TPO is the most common flat roof membrane installed on Central Florida commercial buildings: white, heat-reflective, heat-welded seams and a track record in this climate. Bids for the same building can still land far apart. The difference is almost never the membrane. It is everything under and around it.
What Drives a TPO Bid
- Membrane thickness. 45, 60 and 80 mil are the common options. Thicker costs more and lasts longer; 60 mil is the usual commercial standard.
- Insulation. Florida energy code sets a minimum R-value for a full replacement. Polyiso board thickness, tapered systems for drainage and cover boards are large line items.
- Attachment. Mechanically fastened, fully adhered or induction-welded systems have different labor and wind-uplift ratings. Higher uplift ratings cost more and may be required by code for your building’s exposure.
- Tear-off vs recover. Removing the existing roof and wet insulation costs more than recovering a dry, sound roof with one existing layer. A moisture survey decides which is allowed.
- Details. Curbs, HVAC units, drains, scuppers, parapet walls and penetrations are where the labor goes. A roof with twenty penetrations costs more than a clean deck of the same size.
- Drainage. Ponding kills flat roofs. Tapered insulation or added drains add cost up front and years of life.
TPO vs the Alternatives
PVC costs more than TPO, resists grease and chemicals better, and is common on restaurants. Modified bitumen is a traditional multi-ply system that handles foot traffic well. Silicone or acrylic coatings can restore a sound existing roof at lower cost than replacement. The TPO vs PVC guide covers the first comparison in detail; the flat roofing page covers the rest.
How to Compare Bids
- Require the same membrane thickness and manufacturer warranty term on every bid.
- Require the insulation R-value and whether the system is tapered.
- Require the attachment method and the wind-uplift rating.
- Require a per-square-foot price for wet insulation replacement.
- Require the detail count: curbs, drains, penetrations.
Maintenance Changes the Lifetime Cost
Manufacturer warranties on commercial roofs commonly require documented maintenance. Sunny Roofing’s commercial roof maintenance program schedules inspections, clears drains and repairs seams before they leak, which keeps the warranty valid and pushes replacement further out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a TPO roof last in Florida?
Manufacturer warranties commonly run 15 to 30 years depending on thickness and system. Actual life depends on drainage, maintenance and roof traffic.
Can TPO be installed over my existing roof?
Sometimes. Code allows a recover over one existing dry layer in many cases; wet insulation must be removed. A moisture survey decides.
Is TPO the right choice for a restaurant?
Often PVC is preferred where kitchen exhaust deposits grease on the roof, since PVC resists it better. The inspection covers this.
Talk to Sunny Roofing
Sunny Roofing is a veteran-owned, BBB A+ accredited, Florida-certified roofing contractor (CCC1333142) serving Orlando and Central Florida since 2018. Every job gets a dedicated project manager, a 15-year workmanship warranty and a cleanup guarantee. Book a free inspection online or call (561) 650-1355.