If you are considering installing TPO roofing in your home, you’ll need to evaluate the cost before settling on the roofing material. Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) is one of the best roofing materials, especially for commercial applications.
Thermoplastic polyolefin is a type of roof that is a single membrane preferred for its affordability, energy efficiency capabilities, and the fact that it is easy to repair. It’s the cheapest alternative compared to other options like EPDM and PVC.
You have to look beyond the purchasing price and consider the repair and maintenance costs when looking at cost. Qualified contractors like Roof Master & Construction can answer TPO roofing questions. But knowing its cost will help you decide whether to use it or not.
Overall Price of TPO Roofing at Point of Purchase
TPO roofing is cheap rubber roofing material. It’s cost-effective, but other factors are worth considering before using it. For instance, consider its vulnerability against different types of single-ply roofs.
Pricing for TPO is in squares. The typical price of TPO is about $ 0.50 per square foot without labor. Once you include work, the price goes from $0.5 to $15 per square foot.
There is a possibility of the price going higher since accessories play an essential part in the installation process. Your contractor must use the accessories and materials along with TPO roofing.
TPO Flashing
Flashing is essential since it involves sealing at the seams to prevent water leaks. The size of the area you are looking to cover determines how much flashing a contractor will use—flashing costs between $5 and $50.
TPO Attachment System
As impressive as TPO roofing is, there is still a need to ensure that it fits into your home. TPO roofing attachment systems come in a variety of styles.
- Attached roof, which applies glue to fasten TPO to the underlayment, which costs $2.50 to $3.50
- Ballasted roof utilizes rocks or pavers to hold the top down, costing a maximum of $2.00 to $2.50
- Fasted roof costs about $2.00 to $3.00 and requires screws to fix TPO to the underlayments
Insulation
Insulation can cost higher than TPO roofing, depending on the thickness and quality of the material you settle for. You’ll pay about $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot.
Insulation is a necessary underlayment to regulate the temperatures in your space. It contributes to the energy efficiency of the HVAC system you use.
Besides material, other factors help determine the amount you pay for TPO roofing.
Factors Affecting How Much You Pay For A TPO Roof
Once you choose to have TPO roofing, one of the things you will notice is that the overall cost gets elevated. Consider not trying to wiggle out of paying extra since that could undermine the quality of labor and materials applied to install a TPO roof.
Let’s take a look at what could impact how much you pay for a TPO roof:
Insulation Thickness
0.5 inch is the recommended thickness for roofing fiberboard. It’s an excellent choice if you want to employ materials with low insulating value. What you will pay for is solid flat roof insulation suitable for use with TPO roofing..
PolyISO Rigid Foam of 6 R-value at 1-inch thickness costs $45 to $ 50 per 10 square foot 18 R-value insulation which needs ISO at 3 inches is $135 to $159 per square foot. The ISO board is generally expensive.
Removing Old Roofing Material
One of the first things your contractor will do before installing a new TPO roof is to get rid of older roofing material. You will have to part with $0.75 to $3.00 per square foot.
Old roof removal cost depends on the number of layers and roofing materials. Tar, BUR, and gravel are the most expensive to remove, while rubber is the cheapest.
TPO Roof Color and Thickness
White is the most affordable color for TPO roofing. Color options are usually restricted, with white, grey, and tan being the most popular. Thick TPO material is a great investment because it is long-lasting and resistant to UV rays.
The available thicknesses are 45 inches at budget, 60 inches at midrange, and 680 inches at a premium cost.
Replacing Damaged Plywood
Before installing TPO roofing, it’s essential to ensure that tithe plywood underneath the old membrane can support the new installation. Damaged plywood requires replacing, which would cost about $75 to $90 for a 4×8 sheet of plywood.
Consider the extra costs as part of the roof installation process. You can’t take a shortcut with it if you want good results.
Labor
TPO roofing installation requires a specific skill set, experience, and tools. It takes time and searching widely to come across contractors equipped to handle TPO installations. You have to be ready to pay more once you get a contractor to get the work done.
Location
Charges to have a TPO roof installed vary from state to state. You will pay more if you live in a high-income area like New York City than in a remote town in Alabama.
Benefits of TPO Roofing
You will have to pay a certain amount to install a TPO roof, and it’s essential to know its advantages.
- High durability. TPO is exceptionally long-lasting. It can withstand UV rays from the sun and doesn’t get punctured or damaged easily. Also, there is no room for mold and bacteria to grow on the TPO roof.
- A TPO Roof is cost-effective. It provides a more affordable option compared to other roofing alternatives like PVC. It’s a great option if you are working within a budget.
- Energy-efficient. TPO membranes reflect the sun’s heat, so it doesn’t get into your space and overwork your cooling unit.
Final Words
TPO roofing is one of the most affordable options you have for roofing. Ensure that you hire an expert roofer experienced for the best results. Pay what you must to get all the accessories you need. It is smooth sailing after installation, and it will take a while before it needs replacements or repairs.
