acworth, debris buildup combined with sudden rainfall can overwhelm roof drains quickly. When water can’t move off the roof fast enough, ponding occurs, and ponding water always finds weak points.

Before spring storms begin, drains and gutters should be inspected and cleared. This is one of the simplest ways to prevent avoidable leaks.

2. Wind-Driven Rain (Not Just “Rain”)

In Greater Atlanta, rain rarely falls straight down during storms. Strong winds push water sideways, forcing it into places it normally wouldn’t go.

Wind-driven rain commonly causes:

  • Leaks at flashing and edges
  • Water intrusion around rooftop HVAC units
  • Issues at wall-to-roof transitions

This type of damage is common when commercial buildings have multiple penetrations and rooftop equipment. Be sure to conduct pre-storm inspections that focus on seams, flashing, curbs, and transitions—not just the open membrane.

3. Straight-Line Wind Events

Spring storms in the Atlanta area don’t always involve tornadoes, but straight-line winds can be just as damaging to commercial roofs.

These winds can:

  • Lift roof edges
  • Loosen flashing
  • Stress seams and fasteners
  • Displace rooftop equipment

Damage from straight-line winds isn’t always obvious from the ground, but it often leads to leaks weeks or months later. Facilities should schedule inspections after major wind events, even if no immediate leaks are visible.

4. Hail That Causes “Invisible” Damage

Hailstorms in Greater Atlanta are unpredictable and often localized. One property may be hit while another, a few miles away, is untouched.

Hail damage doesn’t always create visible holes. Instead, it can:

  • Bruise membranes
  • Weaken seam welds
  • Shorten a roof’s lifespan without immediate signs

We frequently see this type of damage in Cobb and Cherokee County properties that don’t realize anything is wrong until the next storm. If hail passes through your area, a professional inspection should happen immediately, especially for insurance documentation.

5. Repeated Storm Cycles Over Short Periods

Spring storms in Greater Atlanta rarely come as a single event. It’s more common to see multiple storms roll through over several weeks.

This pattern compounds problems:

  • Minor damage worsens with each storm
  • Saturated insulation doesn’t have time to dry
  • Temporary fixes fail quickly

Buildings in older commercial corridors like Marietta and Kennesaw are especially vulnerable if roofs are already near the end of their service life. February is the time to identify small issues and address them before repeated storms turn them into major repairs.

Why February Planning Matters

Once spring storms start, roofing schedules fill up fast. Facility managers who plan ahead benefit from:

  • Fewer emergency repairs
  • Better control over budgets
  • Stronger insurance documentation
  • Less disruption to tenants and operations

A proactive inspection in February can prevent costly downtime in March, April, and May.

Taking Care of Your Commercial Roof this Spring

Storm damage in Greater Atlanta isn’t random, and it typically follows predictable patterns. Facility managers who understand those patterns and prepare early put their properties in a far stronger position heading into spring.

Planning now doesn’t just protect your roof, but your budget, your tenants, and your peace of mind.

If you manage a commercial property in Greater Atlanta and want to prepare your roof for spring storms, Academy Roofing can help. Reach out to our team to schedule a pre-storm inspection and plan ahead before storm season arrives.

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Why TPO Dominates Commercial Roofs in Greater Atlanta (And When It Isn’t the Best Choice)

Roll of TPO roofing material on a flat commercial rooftop in Greater Atlanta

If you manage or own a commercial building in Greater Atlanta, chances are your roof is TPO, or you’ve at least been told it should be. Over the last decade, TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) has become the most common commercial roofing system across the Greater Atlanta area, from warehouses and retail centers to offices and medical facilities.

That popularity has grown because TPO performs well in the Greater Atlanta climate, offering a strong balance of cost and durability, and meets modern energy standards. But like any roofing system, it isn’t always the right fit.

Understanding why TPO dominates and when it may not be the best choice can help facility managers make smarter, longer-term decisions instead of defaulting to what’s most common.

