LOW-SLOPE
Low-Slope Roof Re-Covered
Before: an aged low-slope white roof surface, patched and cracked at the seams. After: a clean, uniform white low-slope surface.
TPO Roofing
TPO roofing from a licensed and liability insured roofing contractor. We install and repair single-ply thermoplastic membrane on flat and low-slope commercial and residential roofs, with heat-welded seams, written estimates, no advance deposit, and a workmanship warranty on every project.
1987
Roofing since
14
Insurance carriers
Flat
and low-slope specialists
TPO Pros and Cons
TPO stands for thermoplastic polyolefin. A TPO roof is a single-ply membrane, welded together at the seams with hot air, rolled out across flat and low-slope roofs where shingles and tiles will not shed water. Its white, reflective surface is popular on commercial buildings. Here is an honest look at where TPO membrane shines and where it does not.
Pros
Why TPO leads the flat and low-slope market
- White reflective surface lowers rooftop heat gain and cooling costs
- Heat-welded seams form a continuous, watertight bond with no adhesives to fail
- Cost-effective for large flat areas compared with PVC and built-up systems
- Lightweight single-ply membrane that suits most low-slope structures
Cons
The trade-offs to weigh before you choose
- Performance depends heavily on install quality, especially the welded seams
- A newer membrane with a shorter track record than EPDM
- Flat roofs are prone to ponding water if drainage is poor
- Membrane quality varies by grade and mil thickness, so specification matters
Single-Ply Membrane Options: TPO vs EPDM vs PVC
TPO is one of three single-ply membranes for flat and low-slope roofs. The right choice depends on your building, your budget, and how the roof will be used.
TPO Membrane
A white, reflective thermoplastic membrane with heat-welded seams. Cost-effective and energy-efficient, with a typical service life of about 20 to 30 years. The most common choice on new commercial flat roofs.
EPDM Membrane
A black synthetic rubber membrane, usually seamed with tape or adhesive. Proven over decades with a long track record, often 25 to 30 years or more, but its dark surface absorbs heat rather than reflecting it.
PVC Membrane
A heat-welded thermoplastic like TPO, but more resistant to chemicals, grease, and fire. The premium option for restaurants and industrial roofs, at a higher cost than TPO.
Compare Roofing Materials
TPO membrane is one of several roofing materials we install and repair. For steep-slope roofs, explore the sibling material hubs to compare.
TPO Roofing Services
From a flat-roof seam repair to a full membrane replacement, these are the services we perform on TPO roofs, each with its own detailed page.
Roof Repair
Flat-roof and low-slope repair: seam separation, punctures, flashing, and ponding-related leaks.
Roof Replacement
Full tear-off and re-membrane when a TPO roof reaches the end of its life.
Roof Inspections
Documented membrane and seam condition assessment with a written estimate.
Roof Certification
Roof condition certification for commercial and real estate transactions.
Low-Slope Residential TPO Roofing
Modern and mid-century homes with flat or low-slope sections, patios, and additions often use TPO membrane where shingles cannot shed water. We install and repair residential TPO with tidy job sites and homeowner-scale warranties.
Residential Roofing
Commercial TPO Roofing
TPO is the leading membrane on commercial flat roofs, and it is where most of our TPO work happens. Its white reflective surface cuts cooling costs on warehouses, retail, and office buildings, and our crews install and repair it with insurance claim support and minimal disruption to your operations.
Commercial RoofingOrder a Roof Inspection
Start here and a knowledgeable technician will assess your flat or low-slope roof and provide a written estimate within 1 to 2 business days.
How Much Does a TPO Roof Cost?
TPO cost depends on the roof square footage, the membrane mil thickness (45, 60, or 80), the insulation or coverboard system, tear-off of the old roof, and the attachment method (mechanically attached, fully adhered, or ballasted).
Mechanically Attached TPO
$3.25-$5.50 / sq ft
The most economical attachment, fastening the membrane to the deck, on a straightforward flat roof.
Fully Adhered TPO
$4-$7 / sq ft
Membrane glued across the substrate for a smooth, wind-resistant surface, common on visible or high-wind roofs.
TPO Replacement with Tear-Off
$4-$8+ / sq ft
Full tear-off of the old roof, new insulation or coverboard, and thicker 60 or 80 mil membrane on larger commercial roofs.
How We Install a TPO Roof
A clear, no-pressure process. We respond promptly and schedule inspections within 1 to 2 business days.
1
Inspect and Measure
A licensed inspector assesses the existing roof, measures the square footage, checks drainage, and recommends the right membrane mil thickness and attachment method.
2
Tear-Off and Prep
We remove the old roof or prepare the existing substrate, inspect the deck for damage, and create a clean, sound surface for the new system.
3
Insulation and Coverboard
We install rigid insulation and a coverboard to build the thermal layer and give the membrane a smooth, uniform base.
4
Membrane and Heat-Welded Seams
We roll out the TPO membrane and hot-air weld the seams into a continuous, watertight bond, the step that defines a durable single-ply roof.
