2020 TPO Roofing Cost: Why Is TPO Worth Every Dollar?

We have gotten a lot of requests to write about TPO roofing cost. So, finally, we’re going to deliver. Thanks for the wait. This piece of writing will address 2020 costs to install TPO roofing. And of course, we’ll include membrane prices, underlayment, labor costs, and much more.

If you’re thinking of doing a TPO roofing installation in your building, we are confident that you’re down the right path.

How Much Does TPO Roofing Cost?

Before we get into details about how much TPO roofing cost per square foot, we’ll give you a short description of TPO.

This is a flat roof system, which initials stand for Thermoplastic PolyOlefin.

Invented in the late 1980s, TPO is a single-ply roofing membrane that results from the combination of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber. Don’t worry. This is just ugly chemistry nomenclature, and this is the last time you’ll see it. We promise!

Since its invention, the TPO roof membrane has become highly popular. It is heavily used in large commercial buildings, but it can also be used in home additions that have low pitch roofs.

TPO flat roofing materials offer durability and affordability, combined with exceptional energy-efficiency. In other words, every time you pick TPO, you can be sure it’s worth every dollar.

Well, it’s time to leave the blah-blah-blah, and get down to the TPO roofing cost.

2020 TPO Roofing Cost per Square Foot

The average cost of a TPO roof installation with an area of 16,000 square feet is between $9,285-$12,468. That’s about $5.80 to $7.80 per square foot.

A roofing estimate that exceeds $12,468 is considered a high-end TPO roof price. For instance, some business owners will pay as high as $13,390 for a TPO flat roof of 1,600 sq. Ft. That means $8.37 per square foot.

However, the overall cost will vary depending on: roof size, insulation quality, membrane thickness, project complexity, and labor costs.

TPO Roofing Materials Costs & Labor Costs

In any roofing estimate that you get, materials and labor represent the main two expenses categories. So, it’s good to know the average TPO roofing prices.

We’ll lay it clear. Sometimes the installation cost can mean a percentage ranging from 75% of the total TPO roofing project cost. That means three times more than the material costs.

Installation costs in percentage numbers can sometimes be 60% of the total investment. But you can’t expect labor costs to be lower than that.

• Material costs range from $2,321 and $4738 per 1,600 square feet.
• TPO labor costs can range between $6,964 and $7730 per 1,600 square feet.

So, Why Are Labor Costs So Expensive for TPO?

Even though TPO offers considerable advantages, it’s installation is intricate.

You must trust its installation to experts only. Otherwise, you’ll be throwing money away.

The two conventional techniques to install TPO membranes are fully adhered or mechanically attached.

Good roofing contractors will also require special equipment and tools to guarantee a waterproof and durable roof.

Take, for example, expensive machinery like a robot welder for seam welding. This welder will help to heat weld every TPO sheet to make the roof impervious.

Other Factors that Influence TPO Roofing Cost

Cost to Install TPO Roofing Varies by Season

As we told you before, TPO installation cost depends a lot on the labor.

For instance, labor costs can range between 62% and 75% per 1,600 square feet.

With that being said, roofing contractors, like any other professional, will charge higher when they are the busiest.

So, if you are planning to install a TPO roof system, you need to avoid their busy season.

We, roofers, have our peak season between the late summer and early fall months.

In other words, if clients want their roofing projects to be a priority, we need to charge a higher cost. It’s simple economics. The higher the demand, keeping the supply of labor the same (number of roofers), the higher the cost to install TPO roofing.

Thus, to reduce your TPO installation cost, you need to schedule your project for early spring or late fall.

Since we can’t work at all during winter, some homeowners & business owners try to schedule their roofing projects ahead of time. They even call us in December to save their appointment so that we can work on their roofs as soon as spring kicks off.

By securing your appointment, signing a contract, you could avoid getting ripped off by the exorbitant prices of the peak roofing season.

TPO Thickness

One of the factors that influence TPO installation cost is the membrane thickness.

TPO is typically sold in thicknesses of 45 mil, 60 mil, and 90 mil. A thicker membrane offers better resistance to punctures, UV rays, and long-term durability. As a result, a thicker and higher-quality TPO roof membrane costs more.

Number of Penetrations and Curbs

The TPO roof system cost varies due to skylights, chimneys, and other penetrations/curbs.

If the roofing system doesn’t get obstructions, it becomes easier for roofers to install the membranes.

But each penetration/curb demands additional materials/flashing to seal and maneuver around it. As a result, it slows down the installation process.

For instance, a typical chimney can cost between $250 to $500, all depending on the square footage and its complexity. Expect the same increase in roof costs for skylights, roof hatches, or similar rectangular curbs or penetrations in your roof.

As a result, the roofing contractor needs to make up for the increase in materials costs and the loss in productivity.

Conclusion!

TPO roofing systems are a great option for low-pitched commercial and residential roofs. It might look all fancy but this roofing system is not that expensive.

As we stated before, the average TPO roofing price per square foot is between $5.80 to $7.80. Other flat roofs like EPDM membrane costs between $5.50 to $9.50 per square foot. So, most types of flat roofs have similar prices.

Also, keep in mind all the factors that influence your TPO roofing cost. So, make sure to buy a good quality roof material, find a reliable contractor, and avoid installing your roof during the peak roofing season.

We invite you to learn more about the Top Types of Flat Roof Systems. This will help you consider other alternatives and always choose the best option.