Why TPO Is So Popular in Greater Atlanta

It Handles Heat Better Than Many Alternatives

Greater Atlanta’s long, hot summers put constant thermal stress on commercial roofs. TPO’s reflective white surface helps reduce heat absorption, which lowers rooftop temperatures and eases strain on HVAC systems.

For large, flat buildings like warehouses or retail plazas, that reflectivity can translate into real energy savings and less membrane fatigue over time.

It Performs Well in a Storm-Heavy Climate

Greater Atlanta sees frequent thunderstorms, heavy rain, and strong wind events. When properly installed, TPO provides:

  • Heat-welded seams that are stronger than adhesive-based systems
  • Good resistance to wind uplift
  • Strong performance against moisture intrusion

These qualities make it a reliable option for buildings exposed to seasonal storms.

It’s Cost-Effective for Large Roof Areas

Compared to some alternatives, TPO offers a lower upfront cost while still delivering solid performance. For facility managers responsible for large roof footprints, that balance between cost and lifespan is often hard to beat.

It’s one reason TPO has become the default choice for new construction and re-roofing projects across Greater Atlanta.

It Meets Modern Energy & Code Requirements

Many municipalities and building owners across Greater Atlanta prioritize energy efficiency. TPO easily meets reflective roofing requirements and pairs well with added insulation, helping buildings stay compliant while improving indoor comfort.

Where TPO Performs Best

TPO is often an excellent fit for:

  • Large warehouses and distribution centers
  • Retail centers and strip malls
  • Office buildings with flat or low-slope roofs
  • Medical and professional buildings
  • New construction or full roof replacements

In these applications, TPO delivers predictable performance when installed correctly and maintained consistently.

When TPO May Not Be the Best Choice

Despite its popularity, TPO isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.

Buildings With Heavy Rooftop Traffic

Facilities with frequent foot traffic, due to HVAC servicing, equipment access, or tenant activity, can wear down TPO membranes faster. While walk pads help, some buildings benefit from more robust systems in high-traffic zones.

Older Buildings With Structural Limitations

Not all buildings in Greater Atlanta are ideal candidates for TPO without additional work. Older roofs may have:

  • Deck issues
  • Drainage problems
  • Multiple existing roof layers

In some cases, alternative systems or restoration approaches may be more practical than forcing a full TPO replacement.

Heavily Wooded or Debris-Prone Areas

Many parts of Greater Atlanta have dense tree coverage. Debris buildup can stress any flat roofing system. TPO can still perform well, but only with disciplined drain maintenance. Without it, ponding water and seam stress become bigger risks.

Projects Focused on Maximum Lifespan Over Cost

If the goal is the longest possible service life regardless of upfront cost, other systems may outperform TPO in certain scenarios. TPO offers strong value, but it’s not always the top option for owners prioritizing longevity above all else.

Why Installation Quality Matters More Than Material

One of the biggest misconceptions in commercial roofing is that the material alone determines performance. In reality, many TPO failures stem from:

  • Poor seam welding
  • Improper flashing around penetrations
  • Inadequate drainage design
  • Rushed or inconsistent installation

A well-installed TPO roof can outperform a poorly installed “premium” system every time. This is especially true in Greater Atlanta, where heat, storms, and humidity expose weak points quickly.

Maintenance Still Matters, Even With TPO

TPO is durable, but it’s not maintenance-free. To get the full lifespan out of a TPO roof in Greater Atlanta, facility managers should:

  • Schedule regular inspections
  • Keep drains and gutters clear
  • Monitor HVAC curbs and penetrations
  • Address small issues before storm season
  • Maintain documentation for warranty and insurance purposes

Most early TPO failures aren’t material defects, but maintenance gaps.

Making the Right Choice for Your Commercial Building

TPO dominates commercial roofing in Greater Atlanta for good reason. It handles heat well, performs reliably in storms, and delivers strong value for large buildings. But it’s not always the best answer for every facility, every roof layout, or every long-term goal.

