TPO vs. EPDM: Which flat roof membrane is right for your building?
Honest answers from TruRoof, commercial roofing in Batavia, OH.
Your flat commercial roof in Batavia is leaking or showing age. You hear TPO reflects heat and saves energy. EPDM handles ponding water better. Which one actually works for a building off State Route 32, where summers get hot and rains can be heavy?
TPO and EPDM are the two most common flat roof membranes. TPO is white and reflects sunlight. It keeps your building cooler in summer and cuts air conditioning costs. EPDM is black rubber. It absorbs heat but handles standing water well. Flat roofs often fail because water doesn’t drain like on a sloped roof. In Batavia, where summer temperatures often hit 90 degrees, TPO’s reflectivity can make a real difference. But if your roof has poor drainage or low spots, EPDM’s water tolerance matters. Ponding water can shorten the life of any membrane.
Cost depends on roof size, insulation, and whether the old roof needs tearing off. For a typical commercial building in Batavia, a new membrane runs $4 to $8 per square foot installed. TPO and EPDM are priced similarly for materials. A simple overlay costs less. A full tear-off with new insulation pushes the price higher. A 5,000-square-foot roof might cost between $20,000 and $40,000 depending on these factors. Most Batavia commercial roofs are replaced within one to two weeks, weather permitting.
Don’t guess or delay. A small leak can damage inventory, ceilings, and equipment. The right choice depends on your roof’s slope, drainage, and how you use the building. Avoid the temptation to just patch repeatedly. That costs more over time. Have a professional inspect it this week. TruRoof offers free roof assessments in Batavia. We check the deck, insulation, and drainage to recommend the best membrane for your situation.
Once installed, you stop worrying about leaks. Your energy bills stabilize. The roof handles Batavia’s summer heat and spring rains without trouble. You’ll have a warranty that protects your investment for 15 to 30 years. You get back to running your business.
What people in Batavia say
"I'm reviewing my two new roofs, on my house and my garage, installed by TruRoof. The company, and Damon Chuke, their representative, helped me work with the insurance company, and with understanding all the details of the whole process. They took out an obsolete chimney, were on time and professional, and the finished roofs and flashing are beautiful. Many compliments from neighbors. Highly recommended by me."
"We have a beautiful condo in a historic building from the 1840s. Late November had a bad leak in the dining room area. I called Britt at TruRoof who came out and inspected the entire roof of the building. He said to do the entire roof could be around $50,000. But then he started laughing and said you need to caulk the area around one of the chimneys. I thought he was nuts, but I did the caulking, which cost me about 25 bucks worth of outdoor caulk, and there are no more leaks. I cannot express my appreciation for his diligence and his honesty. That kind of a company and a person is rare these days. Highly, highly, highly recommend these guys."
"TruRoof did an outstanding job from start to finish. Communication leading up to the start date was great. Once on site and the project started, everything went as discussed, and the crew was very professional."
Other things people in Batavia ask
can you reroof over an existing flat roof
A recover works when there is one roof layer and dry insulation. A core sample tells us in an hour.
how much does a commercial roof cost
We price by square footage, system and insulation and give you a written proposal you can put in front of the board.
commercial roof keeps leaking after repairs
When a roof fails despite repeated repairs, the membrane is likely shot. Get a core sample to check insulation. If it is wet, a full replacement or a silicone restoration coating may be needed. Stop wasting money on patches.
roof coating vs replacement flat roof
Coatings work when the roof is still structurally sound and the membrane is intact. If there are multiple leaks, ponding, or wet insulation underneath, a coating won't fix it. Get a moisture scan and a core sample before deciding.
Ready to talk?
TruRoof handles commercial roofing in Batavia and the area around it.