True Cost Guide Roofing Install TPO Roofing

How Much Does TPO Roofing Cost?

Typical Range:

$8,250 - $13,125

Cost data is based on research by HomeAdvisor.

Published October 31, 2022

Written by HomeAdvisor.

The average TPO roofing cost is $10,700. The typical range is between $8,250 and $13,125 for an average-sized roof of 1,500 square feet. Most homeowners can expect to spend between $5.50 and $8.75 per square foot on TPO roofing. However, you can pay as little as $3.50 per square foot or as much as $14 per square foot, depending on material quality and project complexity.

Average TPO Roofing Costs

Average Cost	High Cost	Low Cost
$10,700	$21,000	$5,200

What Is a TPO Roof?

Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) is a single-ply rubber roofing material developed in the 1980s as an alternative to PVC roofing. It consists of a membrane blended from polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber and comes in 45 mil, 60 mil, and 80 mil thickness sizes. (1 mil is equal to 0.001 inches.)

TPO is best suited for low-sloped and flat roofs. It’s a great choice for homeowners looking for a cost-efficient and energy-efficient roofing option. The product is available in bright white versions that reflect up to 80% of the sun’s radiation and emit any absorbed heat back into the atmosphere. This prevents heat build-up indoors and can help reduce your cooling costs.

TPO Roofing Prices per Square Foot

The cost of TPO roofing ranges between $5.50 and $8.75 per square foot on average. For premium quality material and complex projects, it can cost as much as $14 per square foot, all in.

Roof Size	Average Cost Range to Install TPO Roofing
1,000 sq. ft	$5,500 – $8,750
1,500 sq ft	$8,250 – $13,125
2,000 sq. ft	$11,000 – $17,500
2,200 sq. ft	$12,100 – $19,250
2,500 sq. ft	$13,750 – $21,875

Find a TPO Roofing Pro Near You

TPO Roofing Cost Breakdown

Like other rubber roofing costs such as PVC and EPDM, materials and labor are the two main components of TPO roofing. Labor is typically the most expensive component of total costs. In some projects, labor could actually account for up to 70% of total expenses.

Materials

The average TPO roofing material cost ranges between $2.00 and $3.50 per square foot. This includes the TPO roofing material, insulation (which is necessary for all projects), flashing, and other tools and supplies like screws, fasteners, and glue.

Labor

Labor costs for TPO roofing range from $3.50 to $5.25 per square foot, or $75 to $90 per hour, depending on location. If you live in a relatively high-income metropolitan area, you can expect to pay more for the same TPO roof installation than someone living in a small, rural, and low-income town.

Additional labor costs can also occur if access to the roof is tricky and if you need to strip off the old roof before you install a new TPO roof.

Other TPO Roofing Cost Factors

Other than roof size, several other factors affect TPO roofing costs. The main ones include:

Attachment method
Insulation material
Roof complexity
How you choose to deal with your old roof

How each factor impacts TPO roofing installation costs varies.

Installation Method

TPO roofing offers several installation methods. Depending on your budget, there are three main options:

Ballasted attachment: $1.50 to $2.50 per square foot. Here, the roof is weighed down and thus held in place by river-washed stones or pavers.
Fastened roof: $2 to $3 per square foot: Uses screws to fasten the roof to the decking material or underlayment.
Attached roof: $2.75 to $3.50 per square foot. Uses glue to fasten the roof to the decking material or underlayment.

Insulation Choice

Before you can install the TPO membrane, you need to put up insulation. Insulation materials cost between $1.60 and $4.20 per square foot, depending on type and thickness. Here are four of the most common insulation materials and their respective costs.

Polyisocyanurate (PolyISO): $1.60–$2.40 per square foot
Extruded polystyrene (XPS): $1.60–$2 per square foot
Fiberboard: $2.50–$15 per square foot
Expanded polystyrene (EPS): $3–$4.20 per square foot.

Membrane Thickness

TPO membranes are available in thicknesses of 45 mil, 60 mil, and 80 mil. Typically, the thicker the membrane, the higher the material cost. Worth mentioning, however, is that a thicker membrane doesn’t necessarily equate to a longer life for your TPO roof. The lifespan of your TPO roof will primarily depend on the quality rather than the thickness of the TPO membrane.

Roof Penetrations and Accessories

The composition and design of your roof and components can also affect TPO roofing costs. Penetrations and accessories like AC units, skylights, dormers, plumbing vents, and air vents can get in the way of laying out the TPO membrane. Your roofing contractor will have to work around these penetrations and accessories, which can take more time and money.

Dealing With Existing Roof

TPO roofing costs can vary depending on how you choose to deal with your old roof.

Method of Dealing With Existing Roof	Average Cost Range
Clean the old roof by pressure washing, power washing, or wet vacuuming to remove gravel, dirt, and dust, and then install new TPO roof on top	$0.10 – $1.50 per sq. ft.
Fasten a recovery board on top of the old roof and then install new TPO roof	$0.70 – $1.40 per sq. ft
Strip and remove old roof completely (necessary if local building codes don’t allow two roofs or if your current roof is in severe condition)	$1.00 – $4.00 per sq. ft

DIY TPO Roof Installation vs. Hiring a Pro

While TPO is one of the easier types of roofs to install, roofing, in general, is still a dangerous job. If you don't have experience working with heights, it's best to leave the work to someone who does.

Secondly, roofing requires knowledge of building code requirements and proper techniques for installing the roofing material. If you make a mistake, it could void your home insurance policy and cause serious damage to your home. For these reasons, it’s best to hire a local roofer to install TPO roofing for you.

Still Have Questions About TPO Roofing?

Frequently Asked Questions

How many years does a TPO roof last?

The average TPO roof has a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. With regular maintenance and proper repairs, the roof can last up to 30 years. It's good practice to pay for a roof inspection every few years to make sure everything is in order and to catch any small issues before they become more serious and lead to high roof repair costs.

Is TPO a good roofing material?

Yes, TPO has several qualities that make it a top roofing option. Apart from being one of the least expensive roofing options, it’s fairly resistant to tears, impact, punctures, fires, and wind uplift. The material is flexible enough to handle thermal expansion during hot weather and contraction during cold weather. TPO is also less likely to experience mold, mildew, and algae growth, as well as dust buildup.

That said, TPO is still a relatively new type of roofing material, and manufacturers are still trying to refine formulations. This means that quality can vary significantly from one manufacturer to the next. Stick to reputable and well-established companies that offer a clear warranty when buying TPO roofing material to be safe.

Can you walk on a TPO roof?

TPO roofs can withstand light foot traffic during installation and occasional inspection and maintenance. But if you need more than light foot traffic, there are materials you can lay over your roof to make it safer to walk on, such as a walkway membrane or a secondary coating. Talk with a local roofing contractor to find out your options.

Is TPO roofing waterproof?

TPO roofing is waterproof. It consists of hot-air welded seams that create a water-resistant membrane. You can apply a fluid coating over your TPO roof if you want to make it even more waterproof, especially if you live in an area that experiences heavy rainfall regularly. Whatever you decide, be sure to have your pro weigh in; they’ll have the experience to tell you the best option.