Most commercial building owners often choose between TPO vs EPDM for their flat roofs. For most of them, TPO is the better choice because the white surface lowers cooling bills and the seams are melted together to stop leaks. However, EPDM is often better for buildings in colder states since the black rubber absorbs heat and handles extreme freeze-thaw cycles without cracking or becoming brittle.
Still, choosing between these single-ply roofing membranes really depends on your building’s specific environment. You also have to factor in what’s happening on your roof, upfront installation costs, and its maintenance level.
In this guide, we’ll discuss a comprehensive EPDM vs TPO comparison to help you choose which is best for your property. We’ll also talk about how each material performs in certain climates, when each one is best, and the roofing costs you should expect.
Quick answer: TPO vs EPDM at a glance
TPO vs EPDM roofing comes down to climate, energy goals, and how much long-term maintenance you’re willing to manage.
TPO is usually the better choice for buildings where cooling costs and a reflective surface matter.
EPDM is often the better option in colder regions where flexibility and long-term durability matter more than reflectivity. Neither is “best” in every situation—each works well when used in the right conditions.
TPO vs EPDM quick comparison table
| Factor | TPO Roofing | EPDM Roofing |
| Membrane type | Thermoplastic single-ply | Rubber single-ply |
| Typical service life | 20–30 years | 25–30+ years |
| Typical color | White (standard) | Black (standard) |
| Energy impact | Reflects heat, lowers cooling load | Absorbs heat, helps in cold climates |
| Seam construction | Heat-welded seams (fused) | Taped or glued seams |
| Seam reliability over time | Very strong if welded correctly | Can weaken as adhesives age |
| Cold-weather flexibility | Fair to moderate | Excellent |
| Freeze-thaw resistance | Moderate | Excellent |
| UV resistance | High | Moderate |
| Repair difficulty | More technical, requires heat welding | Simple patches, faster repairs |
| Maintenance demands | Regular seam inspections | Lower, easier upkeep |
| Average installed cost(20,000 sq ft flat roof) | $7–$11 per sq ft≈ $140,000–$220,000 total | $6–$10 per sq ft≈ $120,000–$200,000 total |
What is TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin)?
TPO or thermoplastic polyolefin is a single-ply roofing system commonly used on flat and low-slope buildings in the U.S. What makes TPO different isn’t just the material itself, but how it’s assembled on the roof.
The TPO membrane is heat-welded at the seams, creating a continuous surface that resists leaks better than glued systems when installed correctly. Its white surface also reflects sunlight, which directly affects rooftop temperatures and cooling costs.
In practical terms, a thermoplastic polyolefin roof performs well when seam quality and heat reflection matter more than cold-weather flexibility. The material choice, seam method, and installation conditions all play a role in how long a TPO roof actually lasts.
How TPO roofing is made and installed
TPO is manufactured in wide rolls with a polyester reinforcement scrim sandwiched between a top and bottom layer. This reinforcement gives the sheet its pull-strength.
During installation, the membrane is either mechanically fastened to the deck with screws and plates or fully adhered with bonding adhesive. The heat-welded seams are then created using a hot-air tool that melts the two layers into a single, fused bond.
However, seam quality depends heavily on installer skill, weather conditions, and equipment calibration. Poor welding is the most common cause of early TPO failures.
Strengths of TPO roofing in real-world use
- Lower HVAC loads. It reflects UV rays, which keeps your building’s interior temperature more stable during summer peaks.
- Permanent seams. Because the seams are welded, they don’t rely on adhesives that can break down or peel over time.
- Grease resistance. It holds up well against animal fats and oils, making it the standard for restaurants with rooftop exhaust fans.
- Puncture strength. The internal mesh reinforcement helps prevent tears from hail or heavy foot traffic during HVAC maintenance.
When TPO is the better roofing choice
- High cooling costs. Choose TPO if your building is in a southern or sun-exposed area where reducing the load on your HVAC units is a financial priority.
- Food service facilities. TPO roofing membrane is the standard for restaurants or food processing plants because the material won’t degrade when exposed to animal fats and kitchen grease.
- Low-slope drainage issues. The welded seams make it a safer option for roofs with slight “birdbaths” or areas where water tends to sit longer than 48 hours.
- New construction projects. TPO is often the most cost-effective way to meet modern “cool roof” building codes while keeping upfront installation prices down.
- Hail-prone regions. The reinforced mesh inside the membrane provides the high puncture resistance needed to survive storms and heavy foot traffic from maintenance crews.
