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Flat Single Ply TPO Re-Roof/Roof Replacement

Flat Single Ply TPO Roof Replacement

If you’ve seen a bright white roof, then you may be familiar with TPO roofing. As one of the most common roof types of big commercial facilities, TPO has some of the best energy savings for single-ply membrane roofing!

Flat Single Tpo Roofing - Sacramento Roofing

What Exactly Is Single-Ply Membrane Roofing?

Single-Ply Membranes are sheets of rubber and other synthetics that can be ballasted, mechanically fastened or chemically adhered to insulation creating a layer of protection on your commercial facility.

While Single-Ply Membrane Roofing is one of the most well-known types of commercial roofing material, there are several types to fit your budget and facility needs.

There are two main types of single-ply membrane commercial roofing: Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) and Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer (EPDM).

They differ in their chemical makeup, how they are installed and their energy efficiencies.

What Is TPO Roofing?

After the existing substrate is prepared, either by cleaning or removing the existing roof, the insulation is installed. There are a few types of insulation options the facility manager/owner can choose from:

Polyisocyanurate (Polyiso) – The most used insulation type for roofing applications, Polyiso is more expensive but pays off with a higher R-value rating.

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) – With the highest R-value per dollar, EPS is used for roof, wall and floor insulation. EPS can be used for ground contact and does not retain water over time.

Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) – Usually defined by the blue, green or pink color, XPS falls in-between Polyiso and EPS in the range of price and performance. XPS is semipermeable with a perm rating of 1.


The TPO membrane can be attached to the cover board with a bonding adhesive or mechanically fastened. When the membrane is rolled out, the contractor then returns and uses a hot-air gun to hot air weld the seams together.

TPO Roofing Advantages...

What Are The Advantages Of TPO Roofing?

Customer Choice of Insulation

Since single-ply membrane roofing does not include the insulation factor, as a customer you have more options to choose from to insulate your facility’s roof.

Reflective or Retentive

TPO is generally white and highly reflective. On the other side of the spectrum, EPDM is often described as “Black Roofs,” due to the natural dark color of the membrane.

Class A Fire-Rated

TPO membranes and EPDM can achieve Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Class A fire resistance listings by adding fire retardant chemicals during the manufacturing process.

TPO Roofing Saves Money

The most common TPO material is bright white with highly reflective properties. This bright white roof installation can reflect UV rays and heat from the building, saving money during the summer months from decreased energy usage to cool the building interior.

Flat Single Ply TPO Re-Roofing / Roof Replacement

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for after replacing a Flat TPO Roof?

Pay Attention to Minor Details

Check the flashing that protects the roof from water leaks. When roofing, flashing is used. It’s made of aluminum or steel. Confirm if the contractor installed it around the wall intersections around the skylights and chimneys.

Should I stay home during a Flat TPO Roof replacement?

The truth is, it’s completely up to you if you want to stay home during your roof replacement. Maybe you want to ensure your roof is being properly installed or you want to be there to ask your contractor questions if they come up.

What are common signs I might need a new Flat TPO Roof?

It’s been 20-25 years since the roof was replaced.

Water is leaking into your home or business.

Shingles are visibly cracked or damaged.

The roof sags.

There’s mold in your home or business.

Moss is growing on the roofing material.

How long does it take roofers to replace a Flat TPO Roof?

In general, the roof of an average residence (3,000 square feet or less) can be replaced in a day. In extreme cases, it could take three to five days. Depending on the weather, complexity, and accessibility of your home it could even take up to three weeks.

Why Can’t I Just Install My Own Flat TPO Roof?

If your existing roof is installed relatively recently, chances are, you can. There are two factors that can affect this change. One is the slope of the roof; certain materials like slate are ideally installed on steep-sloped roofs. The other is the weight of the new roofing material. Metal is compatible with just about any existing roof structure thanks to its relatively lighter weight, however, tile and slate are much heavier. You should have your roofing contractor check your roof if it can accommodate the added weight.

Can I Just Have the New Flat TPO Roof Installed Over the Old One?

While it is possible to install a new roof over the old one, it is not a good idea in the long run. Materials like shingles are ideally installed as flat as possible, which is something that can’t be done if the old roof is still present. There’s also the weight concern, as the roofing weight is practically doubled. Finally, if the roofing structure or insulation has hidden issues, there will be little chance to get it fixed.

Can I Choose Tile/Slate/Metal Instead of Asphalt Shingles?

We’re sure that there are some homeowners who can install their own roofs, but there are some risks with DIY. For instance, certain roofing systems have specific installation processes that require factory training. Improper installation can result in compromised performance. There’s also the matter of warranty. Installing the roof yourself means you’re on your own if any problem arises from installation errors, whereas you get full warranty coverage on a professionally-installed roof.

What are the signs that my Flat TPO Roof needs a replacement?

The first sign is the frequency of problems. For instance, if your roof has been leaking and even after repairs it’s repeating then replacement is your go-to option. Other signs include serious damage (e.g. after storms), the age of your roof, missing or torn shingles or loose flashings.