How much does TPO roofing cost in 2023?

TPO has been widely used for residential and commercial roof projects for over 30 years. Today thermoplastic polyolefin roofing makes up about 50% of all single-ply roofing installations. Homeowners choose it primarily for its energy efficiency. TPO perfectly reflects sunlight, keeping the house cool and reducing energy bills in summer. Also, this material has a low carbon footprint, which fits perfectly with today's sustainability trend. 

So how much does TPO roofing cost? It is the first thing you may consider when planning a roof installation project. The national average price is $11.200. So on average, homeowners pay between $7.700 and $14.000 for this best-selling roof. The minimum you can spend is $5.800, but the high-end budget of this project could be $20.700.

The national average cost of a TPO roof

TPO roof cost per square foot

Since roof sizes can vary greatly, you may target a cost of materials and labor per square foot when budgeting your project. TPO roofing material prices typically range from $1.00 - $2.50 per square foot. But this price is an estimate and can be changed by the selected brand, quality, and material thickness. In the meantime, the contractor's experience, the project's complexity, and the installation method make up the labor cost. It typically ranges from $2.50 to $4.50 per square foot, but an accurate quote can only be obtained after discussing project details with a local roofer.

TPO roofing cost calculator

An accurate estimate is only possible when you contact a professional roofer. However, there are major pricing factors that you can explore on your own. At least, they will help you roughly find what budget you should be counting on. At most, you will better understand the specifics of your roofing project and formulate your requirements/questions for the contractor and manufacturer.

TPO roofing cost by roof size

While a 1,500-square-foot roof is typical in the US, your roof size can vary significantly from this standard. Knowing that the TPO roofing cost per square foot is $4 - $10 installed, you can easily estimate your planned roofing project.

TPO roof cost by insulation material

Insulation costs start at $0.50 and can go up to $4.20 per square foot, depending on the chosen material and its properties. It equals and sometimes exceeds the cost of the TPO roofing material, so you should consider insulation when budgeting.

Polyisocyanurate (PolyISO)

When choosing this material, expect your TPO cost per square foot to increase by $1.60 - $2.40. But this investment may pay off in the future. First, PolyISO is very energy efficient thanks to its high R-value per inch, which will save you on energy bills. Second, its insulation properties are perfectly preserved due to moisture resistance, so you do not have to spend money on repairs.

Fiberboard

It is the most eco-friendly insulation option, fully made from recycled materials. When properly sealed, it is resistant to moisture and mildew. Another advantage is the affordable cost, ranging from $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot. Nevertheless, the fiberboard R-value is also lower than the alternative insulation materials.

Expanded polystyrene (EPS)

If you live in a humid climate, EPS is an excellent choice since it is very resistant to mildew, mold, and moisture. However, installing it on your TPO roof costs $3 - $4.20 per square foot. The price is higher than the market average as EPS manufacturing is more costly and labor-intensive. 

Extruded polystyrene (XPS)

Due to its strength, XPS can withstand heavy loads, which is very valuable in roof applications. Although its R-value is higher than fiberboard and EPS, it may still be insufficient in extremely cold climates. When selecting extruded polystyrene insulation, expect to pay roughly $1.60 to $2 per square foot. 

The cost of a TPO roof by installation method

Installation methods differ in how the TPO membrane is attached to the roof deck. Their cost mainly depends on the work's complexity and the attachment's strength.

Ballasted attachment method

In this method, the ballast, often pavers or gravel, covers the top of the TPO membrane and holds it in place, minimizing the need for additional adhesives or fasteners. Also, spreading the ballast over the surface is not difficult, so this work is not laborious for the roofer and does not take much time. Therefore, this method will cost you between $1.50 and $2.50 per square foot. 

Fastened attachment method

As the name suggests, fasteners attach the TPO membrane to the substrate or deck. In this case, you pay $2 - $3 per square foot. This method is less time-consuming than others. In addition, it allows you to easily repair or replace a roof section in case of damage. However, fasteners tend to fail over time which can lead to leaks.

Fully-adhered attachment method

On average, this method of TPO installation costs $2.75 - $3.50 per square foot. It may be the best solution if strong winds are common in your area. Using it, the contractor attaches the membrane to the roof deck with a special adhesive. This strong bond securely protects your roof from wind uplift. 

Other factors boosting the total cost of TPO roofing

The more factors you consider when budgeting, the fewer unexpected expenses you will have during a roofing project. For example, your project may require the removal of an old roof or flashing installation. It takes more time and effort, so it increases the overall price. The same goes for individual customizations. If you want to enhance your design with skylights, TPO roofing price changes. 

The labor cost of TPO roofing

The do-it-yourself installation comes with certain risks. First, working at height requires caution, skills, and special equipment to avoid accidents. Just as important, if installed poorly, your TPO roof may start to leak over time, and its lifespan may decrease. Finally, if the installation does not comply with local building codes, you may encounter problems during inspections. That's why it's safer to hire a professional roofer. 

Today TPO roofing installation cost ranges from $2.50 to $4.50 per square foot. However, contractors are more likely to charge hourly rates for their services. On average, expect to pay $50 to $150 per hour. But this amount can vary significantly depending on the roofer's expertise, the complexity of your project, and the location. With HomeQuote, you can find licensed roofers in your county in a few clicks and hire the one whose rates best fit your budget.