Common problems and failure points with TPO roofs
- Cold welds. If the welder moves too fast or the generator power fluctuates, the seams won’t fuse. These “cold welds” look sealed but often pop open during the first major temperature swing.
- Surface “crazing”. Cheaper TPO formulations can develop thousands of tiny hairline cracks over time. This exposure allows UV rays to reach the internal mesh, causing the membrane to rot from the inside out.
- Vertical wall flashing leaks. TPO is stiffer than rubber. If it’s not fastened securely around parapet walls and HVAC curbs, the material can pull away during thermal expansion, creating direct leak points.
- Difficulty with aged repairs. After 10 years, the weathered top layer of TPO undergoes chemical changess. You can’t simply weld a new patch onto it; a roofer must use heavy solvents and specialized primers to get a bond.
- Vulnerability to thickness loss. On budget 45-mil roofs, the plastic layer above the reinforcement mesh is thin. Once this wear layer erodes from sun exposure, the roof loses its waterproofing ability entirely.
What is EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer)?
EPDM or ethylene propylene diene monomer is a synthetic rubber roofing membrane used on commercial buildings. While TPO is a plastic-based product, EPDM is a true synthetic rubber roofing material. It’s naturally black, exceptionally flexible, and handles extreme temperature changes without cracking.
An EPDM roofing membrane can stretch and move with a building without tearing, which is why it’s known for holding up well in cold climates and through repeated freeze-thaw cycles. This flexibility is the main reason EPDM often outlasts other single-ply systems in harsh conditions.
Unlike thermoplastics (TPO), ethylene propylene diene monomer doesn’t rely on heat welding to stay watertight. Instead, EPDM uses adhesives, tapes, or ballast to secure the membrane. That construction makes it more forgiving over time, especially as buildings expand, contract, and settle.
How EPDM roofing is made and installed
EPDM is manufactured in large, seamless sheets that are much wider than TPO, sometimes up to 50 feet across. This means fewer seams on your roof.
Also, it can be installed as a fully adhered EPDM, where the rubber is glued directly to the insulation. You can also get it as ballasted EPDM, where the sheets are laid down and held in place by large river rocks. The seams are sealed with high-strength adhesive tape and a liquid primer, which creates a chemical bond between the overlapping rubber sheets.
Strengths of EPDM roofing in real-world use
- Long-term UV stability. The carbon black in the rubber naturally resists sun damage, allowing the membrane to last 25 to 30 years without becoming brittle.
- Extreme flexibility. It can stretch over 300%, so it easily handles a building’s natural shifting or settling without tearing.
- Ease of repair. Patching a hole in a rubber EDPM roof is simpler using a primer and a peel-and-stick patch, even on a roof that is decades old.
- Hail resistance. Because it’s thick and elastic, EPDM acts like a shock absorber against hail, often outperforming thinner plastic membranes like TPO.
When EPDM is the better roofing choice
- Large, open roofs. It’s ideal for massive warehouses where using 50-foot-wide sheets can significantly reduce the number of seams on the roof.
- Buildings with structural movement. If your building is older or prone to shifting, rubber’s elasticity prevents the roof from splitting under stress.
- Long-term ownership. EPDM roofing is a good choice if you plan on owning the property for 20+ years and want a material with a proven track record.
- Low-noise requirements. Unlike some stiff plastic roofs that can “flutter” or crinkle in high winds, a glued-down EPDM roof is virtually silent.
- Northern climates. Choose EPDM if you are in a region with heavy snow and long winters, such as Chicago, Michigan, or Minnesota. The black surface absorbs solar heat, helping to melt ice and snow faster during the winter months.
Using EPDM for colder climates is also what a property owner recommends on Reddit:
“Northern climate I would go EPDM if the membrane is exposed (assuming your insulation is adequate and dry).”
Common problems and limitations with EPDM roofs
- Seam failures. Since the seams rely on tape and glue rather than a weld, the adhesive eventually dries out or peels, making seams the most common leak point.
- Possible shrinkage. Over time, EPDM can slightly shrink. If it’s not installed with proper “base tie-ins,” the rubber can pull away from the walls and corners.
- Oil and grease sensitivity. EPDM will soften and swell if it comes into contact with even small amounts of kitchen grease, oils, or petroleum-based solvents.
- Heat absorption. The black surface can reach 150°F+ in the summer, which increases your cooling costs and can accelerate the aging of the roof insulation.
