2025 TPO Roofing, Cost, Value, Pros & Cons
2025 TPO Roofing, Cost, Value, Pros & Cons
There are many options out there for flat or low-slope roofing, including TPO (thermoplastic olefin). TPO is a cost-effective roofing system that offers good longevity and is energy-efficient, particularly in the Washington, DC area.
What is TPO?
TPO is a roofing membrane made of ethylene propylene rubber. It is made by combining rubber, ethylene, and propylene through a chemical reaction. This creates a nice surface for roofs, but it is not very strong. Before the TPO is set up, substances are added for durability, such as fiberglass, carbon filler, and talc.
TPO Membrane is a great option to replace a rubber roof. TPO is cost-effective, energy-saving, and more durable than your standard rubber roof. Since its creation, TPO Membranes have led the US in single-ply roofing systems due to their durability, ability for hot-welded seams, and overall toughness against the elements.
Different TPO Options
TPO Roofing for flat or semi-flat roofing comes with different options in colors, thickness, width, and more. Considering these options before buying is crucial to the longevity and efficiency level of the roof. Colors include white, light gray, and black. White is the most energy- and cost-effective option due to its ability to reflect the sun.
HF Roofing Contractor recommends the installation of membrane rolls for residential projects, suggesting options ranging from 45 mil (0.45”) thickness to 60 mil (0.60”). Depending on the manufacturer, these rolls typically come in widths of 6 feet and lengths of 100 feet. This design allows for long runs and minimizes the number of seams on the roof, as seams are often the weak points, being only hot-welded together.
Commercial options are generally built a little differently. Each manufacturer has their own specs, but for a commercial building, you will likely see a thickness of 80 mil (0.80”). Every commercial roof is different, but the rolls can come up to 12 feet wide x 100 feet long. Smaller rolls are available for edges, overhangs, and other miscellaneous areas.
TPO is a great option for a cost-effective, solid roofing system; however, please consider the pros and cons of TPO before making a purchase.
At What Cost?
There are many factors to consider when determining the price of a TPO roof. For example, a flat roof in an expensive metro area with limited access may be significantly more expensive to install in the District of Washington, DC area. Whereas an easy-to-install roof in an open area will reduce the cost of man-hours. Material availability is one more option to consider before purchasing a roof. It is best to consult with a professional roofing company before making any decisions.
Residential TPO roofing costs between $8.50 and $13.50 per square foot installed. An average-size 1,200 sq. ft. flat roof will cost between $14,500 and $16,800, depending on the factors mentioned above. Variables such as different roof layouts, home location, what the contractor uses for TPO, what they charge, etc.
Other factors that affect the price include the slope of the roof, whether the home is one or two-story, material costs, supplies, disposal of the torn-off roof, permits, contractor installation, and a 10-year workmanship warranty.
Pros of TPO Roofing in Washington, DC and Silver Spring, MD
TPO Roofing is widely used in the flat-roof industry. A TPO Membrane takes the advantages of its competitors in one membrane. TPO takes the best qualities of EPDM and PVC roofing and combines them for a flexible, energy, and cost-efficient option in Washington, DC. Highly recommended for both residential and commercial flat roofing due to these simple but effective qualities.
Flexibility is a huge factor when installing a TPO roof. Flexibility allows the material to conform to whatever surface it is placed on. Great for rip resistance, movement, punctures, and falling objects, as well as the changing seasons and temperatures.
When a TPO roof is exposed to the sun, it reflects the sun’s rays and shields against the harmful UV Rays. The material expands and contracts with changing temperatures without tearing and cracking. The seams are 3-4 times stronger than the standard EPDM seams and withstand the constant movement.
Finally, a TPO roof is an Energy-Star rated roof as the white or light grey colors are great at reflecting the sun and heat. This can reduce heating and cooling bills for your home or business. Creating a better atmosphere inside during the hot summer months.
Cons of TPO Roofing
There are many pros to a TPO roof, but it’s also essential to consider some key disadvantages before making a purchase. TPO Roofing is still a relatively new process, which means that the material has changed over the years. Not having experienced the material’s longevity in the elements has caused issues to arise. Manufacturers are updating their processes, materials, and more to create a better product. Basically, some TPOs are better than others.
ASTM Standards have been established for TPO roofing materials, and they are continually being revised to improve the product and standard.
Throughout the lifecycle of TPO roofing, the material has been modified. So, looking through the past, you may see recalled roofing, cracked material, seams coming apart, leaks, and other failures. These failures are due to a number of factors, such as a faulty installation, exposure to excessive heat or cold, a bad chemical process, and other factors.
Although there are some cons to this roofing material, there is always an upside. Manufacturers are using the ASTM Standards to create a better line of products for future roofs. Look at it this way. The record shows that the TPO membrane has been tested for the past 30 years and approved along the way. So, if you were to opt for a TPO roof, you would be getting a continually improved product. Just keep your options open and research on your own, as well as with your roofing expert.
Material Quality
It is essential to select the highest-quality material for your application and hire the best installer to ensure the material is properly installed for its lifetime.
The quality of the membrane is crucial, given its relatively short service life compared to other roofing systems. Consider finding a manufacturer that has been around for the duration of the product. This means the manufacturer itself can tell you what upgrades have occurred over the years and provide examples of failures and how they were addressed. This will give you a reputable source for the highest quality material. You may come across offers from a new company for cheaper materials, but they may not be of the best quality. This will be up to you to compare the makeup of the material. Get spec sheets and compare for your safety.
Energy-Efficiency
Energy efficiency is an important factor in choosing the right materials also installed in Silver Spring, MD. There is a 3-year Energy-Star rating that is applied to certain TPOs. Be sure that the manufacturer has the correct paperwork and specs for the Energy Star ratings.
Textured vs Smooth TPO Membrane. Smooth TPO is used most frequently to reflect the sun for the Energy Star Rating. A textured TPO can collect algae, dirt, and ice, and cause damage more frequently than a smooth TPO.
Final Tips
Purchase the most durable material for your application. It may seem like the cheaper option is the way to go, but you will have more issues with weldability and longevity in the seam welds. The energy efficiency will drop with a thinner, less durable material.
Buy a thicker material to help with fewer seam issues. An Installer who hot welds will recommend a thicker material so the heated seam welds have more material to penetrate, creating fewer leak and rip problems in the lifetime of your roof. Make sure the top layer of your TPO roof is the thickest. This ensures the best energy efficiency, the least amount of possibility of splitting, cracks, and rips.
Always check the ASTM recommendations before purchasing a TPO roof. Your installer can help you select the proper roof to fit your needs best.
