TPO or EPDM for your flat commercial roof?
Clear, no-nonsense advice on TPO vs EPDM from TruRoof, your commercial roofing contractor in Norwood, OH.
You manage a commercial building in Norwood with a flat roof that’s starting to show its age. Every roofer you talk to recommends something different—some say TPO, others swear by EPDM. You need to make a decision before the next big rain hits.
Flat commercial roofs in Norwood endure Ohio’s extremes: hot summers, freezing winters, and sudden storms. Over time, the membrane cracks, blisters, or pulls apart at seams. That’s when leaks start. TPO is a white, heat-reflective plastic sheet. EPDM is a black rubber membrane. Both work on low-slope roofs, but they react differently. If your roof holds ponding water after rain, EPDM handles it better. If your cooling bills spike in summer, TPO’s reflective surface can cut air conditioning costs.
Replacing a flat roof in Norwood typically costs between $25,000 and $40,000 for a 5,000-square-foot building. TPO often comes in a bit lower because it’s lighter and faster to install. EPDM may cost more upfront but handles standing water without degrading. A full replacement takes one to two weeks, depending on weather. The key is matching the membrane to your roof’s slope and drainage, not just picking the cheaper option.
Before you choose, get a roof assessment from a contractor who works on Norwood commercial buildings every day. Don’t rely on a quick walk-around or a phone quote. A proper inspection checks for ponding, membrane thickness, and insulation wetness. TruRoof offers free, no-pressure assessments for commercial roofs in Norwood. We’ll measure the slope, test the drainage, and recommend the right membrane. Call this week while the weather holds—waiting turns a repair into a tear-off.
Once your new roof is on, you stop worrying about every storm. Your building stays dry, your energy bills stabilize, and you don’t have to patch leaks every spring. With the right membrane, you get 20 to 30 years of quiet performance. You can focus on your business, not your roof.
What people in Norwood 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 Norwood 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 Norwood and the area around it.