Do you have a flat roof? Are you considering or was recommended a TPO roofing membrane?
A TPO roofing membrane is a popular flat roofing material in commercial roofing. But even though it’s common for commercial purposes, flat roofing is more specialized when it come to residential homes.
And because of the uniqueness, many homeowners haven't heard of a TPO membrane until they learn it's time to replace a flat roof or flat roof facet. I understand how uncomfortable is it to spend hard-earned money on something you know nothing about.
Let's change that.
For over 35 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has helped homeowners understand the complexities of flat roofing and membrane materials. So, let's break down everything you need to know about a residential TPO roofing membrane.
By the end of this article, you'll learn:
- What is a TPO roofing membrane? (plus the pros and cons)
- How long does a TPO roofing membrane last?
- How much does a TPO roofing membrane cost?
- Why do you need a TPO roofing membrane instead of asphalt shingles?
What is a TPO roofing membrane?
TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) is a single-ply mainly white (grey and tan also available) membrane used in both commercial and residential roofing. TPO’s white, light grey, or tan membrane reflects heat instead of absorbing it.
(White TPO roofing membrane)
TPO roofing membrane pros:
- More affordable than other membranes
- Energy efficient
- Durable in all climates
- Eco-friendly
- Lightweight and flexible
- Resistant to mold and algae
TPO roofing membrane cons:
- Newer to the roofing industry
- Quality varies by manufacturer
- Gets dirty easier
- Doesn’t last as long as TPO or EPDM
- Can rip from foot traffic
- Specialized installation
If you have a flat roof over a bedroom, TPO is a great option because the reflective properties help keep the room below cooler. However, you need to consider if you can see the roof from a window because the light-colored membrane will show dirt and debris clearer.
If you don’t care about the look or can't see the roof at all, this isn't a big deal. However, it's still important to keep in mind when making your flat roofing material decision.
How long does a TPO roofing membrane last?
A TPO roofing membrane should last up to 15 to 20 years as long as it’s installed properly. However, there are a lot of factors that determine how long a roofing membrane lasts.
These factors include the foot traffic, overhanging trees, weather, the amount of direct sunlight it's exposed to, and installation quality. But as long as your TPO membrane roof is installed correctly, it’ll get as close as possible to its maximum lifespan.
How much does a TPO roofing membrane cost?
A TPO membrane flat roof costs $12.00 to $17.00 per square foot. But like everything else, there are a number of factors that determine the cost of a TPO membrane roof.
But when it comes to membranes, the type of insulation used underneath has a big impact. Installing insulation boards thick enough to insulate the entire structure will cost more than fabric insulation.
Another huge factor is the size of the roof that’s getting the membrane. This may seem backward, but the cost per square foot will trend towards the higher end of the price range on smaller projects.
On the other hand, the cost per square foot drastically decreases when you get into larger commercial projects. This is mainly because TPO membranes come on rolls, which means smaller flat roofs require more cutting and fitting tighter areas.
Why do you need a TPO roofing membrane instead of asphalt shingles?
When a homeowner learns how much a TPO roofing membrane costs, one of the first things asked is why asphalt shingles can't be used instead. This isn't a roofer's choice, though.
It's actually following both shingle manufacturer’s installation instructions and building codes set forth by the IRC. Any roof or a roof facet that’s pitch (aka steepness) that's below a 2:12 (less than 2 vertical units up for every 12 horizontal units out) is considered low slope.
Per codes, you can’t install asphalt shingles on a roof with a pitch below 2:12 because they aren’t meant to hold sitting water. Instead, it needs a waterproof material, like TPO, that can handle water when it doesn't drain properly.
Unfortunately, there are bad roofers who ignore the codes and try to install shingles to lower their prices. This will lead to roof leaks and voided warranties, so be weary of any roofer trying to use shingles on a flat roof.
How does TPO compare to other top flat roofing materials?
Now you know what TPO roofing is, the pros and cons, how long it’ll last, and how much it costs. Also, you know why TPO has to be used instead of asphalt shingles.
But even if you can't use shingles, there are other flat roofing material options. Just like TPO, each one has pros and cons.
So, before moving forward with your flat roofing project, it's important to know how TPO compares to the other top flat roofing materials. After all, you can't make the right purchasing decision without knowing everything available.
That’s why I wrote another article breaking down everything you need to know about the best roofing materials for flat roofing.
Check out The 4 Best Materials for a Flat Roof to learn the pros, cons, lifespan, price, and more for the top flat roofing materials.
