TPO vs EPDM: Which flat roof membrane is right for your building?
Honest answers from a commercial roofing contractor in Clifton, OH.
Your flat commercial roof is leaking or showing its age. You're hearing different things about TPO and EPDM. You need to know which one works best for a building in Clifton, where summers get hot and rain can pool on low-slope roofs.
Many commercial buildings in Clifton, from Ludlow Avenue storefronts to warehouses near I-71, have flat or low-slope roofs. TPO (white) and EPDM (black) are the two most common membranes. TPO reflects sunlight, which helps air conditioning bills in Cincinnati's hot summers. EPDM is black rubber that tolerates ponding water better. Both can last 20-30 years if installed right. The decision hinges on how your roof drains and how much sun it gets.
A typical commercial roof replacement takes 3 to 7 days, depending on size. TPO material costs a bit more than EPDM upfront, but the energy savings on cooling can make up the difference over time. If your roof has areas where water sits after rain, EPDM may be the safer bet. Extra work like replacing wet insulation or fixing decking adds to the total. Your contractor will give you a clear breakdown after an inspection.
The best move is to get a roof assessment from a local contractor who knows Clifton's weather patterns. They'll check your roof's slope, drains, and current condition. TruRoof can come to your property, take measurements, and recommend the right membrane for your specific building. Don't rely on generic online advice. This week, schedule a no-obligation inspection so you can make a confident decision before the next big storm.
After the right flat roof is installed, you'll stop worrying about leaks every time it rains. Your building will stay cooler in summer, and your energy bills will be more predictable. You'll have a durable, well-installed roof that handles Clifton's seasons without constant repairs. That's peace of mind for a building owner.
What people in Clifton 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 Clifton 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 Clifton and the area around it.