Flat roof failing? TPO vs EPDM explained.
Straightforward answers for Fort Thomas business owners from TruRoof, commercial roofing experts in Kentucky.
Your Fort Thomas building’s flat roof is aging, and every summer thunderstorm makes you nervous. You’ve heard TPO’s white surface reflects heat, lowering air conditioning bills, while black EPDM rubber handles ponding water better. But in Northern Kentucky’s humid climate, with sudden heavy rains, which one actually lasts?
A failing flat roof shows up as persistent leaks, bubbles, or seams pulling apart. TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) is a white, heat-reflective membrane that can cut cooling costs during Fort Thomas’s muggy summers. EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is a black synthetic rubber that’s been used for decades. It handles standing water well, which matters if your roof doesn’t drain quickly after a downpour.
The price difference between the two is often smaller than you’d think. For a typical commercial roof in Campbell County, a full replacement runs from $5.50 to $9.00 per square foot, depending on insulation and deck repairs. EPDM can be cheaper up front, but TPO’s energy savings on air conditioning can pay you back over time. The bigger cost driver is your roof’s condition underneath, not the membrane itself.
The next step is a roof assessment that checks slope, drainage, and insulation. Do not patch another leak without knowing what’s happening below the surface. TruRoof can inspect your building in Fort Thomas, measure how well your roof sheds water, and recommend the right membrane for the long haul. Call to schedule a no-obligation assessment this week.
Once the right membrane is installed, you’ll stop worrying about every rain forecast. Your building stays dry, tenants stop complaining, and your cooling bills stay lower during summer. A commercial roof that simply does its job, no drama.
What people in Fort Thomas 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 Fort Thomas 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 Fort Thomas and the area around it.