- Aesthetics. EPDM is generally only available in black. While white coatings exist, they eventually peel and require expensive re-coating every few years.
EPDM vs TPO: How they handle real-world conditions
Choosing a commercial roof durability level that matches your environment requires looking at how these materials react to physical stress. While both systems meet industry standards, their real-world roof membrane performance varies significantly under extreme weather and maintenance traffic.
Below is a comparison of TPO vs EPDM in terms of real-world conditions:
Energy efficiency and heat reflectivity (albedo effect)
The albedo effect refers to how much solar energy a roof reflects. TPO is the clear winner here, reflecting about 70% to 80% of solar heat. This keeps the roof surface up to 60°F cooler than dark materials.
Meanwhile, standard black EPDM has a very low albedo, meaning it absorbs nearly 90% of solar heat. This helps melt snow in the winter, but it can spike your summer cooling costs by 15% to 30%, depending on how much insulation you have.
Puncture resistance and durability against foot traffic
TPO generally handles sharp objects better because of the polyester reinforcement mesh inside the sheet. According to ASTM D751, which measures the force required to puncture a membrane, reinforced TPO consistently shows higher resistance to tearing.
In real-world tests by the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC), TPO’s internal scrim helps prevent a small puncture from “zippering” into a long tear.
Meanwhile, EPDM is more elastic, but a sharp edge can slice it more easily since it usually lacks that internal reinforcement. However, EPDM has high fatigue resistance, according to data from the EPDM Roofing Association (ERA), meaning it won’t crack from the repetitive stress of foot traffic.
Seam strength and leak risk
The risk of seam failure varies by single-ply membrane roofing material.
TPO seams are melted together with hot air, creating a bond that can withstand over 30 pounds of force per linear inch—often making the seam stronger than the membrane itself. Meanwhile, EPDM seams rely on adhesive tape, which typically tests much lower, around 7 to 10 pounds of force.
According to National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) data, the adhesive is the “weak link” that can peel if the building shifts or if the installer skips the primer.
Performance in extreme cold vs. high-heat climates
EPDM is built for the cold. It stays flexible even at -40°F, which is why it’s a favorite for deep-freeze use in the Midwest. In high-heat regions like the South, TPO’s reflective surface prevents the membrane from reaching the 170°F+ temperatures that cause materials to break down.
However, studies show that prolonged exposure to the sun can eventually cause lower-quality TPO to lose its flexibility and develop surface cracks.
Resilience against ponding water and chemical exposure
Ponding water resistance is higher with TPO because the welded seams don’t dissolve or soften when they stay wet. Ponding occurs when water sits on a flat roof for more than 48 hours without draining or evaporating.
On an EPDM roof, this standing water can eventually break down the seam adhesives, causing the sheets to pull apart. So, when it comes to chemicals, TPO is the standard for restaurants.
According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) warn that you should avoid using EPDM near grease or petroleum exhaust because the rubber will swell and turn to mush.
Performance with snow load
On a roof with heavy snow, EPDM’s black surface acts like a heater, melting the bottom layer of ice so it sheds faster. However, the sheer weight of a snowpack puts a lot of sideways pressure on the seams. TPO’s welded joints handle this stretching better than EPDM tape.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) snow load safety guides, persistent moisture from melting snow is a primary cause of seam failure. If you’re in a high-snow area like Chicago, you have to choose between EPDM’s heat absorption and TPO’s superior seam strength.
TPO vs EPDM cost comparison in the U.S.
When comparing TPO vs EPDM, cost is not limited to what you pay at installation. These two flat roof systems differ in upfront pricing, maintenance needs, repair effort, and energy impact, all of which shape what a building owner pays over decades. This section compares TPO and EPDM using realistic U.S. numbers and explains how costs add up over the full life of the roof.
Average installation cost per square foot
On most commercial flat roofs, roofing cost per square foot typically falls within these ranges:
- Thermoplastic systems (TPO): about $7–$11 per square foot installed
- Rubber membrane systems (EPDM): about $6–$10 per square foot installed
These numbers reflect the typical commercial roof installation cost for standard buildings with normal access, average insulation levels, and no major structural repairs. However, if your building requires tear-offs, code upgrades, roof complexity, and equipment congestion, you’ll likely pay higher prices for both roofing systems.
Also, these prices reflect real-world installation, which is something similar to what a property owner shared on Reddit:
“Fully adhered EPDM is roughly a $1,000/square depending on your region. That’s just material and labor for the rubber only.”
