TPO Roofing in Pittsburgh, PA
TPO is a white single-ply membrane whose seams are welded with hot air into one continuous sheet. The welds are strong, and the white surface reflects much of the sun's heat, so the building under it stays cooler in summer. That makes TPO the usual pick for air-conditioned commercial buildings, and a good one for a row house or addition with a bedroom right under the roof. TPO is less forgiving to install than rubber: the welds need the right heat and speed, and every corner and curb needs a proper detail. We probe-check every seam before we leave, and we lay out insulation, slope and warranty options in writing before the work starts.
What's included
- Tear-off or recover, decided by core cuts
- Mechanically fastened or fully adhered TPO
- Hot-air welded seams, probe-checked
- Tapered insulation and crickets for drainage
- Parapet, curb and penetration flashings in TPO
- Edge metal and coping
- Walkway pads around rooftop equipment
- Insulation to current energy code
- Warranty terms explained in writing
Sound like your roof?
- The top floor is hot all summer under a dark roof
- Your commercial roof is due and you want reflective
- The old roof ponds and needs new slope anyway
- Rooftop equipment needs clean, welded flashings
- You want strong seams on a large roof
TPO Roofing — FAQs
Neither wins everywhere. TPO is white and welded; EPDM is flexible in the cold and easy to patch. Full comparison: EPDM vs. TPO vs. modified bitumen.
Typically 15 to 25 years or more, depending on membrane thickness, drainage and maintenance.
Yes. It works on row houses, additions and porches, especially where summer heat under the roof is a problem.
Commercial TPO typically runs about $6–$12 per square foot installed. See the cost calculator.