The best roofing decisions come from understanding your building, your environment, and your priorities, not just following what’s most common.

Not sure if TPO is right for your building? Academy Roofing helps facility managers across Greater Atlanta evaluate their options, avoid costly mistakes, and choose systems that perform long-term. 

Reach out to our team to start the conversation.

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Choose The Best Roofing in Acworth, GA with Confidence

Aerial photo of residential neighborhood in Acworth, GA showing rooftops and surrounding trees

The “Lake City” of Acworth, Georgia is a community where historic charm meets modern growth. That means for homeowners and property managers here, roofing isn’t just a matter of protection, but also a matter of style. Georgia’s humid climate, seasonal storms, and occasional hail pose many challenges to maintaining a beautiful roof.

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What You Need to Know About Commercial Roofing in Atlanta

Aerial view of a large apartment complex in Atlanta, GA with well-maintained commercial roofing and a swimming pool

Your roofing is a major investment when it comes to your property or business. Choosing the right roofing system and maintaining it properly can save your business thousands in repairs and energy costs.

At Academy Roofing, we specialize in commercial roofing solutions tailored to the greater Atlanta area. We know how the weather will impact your roof over time and what to look for to diagnose damage. Whether you’re installing a new roof or maintaining an existing one, here’s what you need to know.

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How to Spot Damage After a Storm

When a storm rolls through, your roof is your home’s first line of defense.

Wind, hail, and heavy rain can cause damage that might not be obvious right away — but if left unchecked, it can lead to costly repairs. Knowing what to look for after a storm can save you time, money, and stress.

In this blog, we’ll break down how to spot storm-related roof damage, what signs to look for, and when to call in a professional.

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The Timeless Beauty of Slate Roofing

In an era dominated by modern building materials, slate roofing stands out as a testament to timeless beauty and exceptional longevity. With its striking appearance and numerous long-term benefits, slate roofing has been a popular choice for centuries. In this blog, we will explore the unique characteristics that make slate roofs a true architectural gem, as well as the many advantages they offer in terms of durability, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability.

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Pneumatic Nail Guns vs Hand Nailing – Which is Better?

Would you rather travel in a car across the country or on horse back? Seems like a silly question but there are roofers still promoting hand nailing on full roof replacements today.

Technological advancements in cruise control and comfort go a long way for the human body. Sitting in a car that has heated or cool seats with cruise control and lane departure warning systems will make the long trip easier on your body. Technology is no different for roofing.

There is a reason why 99.99% of roofing contractors use pneumatic nail guns. There are many advantages and it goes beyond saving your elbow from tendinitis or fatigue. When it comes to installing asphalt shingles, efficiency, precision, and quality are critical to a durable and long-lasting roof. While traditional hand nailing has been a reliable method for decades, modern pneumatic nail guns offer several advantages that make them the preferred choice for professional roofing contractors when it comes to replacing a roof.

Here are seven things to consider regarding pneumatic nails or hand nailing.

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Legal Considerations When Buying a New Roof in Georgia

Before replacing your roof in Georgia, understand the legal requirements—local codes for roofing materials, flashing, slope, and fasteners—to ensure compliant, safe installation.

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Synthetic Underlayment

GAF’s Synthetic Underlayment saves the day!

It was a typical Spring day in Atlanta, Georgia when we looked at the upcoming weather forecast to schedule a roof. Like so many days, the forecast changes hourly. One day it will show 80% chance of thunderstorms only to then be sunny or cloudy the whole day. Outside of meteorologists, roofing contractors are the second most professionals to monitor the weather so when we schedule a roof it means we believe we can do it successfully without getting water in the home.

We checked again the Intellicast.com forecast the morning of production and it looked clear to begin replacing the roof. As normal, we walked around and moved items away from the house that could be in harm’s way for falling debris. We then set up tarps around the house to catch the falling torn off nails and existing roof debris.

