TPO vs EPDM for your flat commercial roof?
Straight answers on TPO vs. EPDM from TruRoof, commercial roofing in Covington, KY.
Your flat commercial roof in Covington is showing its age. You hear TPO is great for summer cooling, but EPDM lasts forever. With I-71 traffic humming nearby and Ohio River humidity, you need a roof that works for this exact climate. You just want to know which membrane to pick.
If your flat roof is cracking, blistering, or ponding water after rain, you're likely facing a membrane that's reached its end. TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) is a white, reflective sheet that bounces back heat. EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is a black rubber that's tough and handles standing water. Many older commercial roofs around MainStrasse Village and South Covington were built with tar-and-gravel, but today it's TPO or EPDM. Both are good, but the choice depends on your roof's slope and drainage.
Replacing a flat commercial roof typically takes 1-3 weeks depending on size and tear-off needs. Cost varies widely by square footage, insulation, and access. A small retail bay might run $8,000-$15,000 while a full warehouse can exceed $100,000. TPO material costs less than EPDM, but labor is similar. Ponding water issues may require adding tapered insulation, which adds to the total. You need a condition assessment to get an accurate number.
This week, have a professional walk your roof. Do not wait until the next big storm. If water is already getting in, a temporary patch can buy you time, but don't rely on it. TruRoof offers free roof assessments across Covington, from the riverfront to Devou Park. We'll check your slope, drainage, and membrane condition and recommend the right material. If it turns out you don't need a full replacement yet, we'll tell you that too.
After the job, your building stays dry through every Kentucky thunderstorm. Your cooling bills drop in August. And you stop worrying every time you hear rain on the roof. You'll know you made the right call, with the right membrane, installed by people who know Covington commercial buildings.
What people in Covington 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 Covington 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 Covington and the area around it.