Long-term maintenance and repair costs
After installation, TPO and EPDM differ in how much ongoing service they require. TPO roofs depend heavily on seam condition, which means professional roof inspections are important as the material ages. Small seam issues that go unnoticed can lead to more expensive repair costs later.
On the other hand, EPDM roofs usually have more predictable roof maintenance expenses. The thicker rubber membrane flexes with building movement, reducing stress at seams and penetrations and lowering the likelihood of sudden failures.
Heat-welded seams vs. adhesive tape systems
Your lifecycle roofing cost is often determined by how the seams are joined.
TPO seams are heat-welded, which increases labor cost at installation and requires skilled technicians. Take note that improper welding can lead to premature repairs, which will inflate the roof’s long-term cost.
Meanwhile, EPDM seams use adhesive tapes or bonding systems. These seams typically cost less to install and are easier to service later, though adhesives may gradually lose strength over time and require attention as the roof ages.
Ease of repair for aging membrane systems
As roofs age, repair cost becomes a larger part of ownership. EPDM repairs typically cost 20–40% less than comparable TPO repairs because patches can be applied quickly without specialized equipment.
On most commercial buildings, you may expect to pay these average roof repair prices:
- EPDM repairs: often $400–$900 per service call
- TPO repairs: often $700–$1,400 per service call
Over 20 years, that difference can add up to $3,000–$6,000 in additional repair costs for TPO.
Impact on commercial utility bills and HVAC strain
Energy costs can partially offset higher ownership costs for TPO in warm climates. TPO roofs commonly reduce cooling energy use by 5% to 15%, which can translate to $1,250 to $3,750 in annual savings for buildings with heavy air-conditioning demand.
On the other hand, EPDM absorbs heat, which can increase cooling costs in hot regions but may reduce heating demand by 2% to 5% in colder climates. The financial impact depends on your location, your roof’s insulation, and your building’s overall usage.
Total 20-year ownership cost timeline: TPO vs EPDM for a 20,000 sq. ft. roof
When installation, maintenance, professional repairs, and energy use are combined into a true lifecycle roofing cost, the difference becomes clearer. For a typical 20,000 sq ft commercial roof, long-term total cost of ownership often falls into these ranges:
| Ownership Milestone | TPO Roofing(estimated cost) | EPDM Roofing(estimated cost) |
| Year 0 (Installation) | $180,000–$190,000 | $155,000–$165,000 |
| Years 1–5 (Routine maintenance) | $15,000–$25,000 | $10,000–$18,000 |
| Years 6–10 (Minor repairs + maintenance) | $20,000–$35,000 | $15,000–$25,000 |
| Years 11–15 (Increased repairs) | $30,000–$45,000 | $20,000–$35,000 |
| Years 16–20 (Late-life repairs / restoration prep) | $35,000–$55,000 | $25,000–$40,000 |
| Estimated energy savings or penalties (20 yrs) | −$25,000 to −$75,000 (warm climates) | +$0 to +$20,000 (warm climates) |
| Estimated 20-year total | $195,000–$240,000 | $185,000–$215,000 |
How climate affects TPO vs EPDM performance in the U.S.
Climate is one of the biggest reasons a roof succeeds or fails over time. TPO and EPDM don’t just age differently — they react differently to temperature swings, sunlight, moisture, and wind.
Below, we shared what works best for your building based on your location:
Best roofing choice for cold and snowy climates
TL;DR: EPDM is usually the safer choice for long winters, snow load, and frequent freeze-thaw conditions.
For cold climate roofing, EPDM is often the superior choice. In cities like Chicago or Minneapolis, roofs face brutal freeze-thaw cycles where water enters tiny crevices, freezes, and expands. Because EPDM is a synthetic rubber, it remains flexible down to -40°F, allowing it to expand and contract without cracking.
Additionally, the black color of EPDM acts as a passive solar heater, melting snow and ice significantly faster than a white roof. This helps prevent heavy snow loads and ice dams from sitting on your structure for weeks at a time.
Best roofing choice for hot and sunny climates
TL;DR: TPO usually performs better in hot, sunny regions where heat reflection and UV resistance matter most.
TPO is specifically engineered for hot climate flat roofs. In states like Texas, Arizona, or Florida, UV exposure to roofing damage is the primary cause of failure.
TPO’s high reflectivity prevents the membrane from absorbing heat, keeping the roof surface up to 60°F cooler than a black rubber roof. This reflectivity doesn’t just lower your AC bill; it protects the building’s insulation from “baking” and losing its R-value over time.
