TPO is the white, heat-welded membrane on most newer low-slope commercial roofs in North Texas. It reflects summer sun, its seams are fused rather than glued, and it suits most retail, office and warehouse buildings.
TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) is a single-ply membrane: one flexible sheet, reinforced with a polyester scrim, rolled out over insulation and a cover board. The sheets are joined with hot air, which melts the two layers into one piece. A properly welded seam is stronger than the sheet around it.
It's built for low-slope roofs: retail centers, offices, warehouses, industrial buildings, schools and medical offices. The white surface reflects much of the sun's heat, which matters on a Texas roof in August. Lower roof temperatures mean less work for the air conditioning and less thermal stress on the roof itself.
Pros and trade-offs
No roof system is the right answer for every building. Here is how TPO compares, honestly:
Strong value: it usually costs less than PVC for a similar reflective, welded roof
Welded seams and flashings, with no adhesives or tapes to dry out at the laps
Reflective surface that holds up well under UV and heat
Not the best choice over a restaurant kitchen: grease and some chemicals break it down, and PVC handles them better
Thin membranes over soft insulation can be punctured by large hail or dropped tools, which is why thickness and the cover board matter
Needs a trained welder: seam quality depends on the installer, not just the product
What's included in a TPO roof
A TPO proposal from us spells out each layer, so you can compare bids line by line instead of guessing what's under the membrane:
Tear-off of the old roof, or a recover over it when the existing roof is dry and code allows a second layer
Insulation (usually polyiso) sized for the energy code, tapered where needed to move water to the drains
A cover board over the insulation for hail and foot-traffic resistance
Membrane thickness options, typically 60 or 80 mil, priced as alternates
Attachment method: mechanically fastened or fully adhered, chosen for the deck and wind exposure
New flashing at walls, curbs, pipes and units, plus edge metal, drains and scuppers
Walkway pads on service routes to rooftop equipment
Lifespan and warranty
A well-installed, maintained TPO roof commonly lasts 20 to 30 years. Thicker membranes, a cover board and regular maintenance push it toward the long end. Ponding water, neglected seams and heavy unprotected foot traffic shorten it.
Our own workmanship on commercial roofs is covered by a 20-year workmanship warranty, in writing. The manufacturer's warranty on the materials is separate, and we register it for you at closeout.
Manufacturers offer material warranties and longer system warranties. Which ones apply depends on the manufacturer's requirements for the design and the installation, and we tell you plainly which your project qualifies for before you sign.
TPO repair and maintenance
Most TPO leaks start at details, not in the open field: flashing around units and pipes, seams at walls, and drains. These are repairable. We clean the membrane, weld a patch or new flashing, and photograph the repair. Older TPO that has weathered may need the surface prepared before a weld will hold, and we check that first.
Twice-a-year inspections catch open seams, punctures and clogged drains while they're small. See our maintenance plans for what's included.
How it works
What to expect
01
Inspect
A drone and on-roof inspection of the whole roof. Core samples and moisture scans when needed, through our testing partner.
02
Report and options
A written report with photos, then a proposal that prices the real options (repair, restore or replace) with alternates.
03
Schedule around you
Work is planned around your tenants, deliveries and business hours, with one point of contact and daily updates.
04
Build and close out
A final walkthrough, warranty registration, and the lien waivers and closeout documents your records need.
FAQ
Common questions
How long does a TPO roof last?
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Commonly 20 to 30 years when it's installed correctly and maintained. Membrane thickness, a cover board under the membrane, good drainage and twice-a-year inspections all move it toward the long end of that range.
Is 60 mil or 80 mil TPO better?
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Thicker membrane has more material above the reinforcing scrim, so it weathers longer and resists hail and punctures better. In North Texas hail country, we price 80 mil as an alternate so you can see the difference in cost and decide.
Can TPO go over my existing roof?
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Sometimes. A recover is possible when the existing roof is a single layer, the insulation is dry and the deck is sound. We confirm that with an inspection, and with a moisture scan or core samples through our testing partner when needed. Wet insulation always has to come out.
Does a white roof really lower cooling costs?
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A reflective roof runs much cooler than a dark one in summer sun, which reduces the heat coming into the building. How much that saves depends on your insulation, your equipment and how the building is used, so we don't promise a number.
Can you work while our business is open?
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Yes. We plan the work in sections, schedule loud or smelly work around your hours where possible, keep entrances and parking safe, and leave the roof watertight at the end of every day.
Commercial quote
Tell us about your property
Send the basics and we'll call within one business day to schedule a site visit. You get a written report with photos and a proposal with options, at no cost and with no obligation.
