If you’re in the market for a new roof for your home or business, then you may have heard of TPO. TPO is a common type of roof, especially for commercial facilities, known for its highly reflective and bright white appearance. From energy efficiency to low TPO roofing costs, there are plenty of benefits when it comes to this particular roofing style.
As a homeowner or a business owner that’s considering making the switch to TPO, you may be wondering, How Much Does TPO Roofing Cost? In this article, we will discuss what TPO roofing is, the pros and cons to consider when it comes to TPO, and how much it will cost. Keep reading to become an informed consumer, and discover everything you need to know about this popular roofing material.
Table of Contents
– What is TPO Roofing?
– Pros of TPO Roofing
– Cost and Energy Efficiency
– Eco-Friendly
– Lightweight and Low Maintenance
– Class A Fire Rating
– Cons of TPO Roofing
– Aesthetic Appeal
– Installation Conditions
– Varying Quality Among Manufacturers
– How Much Does TPO Roofing Cost?
What is TPO Roofing?
TPO is quickly becoming one of the most popular commercial roofing systems on the market, but it’s not uncommon to see TPO roofing on residential homes, as well. TPO is short for Thermoplastic Polyolefin, and is a single-ply roofing membrane that’s primarily made from recycled rubber for flat or low sloping roofs. The membrane is attached to the roof by fasteners, adhesives and heat to create a watertight seal around any roof edges and openings.
A standard, single-ply reinforced TPO roof membrane will have a base layer for strength, flexibility, and something to adhere to. The middle layer, also called the scrim, will have a strong polyester mesh material to add structure, strength and puncture resistance to the roof. And the final layer, the top layer, will come equipped with UV resistant materials, as well as abrasion resistant compounds, to make for a durable and long-lasting roof.
Pros of TPO Roofing
TPO roofing is growing in popularity among commercial and residential projects alike, and with so many benefits, it’s easy to see why. In fact, the National Roofing Contractors Association states that TPO takes up about 40% of the commercial roofing market share. And there’s more to it than just TPO roofing costs! Below we will discuss the pros of switching to TPO:
Cost and Energy Efficiency
One of the biggest benefits is TPO roofing costs. TPO is one of the least expensive materials on the market, costing far less than other rubber roofing options. Not only that, the easy installation process helps when it comes to labor fees.
TPO also saves you money when it comes to your electricity bills. This roofing material can hold its own against UV damage, which can drastically lower your HVAC costs when it’s hot outside. Its bright white color and reflective properties also work to reflect UV rays and heat from the building, making it easier to cool the inside of your home or business.
Eco-Friendly
TPO is made from eco-friendly products, and can help to lower carbon emissions. Specifically, TPO does not contain chlorine, which is an environmentally hazardous material found in some of the other roofing materials. TPO is made from recycled materials, and is also 100% recyclable. It can even be incorporated into new TPO roofing membranes, giving the original roof a second life!
Lightweight and Low Maintenance
TPO membranes are lightweight, and a lightweight roof is beneficial for a variety of reasons. Maintenance and repairs are easier on lightweight roofs. Lightweight materials won’t trap as much heat inside of a building, which can keep your interiors cooler and reduce your utility bills. They also have a higher wind resistance, and are less likely to cause further damage in the case of severe weather or a hurricane.
This roofing material is also strong and flexible. Flexibility is so important when it comes to TPO roofing, as it makes it more resistant to tears, punctures, and damage from the building moving and settling. The heat-welded seams also make for a stronger and more durable roof. In fact, TPO is up to four times stronger than EPDM seams, which use adhesive or tape instead.
TPO is also less likely to experience mold, mildew and/or algae growth. This means that they don’t require constant pressure washing. They are very good at resisting dirt build up, as well, which means TPO can save you time and money in the long run when it comes to cleaning and upkeep.
