TPO ROOFS

At Nashville Professional Roofers, we specialize in modern, energy-efficient roofing systems that meet the evolving needs of commercial and residential properties across Middle Tennessee. One of the fastest-growing flat roofing solutions on the market today is TPO roofing—Thermoplastic Polyolefin. TPO roofs are known for their durability, reflectivity, and cost-effectiveness, making them a top choice for businesses and homeowners alike. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain what TPO roofing is, its benefits, how it compares to other materials, and why Nashville property owners are increasingly making the switch.

What is a TPO Roof?

Understanding the Basics of TPO Roofing

TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) is a single-ply roofing membrane that has gained widespread popularity since its introduction in the early 1990s. It is made from a blend of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber, creating a strong, flexible, and UV-resistant roofing material.

TPO membranes typically come in rolls that are mechanically fastened or adhered to the roof deck. The seams are heat-welded to create a watertight bond, providing exceptional protection against leaks, punctures, and UV degradation.

At Nashville Professional Roofers, we install TPO membranes that are ENERGY STAR® rated, UL fire-rated, and available in various thicknesses—usually 45 mil, 60 mil, and 80 mil—to suit different performance needs.

Where TPO Roofs Are Most Commonly Used

While originally designed for commercial and industrial buildings, TPO has grown in popularity for residential flat or low-slope roofs as well. TPO is commonly used on:

Warehouses and industrial facilities
Office buildings
Multi-family housing units and apartment complexes
Residential homes with flat or low-slope rooflines
Retail shopping centers

Its clean, white surface reflects heat and gives a crisp, modern look that appeals to property owners seeking both function and style.

Installation Overview

Preparation: Removing any old roofing and repairing the substrate
Insulation Layer: Adding ISO board or polyiso insulation for improved thermal resistance
Membrane Application: Rolling out the TPO membrane and fastening or adhering it
Seam Welding: Using hot-air welders to fuse seams and flashing details
Inspection: Conducting a full quality check to meet warranty standards

Most TPO roof installations are completed within 2–5 days depending on project size and complexity.

Benefits of TPO Roofing in Nashville

Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

One of the primary reasons Nashville property owners choose TPO roofing is its exceptional energy performance. The white reflective surface of TPO significantly reduces heat absorption, lowering rooftop temperatures by up to 80°F in summer conditions.

This helps reduce HVAC load and utility bills by 10–30%, especially in commercial buildings with large roof spans. TPO membranes meet or exceed ENERGY STAR and Cool Roof Rating Council standards, making them eligible for rebates and tax credits in many areas.

At Nashville Professional Roofers, we also offer gray and tan TPO options for aesthetic variety with similar reflectivity.

Durability in Tennessee Weather

TPO is engineered to withstand the kind of extreme weather conditions common in Tennessee, including:

UV radiation and high heat
Heavy rainfall and ponding water
Wind uplift (up to 110–130 mph rated)
Mold and algae growth

Our installations include reinforced membranes with enhanced puncture resistance, which is especially important in commercial settings with rooftop equipment or foot traffic.

Affordability and Low Maintenance

TPO offers an excellent balance of performance and affordability. It generally costs less than EPDM or PVC roofing while delivering similar—or better—energy efficiency and weather resistance. With a typical lifespan of 20–30 years, TPO offers outstanding ROI.

Additionally, the heat-welded seams eliminate the need for adhesives, reducing the likelihood of seam failure and making maintenance easier over time. Most cleaning involves periodic rinsing and removing debris.

See how we handle Roof Repairs across the Nashville area

Comparing TPO to Other Flat Roofing Materials

TPO vs. EPDM

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is a rubber-based roofing membrane that has long been a standard for flat roofs. Here's how TPO stacks up:

Reflectivity: TPO’s white surface reflects sunlight, whereas black EPDM absorbs heat.
Installation: TPO uses heat-welded seams; EPDM typically relies on adhesive and tape.
Cost: Both are similarly priced, but TPO may offer better long-term energy savings.
Appearance: TPO offers a sleeker, cleaner finish than EPDM.

While EPDM is still popular for certain applications, more Nashville customers are choosing TPO for its energy-saving capabilities.

TPO vs. PVC Roofing

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is another single-ply membrane known for its chemical resistance and long lifespan. Compared to TPO:

Cost: TPO is usually 10–20% less expensive than PVC.
Flexibility: TPO is slightly more flexible in cold weather.
Environmental Impact: TPO is considered more eco-friendly, as PVC manufacturing involves more chlorine-based components.

Both offer excellent performance, but TPO remains the more budget-conscious and environmentally preferable choice.

Choosing the Right System for Your Building

Every building is different, and our expert roofers will assess factors like roof slope, exposure, drainage, insulation needs, and existing roofing before recommending the ideal system. We offer:

Free consultations and quotes
Full system design and build
Warrantied installations from certified professionals

Whether you're a business owner in downtown Nashville or a homeowner in East Nashville with a flat roof addition, we’ll help you make the right call.

Explore our full Roof Replacement process

Why Nashville Professional Roofers is Your TPO Specialist

Licensed and Certified Installers

We’re proud to be a certified installer for the top TPO membrane manufacturers, including:

GAF TPO
Firestone Ultra Ply
Carlisle T
Mule-Hide TPO

Our certifications mean your roof is installed to manufacturer specs, ensuring eligibility for warranties up to 30 years.

All work is backed by:

Full liability insurance
Workmanship warranties (up to 20 years)
Ongoing maintenance and repair services

Tailored Solutions for Tennessee Properties

TPO roofing performs best when it’s designed for your building’s unique conditions. We take into account:

Roof pitch and drainage
HVAC and equipment layout
Foot traffic expectations
Code requirements and fire ratings

We also offer custom flashing, walk pads, skylight integration, and insulation upgrades as needed. From Brentwood to Bellevue, our team has completed hundreds of successful TPO projects across Middle Tennessee.

Seamless Maintenance and Repair Services

We don’t stop after the installation. Nashville Professional Roofers offers long-term maintenance plans and emergency repair services for TPO systems, including:

Seam inspections and re-welding
Flashing repair and reinforcement
Drainage cleaning and slope corrections
Thermal and moisture scans

Regular inspections help extend the life of your roof and preserve your warranty coverage.

Final Thoughts: Is TPO Roofing Right for You?

If you're looking for a modern, energy-efficient, and budget-friendly solution for your flat or low-slope roof, TPO may be the perfect fit. It offers excellent reflectivity, weather resistance, and long-term value—especially in climates like Nashville's, where heat and storms are constant factors.

At Nashville Professional Roofers, we bring years of experience, advanced training, and a customer-first approach to every TPO project. Whether it’s a new installation, a retrofit, or a repair, we’re here to deliver quality craftsmanship and reliable results.