TPO roofing
TPO roofing installation and repair in North Jersey
4.9 stars on Google60+ reviewsFamily-owned12 years of roofing experience
TPO is the white, heat-welded membrane you see on most new commercial roofs. It is strong at the seams, reflects summer heat and gives good value per year of service. We install and repair TPO from the major manufacturers.
What it is
What is a TPO roof?
TPO stands for thermoplastic polyolefin. It is a single-ply sheet, reinforced with a polyester fabric, that comes in wide rolls. The sheets overlap and the laps are fused with a hot-air welder. A good weld is stronger than the sheet around it, which is why TPO roofs do not rely on glue or tape to stay watertight.
Most TPO is white. It reflects sunlight and keeps the roof surface much cooler in July than a black roof.
We install TPO from Carlisle, Elevate (formerly Firestone Building Products), GAF, Mule-Hide and Versico, among others. Your proposal names the manufacturer, product, thickness and warranty.
Specifications
TPO thickness and attachment options
| Choice | Options | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 45, 60 and 80 mil | 60 mil is the usual choice for a long-term roof. 80 mil adds puncture resistance and weathering thickness on roofs with heavy traffic. |
| Mechanically attached | Fastened to the deck along the seams | Fast and economical. The most common method on steel decks. |
| Fully adhered | Glued to the cover board or insulation | A smooth, quiet roof with no billowing in the wind. Adhesives need mild temperatures. |
| Induction welded | Membrane is bonded to special plates from above | No fasteners through the sheet and fewer rows of seams. |
| Warranty | Set by the manufacturer | System warranties commonly run 15 to 30 years, depending on thickness and design. The terms are in your proposal. |
Workmanship
What makes a TPO roof last
TPO is only as good as the welds and details. On every job we:
- Set up and test the welder each day, because air temperature and wind change the right settings
- Probe every inch of seam after welding
- Use factory-made corners, pipe boots and curb flashings where they fit
- Finish walls and edges with termination bar and metal, not just sealant
- Add walk pads around units that get serviced
- Make sure the roof drains within 48 hours of rain
Our work
A TPO roof replacement, before, during and after
View this photo set full size (opens in a new tab)
Questions
TPO roofing questions
How long does a TPO roof last?
A properly installed TPO roof commonly lasts 20 to 30 years. Thicker membranes, good drainage and regular maintenance push it toward the top of that range.
Is TPO or EPDM better?
Both work well here. TPO has welded seams and a reflective white surface. EPDM has a longer track record and stays very flexible in cold weather. Building use, roof size and budget usually decide it.
Can TPO go over my existing roof?
Often, yes, if there is only one roof in place and the insulation below is dry. A cover board or separator goes down first. If the insulation is wet or there are already two roofs, it must be torn off.
Can you repair an old TPO roof?
Yes. Weathered TPO needs to be cleaned and prepared so the new weld bonds. Done right, patches and seam repairs hold for years.
Is TPO used on houses?
Yes, on larger flat sections and modern low-slope designs. For a small porch or dormer roof, EPDM or modified bitumen is often the simpler choice. See flat roofing.
Related services
Thinking about a TPO roof?
We will measure the roof, check the insulation and price it in writing.