While EPDM can technically survive the heat, the constant high temperatures can accelerate the drying out of its adhesive seams, leading to leaks.
Performance in storm-prone and high-wind regions
TL;DR: In high-wind regions, proper design and installation matter more than membrane choice — but shortcuts show up fast during storms.
When it comes to high winds and severe storms, TPO generally has the edge due to its high-strength welded seams. In a hurricane or a high-wind event, a roof often fails at the seams first. Because TPO seams are fused into a single monolithic sheet, they are much harder to “unzip” than EPDM’s taped edges.
However, if your region is prone to frequent, heavy hail, EPDM’s natural elasticity makes it more impact-resistant. While TPO’s hard surface can sometimes crack under large hail, EPDM’s rubbery consistency absorbs the energy of the impact like a shock absorber.
Maintenance and repair differences between TPO and EPDM
While both EPDM and TPO are marketed as low-maintenance, they require different roof maintenance schedules to reach their maximum lifespan. Neglecting these small tasks can lead to expensive repairs as the material fails prematurely.
Inspection frequency and upkeep expectations
You should plan for commercial roof inspections twice a year, ideally in the spring and fall.
On a TPO roof, your focus is on looking for surface “crazing” (tiny cracks) and ensuring the heat-welded seams haven’t become brittle.
For EPDM, the primary upkeep involves checking the adhesive tape at the seams and the lap sealant around your roof penetrations. Because EPDM is rubber, it can attract biological growth or debris that holds moisture, meaning you may need to clean it more frequently than the slick surface of TPO.
Typical repair types and costs
Most membrane roof repairs involve fixing punctures from foot traffic or addressing seam failures. If you have a TPO roof that is more than 10 years old, a roofing contractor must scrub the surface with heavy solvents to allow a new weld, which increases your labor costs. EPDM repairs are generally cheaper and faster for you, as they use a simple primer and a peel-and-stick patch.
Here are the typical repair costs you can expect from your single-ply roofing system:
- EPDM puncture patch: $300 to $500
- TPO seam welding: $500 to $800
- EPDM seam re-taping: $10 to $15 per linear foot
- TPO edge flashing repair: $600 to $1,000
- HVAC curb flashing repair: $400 to $750 per unit
- Drain seal replacement: $500 to $900 per drain
- Pipe boot installation/repair: $250 to $450 per penetration
- TPO perimeter edge metal repair: $20 to $35 per linear foot
- EPDM corner reinforcement: $150 to $300 per corner
Which system is easier to maintain long-term
From a long-term ownership standpoint, EPDM is usually easier to maintain. The rubber membrane tolerates movement and temperature swings well, which reduces stress-related issues over time. This makes flat roof upkeep more predictable, especially on large buildings.
Meanwhile, TPO requires more attention to detail as the roof ages. Seam condition remains critical, and surface degradation can require closer monitoring in harsh climates. Well-installed TPO roofs still perform well—but they demand consistency in maintenance.
Situations where neither TPO nor EPDM is ideal
TPO and EPDM work well on many flat roofs, but there are situations where single-ply membranes create more maintenance and repair risk than they’re worth. In these cases, the problem isn’t the material—it’s the roof conditions.
Single-ply roofing may not be the best choice when:
- The roof has heavy or constant foot traffic without protected walk paths.
- Rooftop equipment is moved or serviced frequently, increasing puncture risk.
- Drainage is poor, and standing water remains for long periods.
- The roof is exposed to heavy grease, oils, or chemical exhaust.
- Structural limits make ballasted or mechanically attached systems risky
- The building requires a roof with high impact resistance or redundancy
- Long-term access is unavoidable, and maintenance crews cross the membrane daily
When single-ply roofing isn’t the right answer
TPO vs EPDM vs modified bitumen roofing
TPO, EPDM, and modified bitumen are all common commercial roofing choices, but they’re built differently. Here’s a quick comparison of these 3 flat roof materials:
| Factor | TPO | EPDM | Modified Bitumen |
| Roofing type | Single-ply thermoplastic | Single-ply rubber | Multi-layer asphalt-based |
| Typical lifespan | 20–30 years | 25–30+ years | 20–30 years |
| Installation complexity | High (heat-welded seams) | Moderate (adhesive seams) | Moderate to high (torch, cold-applied, or self-adhered) |
| Installation risk sensitivity | High — installer skill is critical | Lower — more forgiving | Moderate — detailing matters |
| Foot traffic resistance | Fair (walk pads recommended) | Fair to good | Good to excellent |
| Repair difficulty | Higher, requires heat welding | Lower, simple patching | Moderate, layered repairs |
| Best use case | Hot or mixed climates, energy efficiency | Cold climates, long-term durability | Heavy use roofs, high abuse areas |
| Overall maintenance profile | Moderate to higher | Lower and predictable | Moderate, but durable |
Questions to ask a contractor before choosing TPO or EPDM
Before choosing between TPO roofing vs EPDM, these questions help confirm whether a contractor understands the system, the risks, and how to install it correctly on your building.