Our team then began to set up their ladders, secure ropes, and secure them to the harnesses. Each man started tearing off a section and within a few hours they successfully tore off the whole roof. The plywood was inspected and any rotten areas were replaced. We then installed GAF’s weather watch ice & water shield underlayment in all the valleys and began installing GAF’s synthetic underlayment when off in the distance a rolling thunderous sound was heard. Another quick check of the radar showed a small rain cell developed suddenly which wasn’t forecasted and was headed our way within 30 minutes.

Our foreman on site continued to instruct our team to go about drying in the roof with GAF’s synthetic underlayment and making sure all hips, ridges, and the field was covered head to toe. The 30 minutes passed before the first mist was felt. The mist turned into a spitting rain and then a steady rain before the bottom dropped out.

Thankfully, GAF’s synthetic underlayment is slip resistant and is designed for high traction so when the rain started pouring, our team was able to safely walk down off the roof with using the ropes and harnesses. Our foreman knocked on the door to gain access to check for any signs of internal infiltration from the rain and the ceilings were dry.

It is our professional view that had we not had installed GAF’s weather watch ice & water shield in the valleys and used GAF’s synthetic underlayment, the roof would have leaked severely when the rain popped up unexpectedly. We also believe that our team was able to safely get down off the roof as the synthetic underlayment is slip resistant and has high traction.

 

There are many technological advances today in the roofing industry and we are big advocates of GAF’s synthetic underlayment and ice & water shield.

Download the FeltBuster Brochure Here.

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How Hail Affects The Roofing Industry

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.

The good part of a hail storm is the increase in revenue to the roofing industry. Hail about the size of a golf ball can do a lot of damage to a roof and this damage is covered by your homeowner’s insurance. The homeowner pays their deductible and the insurance pays the rest.

A hail storm can sometimes create a large path of destruction for miles which in turns means a lot of roofs need replacing. Think of some of the subdivisions around you. What if just three or four of those neighborhoods overnight needed all new roofs? Hail damage creates a rapid increase in demand for products, labor, and services.

Every severe hail storm has a direct impact on revenue and job creation for the roofing industry. Shingle manufacturers will need to have their employees work additional shifts or overtime to keep up with production. Roofing suppliers will need to hire additional truck drivers or staff to keep up with the demand. Roofing companies overnight will be overloaded with calls and have a shortage of staff and laborers. Service providers like dumpster companies will need to hire drivers to keep up with the drop off and pickup schedules. The good part of hail is the job creation and the revenue it brings to the local economy.

The bad part of a hail storm is the increase in insurance premiums. Regardless if you file a claim or not your insurance premiums will go up in your area. Why? Insurance companies will be paying out millions of dollars and these losses have to be recouped. Insurance companies will spread out the losses and pass it along in increases of premiums. Therefore, if you are one of those people who think they won’t be affected because they didn’t turn in a claim, unfortunately you will feel the effect.

Here is the real ugly part of what happens to the roofing industry when a hail storm strikes. Think about these stats. At the end of 2008, Georgia had approximately 500 registered roofing contractors with the Secretary of State. At the end of 2009, that number went to 2,500 registered roofing contractors. Why the increase by 2,000?

Two reasons can be attributed to this surge. One, the crash of 2008 put numerous trades people from landscapers, graders, framers, painters, siding, builders, and general contractors out of business. Two, we had multiple years of large hail storms that struck the Atlanta metro area.

FACT: Georgia has absolutely no formal licensing or testing to enter the roofing industry. As a result, it was an easy and quick switch for many of the former trades people who thrived on new construction. Many registered with the Secretary of State and the local county for a business license. However, many did not.

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Happy Halloween

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Academy Roofing will work with your schedule to replace a roof any time of the year.

Have a Happy Halloween and be safe. Don’t forget to roll back the clocks this weekend!

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