5
Flashing and Details
We flash and weld the membrane at parapets, curbs, drains, and rooftop penetrations, where flat roofs most often leak.
6
Water-Test and Warranty Registration
We inspect and water-test the completed roof, clean the site, and register your workmanship and manufacturer warranties.
Why Property Owners Choose Roof Doctors
Decades of flat and low-slope membrane expertise, backed by real warranties and honest assessments.
1987
Roofing since
14
Insurance carriers
Flat
and low-slope specialists
4.7
Google rating
Commercial flat-roof capability
We install and repair single-ply TPO membrane on commercial buildings, from warehouses to retail and office roofs, with minimal disruption to your operations.
No advance deposit
You pay after the work is completed to your satisfaction. No deposit required to schedule.
Licensed and liability insured
A fully licensed roofing contractor with General Liability Insurance on every project.
Recent TPO Projects
Documented before-and-after results from recent TPO membrane work. Drag the slider to compare the before and after.
Financing Available
Financing is available on qualifying roofing projects through our lending partners. Ask your inspector about current options.
Warranty Protection
Every Roof Doctors TPO roof is backed by layered warranty coverage, including manufacturer membrane protection on replacements.
Manufacturer Membrane Warranty
TPO membrane system coverage on replacements
We install TPO membrane systems to manufacturer specification, which qualifies full replacements for the manufacturer's membrane warranty on the material.
1 Year
Workmanship Warranty
Labor and materials on every project
Covers the quality of our installation and workmanship on all completed TPO work, including the heat-welded seams.
2 Years
Roof Leak Certification
Optional purchasable certification
A purchasable 2-year certification. A $75 service fee applies per reported leak, and any covered repair is completed at no additional charge.
Optional add-on. Not available on roof replacements.
Storm Response and Insurance Claims
We Handle Your Insurance Claim
Storms, wind, and debris can puncture and lift a flat-roof membrane, and that damage may be covered by your property insurance. Roof Doctors documents the membrane and seam damage, works directly with your adjuster, and processes claims within the Xactimate and Symbility estimating platforms.
Areas We Serve
Roof Doctors serves commercial and residential properties across California. Find your area or view the full directory.
What Our Customers Say
★★★★★
4.7 out of 5 across Roof Doctors' Google Business Profiles
★★★★★
“Prompt, very informative, and honest. Bill inspected my roof. No leaks. End of story. They had certified my roof a year prior. I am very satisfied with the level of service.”
EG
Eddie Gomez
★★★★★
“Showed up quickly during a storm, figured out problem, provided a solution.”
AL
April L.
★★★★★
“Troy was informative and professional. Would recommend to other home owners.”
MG
Ms. Gibson
TPO Roofing: Frequently Asked Questions
What is TPO in roofing?
TPO stands for thermoplastic polyolefin. It is a single-ply roofing membrane, usually white and reflective, rolled out across flat and low-slope roofs and joined with heat-welded seams that form a continuous, watertight bond. It is the leading membrane on commercial flat roofs.
Which lasts longer, TPO or EPDM?
EPDM has the longer track record and often lasts 25 to 30 years or more, while a quality TPO roof typically lasts about 20 to 30 years. TPO is the newer membrane, so its longevity depends heavily on membrane grade and the quality of the welded seams. TPO's advantage is its reflective surface and lower cooling costs; EPDM's is its proven durability.
What are the disadvantages of TPO roofing?
TPO performance depends on install quality, especially the heat-welded seams, so it must be installed by an experienced crew. It has a shorter track record than EPDM, membrane quality varies by grade and mil thickness, and, like any flat roof, it is prone to ponding water where drainage is poor. Proper specification and installation address each of these.
Can TPO be installed over plywood?
TPO is not fastened directly to bare plywood. It is installed over a prepared substrate, typically rigid insulation and a coverboard laid over the deck, which gives the membrane a smooth, uniform base and the required thermal layer. During installation we assess the deck and build the correct system beneath the membrane.
Does a white TPO roof really save energy?
Yes. TPO's white surface reflects sunlight rather than absorbing it, which lowers rooftop heat gain and can reduce cooling costs on flat-roof buildings, especially large commercial roofs in warm climates. This reflective, cool-roof performance is one of the main reasons TPO leads the commercial flat-roof market.
Should I repair or replace my TPO roof?
If the membrane has service life left and the problem is a localized seam separation, puncture, or flashing failure, a repair is usually the right call. Widespread membrane wear, chronic ponding, or a roof at the end of its life points to a full re-membrane. We recommend the repair-first path when it is appropriate.
Do you require a deposit?
No. Roof Doctors does not require an advance deposit. You pay after the work is completed to your satisfaction.
Schedule Your Roof Inspection
A licensed inspector will assess your flat or low-slope roof, check the membrane and seams, document any issues, and provide a written estimate. No obligation, no advance deposit.
Licensed and Liability InsuredCommercial CapableNo DepositWritten Estimate