Even further, as long as it’s installed properly, you can get 20-30 years out of a TPO roof. With that being said, there are a lot of factors that can determine how long your new roof will last. In order to have your new TPO roof reach its maximum life span, you will want to consider the weather in your area, how much sun exposure your roof gets, and the quality of installation.
Class A Fire Rating
During the production process, the manufacturer adds fire retardant chemicals to the material, making TPO membranes Class A Fire Resistant. Class A is the highest rating a roof can receive when it comes to fire ratings, which means they offer the highest resistance to fire. If a roofing material receives a Class A Fire Rating, this means that it meets these three requirements: the ability to resist spreading of flames on the surface, the ability to resist fire penetration from the exterior, and the ability to resist intermittent recurring flames.
Cons of TPO Roofing
Before we go over the TPO roofing cost, it’s important to consider the cons of choosing TPO. While there are plenty of benefits that come along with choosing this roofing material, discovering the disadvantages helps you to make an informed decision when it comes to your roof. Below are the cons of TPO roofing:
Aesthetic Appeal
While this will vary depending on who you ask, some people do not find TPO roofing as aesthetically appealing as other options, like cedar shake or clay tiles, for example. However, this will depend on your style and preference, as many do enjoy the clean-cut look that TPO provides. It’s also important to note that while most TPO roofs you see are white to reflect heat for energy efficiency, they also come in black and gray for more options when it comes to curb appeal.
Installation Conditions
Unfortunately, TPO isn’t the best option for every type of roof. If you have a flat or low-slope roof, TPO is a great option. It’s also good for patios and garages. TPO must also be installed in dry conditions. This is due to the heat adhesion process that’s needed for the seams.
It’s also important here to mention that some of the most commonly reported problems with TPO roofs, in many cases, can be traced back to the installer. For example, improperly installed insulation can result in bulging, and seam separation that causes water penetration typically comes from improper welding by the roofer.
This is why it is critical to choose a vetted and experienced contractor when it comes to your roof. Your roof is such a huge and important investment, and you don’t want to put that in the hands of someone who either isn’t qualified, or doesn’t take pride in their work. If you’re on the search for a roofing contractor, it’s important to know what to look for and the right questions to ask. For help with this, check out our recent blog, “5 Questions to Ask a Potential Roofing Contractor [For Professionalism and Peace of Mind].”
Varying Quality Among Manufacturers
The manufacturer you choose can have an affect on the quality of TPO roofing material that’s installed. TPO is relatively new to the market, which means that suppliers are constantly coming up with new manufacturing techniques and ratios. Some manufacturers do this to save money, while others do it to improve quality. This contributes to varying prices among manufacturers, as well.
This is another reason why it is so important to choose a reliable roofing contractor who works with only the best manufacturers when it comes to your roof. So, if you decide to go with a TPO roof, it’s important to do your research when it comes to both the contractor, and the manufacturer they work with. You will want to choose those who have a proven track record, and are known for their quality work and materials.
How Much Does TPO Roofing Cost?
So, how much does TPO roofing cost? We recommend budgeting around $13.00-$17.00 per square foot for a smaller TPO membrane roof, and around $12.00 per square foot for larger projects. The cost per square foot is typically higher for smaller projects, and can decrease for larger, commercial projects.
There are also other factors that come into play when it comes to calculating TPO roofing costs. This can include the size of your roof and its current condition, accessibility, roof penetrations, and the type of materials you choose. The best way to get an accurate estimate, however, is to have a roofing professional come out for an inspection.
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Elite Exteriors offers NO-COST initial consultations and inspections, and is here to help when it comes to your new TPO roof, or any other roofing needs you may have. Elite Exteriors is the Southeast’s premier residential and commercial resource for unparalleled service, superior craftsmanship and incomparable quality. And it’s all backed by an unprecedented lifetime labor and materials warranty!
If you’re ready to get started on your roofing journey, give us a call today at 470-350-3024 to schedule your consultation and inspection. The experts at Elite Exteriors are knowledgeable, vetted, and happy to answer any questions when it comes to your roof. For more information, fill out our online form.