Single-ply roofing contractor
TPO Roofing Near Me: Commercial Repair, Restoration and Replacement
TPO is a heat-welded single-ply membrane, usually white, sold in 45, 60 and 80 mil thicknesses, and its seams are the first place we look on every TPO roof we scan.
We repair, restore and replace TPO on flat and low-slope commercial buildings.
Which TPO thickness should a commercial roof use?
TPO comes in 3 common thicknesses, 45, 60 and 80 mil, and thicker sheet adds weathering material above the reinforcing scrim, puncture resistance and usually warranty length.
| Thickness | Best suited to | Puncture and traffic | Relative cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45 mil | Budget-driven, low-traffic roofs | Lowest | Lowest |
| 60 mil | Most commercial roofs | Moderate | Moderate |
| 80 mil | Heavy traffic, long hold periods, hot climates | Highest | Highest |
How much weathering material sits above the scrim?
Roughly half of a TPO sheet's thickness sits above the reinforcing scrim, so an 80 mil sheet carries about twice the weathering layer of a 45 mil sheet in absolute terms.
Approximation assuming the scrim sits near the middle of the sheet. Manufacturer data sheets give exact values.
Why do TPO seams matter so much?
TPO seams are heat-welded into 1 continuous sheet, so a weld made at the wrong temperature or speed looks fine but can open years later under heat cycling.
- Cold welds: too little heat leaves a seam that peels apart.
- Burned welds: too much heat weakens the sheet beside the seam.
- Contamination: dirt or moisture in the lap prevents a full bond.
- T-joints: where 3 sheets meet, a patch is usually required.
How reflective is a white TPO roof?
White TPO is among the most reflective single-ply surfaces, with 2 published ratings per product, initial and aged solar reflectance, that decide whether it meets California cool roof rules on a reroof.
Reflectivity drops as dirt builds up, so cleaning is part of keeping the surface performing. Product ratings for initial and aged reflectance are published, and the proposal names a product that meets code for your building.
Where does a TPO roof usually fail?
TPO usually fails at 5 points: seams, flashings at curbs and walls, penetrations, the membrane surface under foot traffic and the attachment fasteners in high wind.
Seams
Probed along their full length on every visit.
Curb and wall flashings
Checked for splits at corners and terminations.
Penetrations
Boots and sealant pockets inspected and resealed.
Traffic damage
Punctures along routes to rooftop units patched.
Fastener backout
Mechanically attached sheets checked for lifted plates.
A failed seam can wet insulation well beyond the opening. Our scan maps that water across the full roof; the method is on commercial roof inspections.
How long does a TPO roof typically last?
A TPO roof is commonly cited at 20 to 30 years, with thickness, installation quality, climate and maintenance deciding where in that range it lands.
When a TPO roof is near the end of its life but still mostly dry, restoration may be an option; see restoration and coating.
FAQs
What is TPO roofing?
Thermoplastic polyolefin, a heat-welded single-ply membrane used on flat and low-slope roofs.
Do you offer TPO roof repair?
Yes: seam rewelding, patches, flashings and penetration repairs.
When does TPO roof replacement make sense?
When the scan shows widespread wet insulation or the sheet is brittle and failing across the roof.
Can old TPO be welded?
Weathered TPO often needs cleaning and preparation before it will weld reliably.
Is TPO the same as PVC?
No. Both are heat-welded, but PVC handles grease and many chemicals better.
How thick should my TPO roof be?
60 mil suits most roofs. 80 mil suits heavy traffic and long ownership.
Does TPO meet cool roof requirements?
Many white TPO products are rated for solar reflectance and used to meet Title 24.
How do you find leaks in TPO?
Seam probing plus our scan, which maps wet insulation below the sheet.
Are you a single ply roofing contractor?
Yes. We work on TPO, PVC and EPDM single-ply roofs.
Can TPO be coated?
Yes, with compatible coatings, once wet areas are removed.
How do I get a TPO quote?
Request a roof scan or call (310) 647-7192.
Check every seam on your TPO roof.
Trusted since 1983 on over 20,000 commercial roofs. California License 435836.