1. Are you manufacturer-certified for this specific brand and material?
Manufacturers like Carlisle or GAF only offer “No Dollar Limit” (NDL) warranties if the installer has passed their specific training.
2. Do you perform “probe tests” on your TPO welds throughout the day?
Your local roof installer should manually check seam integrity with a probe every morning and after every equipment restart to catch “cold welds.”
3. For EPDM, are you using factory-applied tape or manual glue?
Factory-applied tape (FAT) is significantly more reliable because it reduces human error and “fish-mouth” wrinkles during the sealing process.
4. How do you handle the “tie-in” to my existing roof or walls?
These transition points are common leak spots. Ensure they use specific termination bars and flashing details rather than just sealant.
5. What is your plan for managing ponding water areas?
Ask if they will use tapered insulation to create a slope, as neither material is a permanent fix for persistent standing water.
6. What thickness (mil) membrane are you quoting?
Ensure you understand the jump from 45-mil to 60-mil or 80-mil, especially if your roof requires frequent maintenance access.
FAQs about EPDM vs TPO
Can TPO or EPDM be installed over an existing roof?
In some cases, yes. Both TPO and EPDM can be installed as a roof “recover” over an existing flat roof if the substrate is dry, structurally sound, and allowed by local codes. Moisture, poor drainage, or multiple existing roof layers usually require a full tear-off. A complete roof inspection is needed to confirm whether a ‘recover’ is appropriate.
Which roofing membrane is better for solar panel installations?
Both TPO and EPDM can support solar installations when properly designed. EPDM is often favored because it handles foot traffic and panel maintenance well. TPO works well with solar systems but requires extra care to protect the membrane during installation.
In either case, walk pads, proper flashing, and load planning are critical to avoid membrane damage.
Can TPO seams be repaired after the membrane has aged?
Yes, but repairs become more technical as TPO ages. Older TPO membranes may require cleaning, surface preparation, and proper heat-welding temperatures to achieve a reliable bond. When done correctly, aged TPO seams can be repaired successfully. Improper welding or patching, however, increases the risk of repeat leaks.
Is it possible to DIY a flat roof installation, or is specialized equipment required?
DIY installation is NOT recommended for TPO or EPDM flat roofs. TPO requires specialized heat-welding equipment and trained installers to avoid seam failures. EPDM installation is simpler but still requires proper adhesives, detailing, and substrate preparation.
Improper installation is a leading cause of flat roof leaks and premature failure. On top of that, DIY flat roof installation will void your warranty coverage.
Which roof membrane is more compatible with rooftop HVAC condensation?
EPDM is generally more forgiving around rooftop HVAC units because the rubber membrane tolerates moisture, movement, and temperature changes well.
TPO can also perform around HVAC equipment, but condensation management, proper flashing, and drainage are critical. Poor detailing around curbs and drains causes more problems than membrane choice alone.
Do “Cool Roof” tax credits apply to EPDM as well as TPO?
Standard black EPDM usually does not qualify for “Cool Roof” tax credits or rebates. To qualify, a membrane must meet specific solar reflectance and thermal emittance standards set by programs like Energy Star.
While white EPDM exists and may qualify, TPO is the industry standard for meeting these requirements. You should check local utility programs and federal tax codes for current eligibility.
Need help choosing the right membrane roofing for your property?
If you’re a property owner and can’t decide which roofing material suits your facility, PACC Solutions is the expert you can call. Reach out to us, and our licensed and insured roofing specialist will discuss the best options for your building.
For 14+ years, PACC Solutions has been providing quality commercial roofing solutions in Chicagoland. We’re an A+ BBB-rated roofing company in Chicago with Haag-certified inspectors to check the current condition of your roof.
Aside from that, we’re also a team of public adjusters with 95% approval rate and can handle your claims from filing to settlement.
Contact us today for a free inspection and roof estimate!
