Typical costs range from $5.50 to $8.75 per square foot.
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The average TPO roofing costs between $5.50 and $8.75* per square foot, with a national average cost of $10,700 for a 1,500-square-foot roof. Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) roofing—a single-ply rubber roofing material best suited for low-sloped or flat roofs—is most commonly featured on commercial buildings, but it’s growing in popularity among homeowners for its energy-efficient design. The material is typically white, which helps reflect up to 80% of the sun’s heat and radiation.
This guide outlines the costs of TPO roofing and how to hire a professional roofing company. We also offer guides on metal roof installation costs and tile roof pricing if you want to learn more about other types of roofing systems.
*Cost data in this article was sourced from HomeAdvisor and Angi.
TPO Roofing Major Cost Factors
The cost of a TPO roof depends on various factors, such as the size of your roof, the materials you choose, and the installation process.
Roof Size
A roof’s size plays a critical role in determining its replacement cost, as larger roofs require more materials, labor, and time.
Cost by Roof Size
Here are the costs of TPO roofing by roof size:
| Roof Size (Per Square Foot) | Average Cost of Installation |
|---|---|
|
1,000 |
$5,500–$8,750 |
|
1,500 |
$8,250–$13,125 |
|
2,000 |
$11,000–$17,500 |
|
2,200 |
$12,100–$19,250 |
|
2,500 |
$13,750–$21,875 |
TPO Size
TPO is most commonly available in gauges of 45 mils, 60 mils, and 80 mils, which are .045 inches, .06 inches, and .08 inches thick, respectively. For example, a GAF 80-mil TPO full-size roll is 10 feet by 100 feet, and a half-size roll is 5 feet by 100 feet. Thicker membranes and larger rolls are more expensive than smaller alternatives.
Insulation
Before installing the TPO membrane, you’ll need insulation, which accounts for roughly 25% of the project’s total cost. Prices range from $1.60 to $15 per square foot, depending on the type of insulation.
Cost by Insulation Material
Here’s a breakdown of the most common insulation materials and their costs:
| Insulation Material | Average Cost (Per Square Foot) |
|---|---|
|
Polyisocyanurate (PolyISO) |
$1.60–$2.40 |
|
Extruded polystyrene (XPS) |
$1.60–$2.00 |
|
Fiberboard |
$2.50–$15 |
|
Expanded polystyrene (EPS) |
$3.00–$4.20 |
Installation Method
Prices for installation range from $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot depending on related attachment methods; the thickness of the membrane can also be a factor. There are three installation methods:
- Attached: Glue fastens the roof to the decking material or underlayment.
- Ballasted: River-washed stones or pavers hold the roof in place.
- Fastened: Screws fasten the roof to the decking material or underlayment.
Cost by Installation Method
Below are installation methods and how much they cost:
| Installation Method | Average Cost (Per Square Foot) |
|---|---|
|
Ballasted attachment |
$1.50–$2.50 |
|
Fastened roof |
$2.00–$3.00 |
|
Attached roof (fully adhered) |
$2.75–$3.50 |
Labor
Labor costs fall between $3.50 and $5.25 per square foot or $75 to $90 per hour. Expect to pay more if the roofing company needs to remove and dispose of the older roof and less if your roof is in good condition.
Additional TPO Roofing Cost Factors
There may be additional costs depending on the specifics of your roofing project.
Customizations
You can customize your roof with roof penetrations for skylights, piping, chimneys, and vents, which can add $5 to $50 per feature.
Existing Roof
If your old roof is in good condition, you can clean it and install the new TPO roofing on top. This will cost between $0.10 and $1.50 per square foot. If your roof is in poor condition or if it doesn’t meet local building codes, you may need to completely remove and dispose of it, which will cost between $1.00 and $4.00 per square foot.
Location
TPO roofing is most commonly used on flat-pitched roofs. TPO projects might be up to 30% more expensive in northern states where high-pitched roofs are more common and fewer flat-pitched roofs and related specialists are available.
Professional vs. DIY TPO Roofs
If you’re deciding whether to tackle TPO roof installation as a DIY project or hire a professional, consider the following:
Professional
We recommend hiring a professional roofing company to install your TPO roof. It’s a dangerous task, and roofing requires knowledge of local building codes. If you make a mistake, you could void your home insurance policy.
Here are some additional benefits of hiring a pro:
- Pros have the necessary training, safety equipment, and knowledge of permits to complete the project correctly and safely.
- Pros offer warranties on roofing materials or guarantees on their work.
- You can avoid building code violations by hiring a professional roofer.
- Pros will complete TPO projects quickly with specialty equipment such as seam rollers, hand welders, and more.
DIY
Installing your own TPO roof can save you $3 to $7 per square foot, but we don’t recommend DIYing a TPO roof unless you have professional experience. If your roof does not have the type of slope necessary to support TPO roofing, you should not proceed with the project, as it could lead to leaks and other issues.
How to Reduce TPO Roof Costs
Here are ways to save on TPO roof costs:
- Apply a roof coating to protect your roof, extend its life span, and improve its resistance to heat flow (R-value).
- Don’t opt for unnecessary add-ons.
- Get a quote from at least three roofing contractors specializing in rubber roofing before proceeding.
- Install your new TPO roof over your existing roof.
- Invest in high-quality materials to save on the cost of frequent repairs.
- Regularly inspect your roof and keep it clear of debris.
- Schedule work during the offseason.
- Thinner membranes can help you save on costs, but it’s best to let a professional decide which thickness is best.
How to Hire a Professional
Here’s what to look for when comparing roofing contractors.
- Ask for references and a project timeline, and look at the company’s previous work.
- Check for proper licensing and insurance in your state.
- Research companies on the Better Business Bureau website, and read reviews on websites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews.
- Ensure that the contractor you choose has experience with rubber roofing.
- Get any cost estimates, guarantees, or warranties in writing.
- Request at least three quotes from local contractors.
Our Recommendation
TPO is a relatively new roofing material developed as an alternative to PVC roofing and is best suited for slow-sloped or flat roofs most commonly associated with commercial buildings. TPO roofing costs depend on the material’s quality, the project’s complexity, and the professional roofers you hire to do the job.
TPO Roofing Cost FAQ
How much does a roll of TPO cost?
The cost of a roll of TPO depends on its quality and the thickness of the TPO membrane. The average TPO roofing material is $2.00 to $3.50 per square foot, including the insulation, flashing, and other tools and supplies needed for the roofing project.
How long does a TPO roof last?
The average TPO roof has a life span of 15 to 20 years but can last for as long as 30 years with regular maintenance. Frequent roof inspections and timely repairs will extend the life of your roof and help you save on roof replacement expenses.
Which costs more: TPO or EPDM?
TPO roof installation costs more than other u003ca href=u0022https://www.architecturaldigest.com/reviews/roofing/flat-roof-replacement-costu0022u003eflat roof u003c/au003ematerials such as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) and PVC. TPO has a higher resistance to punctures and can help you save money on energy costs.
Can TPO roofing be installed over shingles?
Yes, you can install a new TPO roof over existing shingles, but the current roof must be in good condition and able to support the weight of the TPO roof. Check out our shingle roof pricing guide for more information.
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