For the best flat roofing applications for your home or business, consider a GAF TPO roofing system.

GAF is North America’s largest roofing manufacturer, and they’ve maintained that their TPO roofing solutions deliver the best performance on the market.

What Is GAF TPO Roofing?

Thermoplastic Polyolefin, or its abbreviation TPO, is a type of single-ply roofing membrane. This single-ply roofing membrane is a synthetic polymer-based, flat roofing material that offers a waterproofing layer in a single sheet.

It provides superior strength with heat-welded seams and long-lasting UV, heat, and natural fungal resistance. TPO is often used for a cost-effective, low-slope commercial roofing system.

TPO roofing has been around for more than 20 years, and during that time, its popularity has risen exponentially.

With over one billion square feet of TPO roofing systems installed yearly, it makes up more than 50% of the single-ply type roofs fitted today.

Did you know? Technically, flat roofs are not 100% flat. A well-constructed flat roof needs to be somewhat sloped to allow the rainwater to drain off.

How Much Does GAF TPO Roofing Cost?

Generally, the average cost for a TPO roof installation is around $5.50 to $6.00 per square foot. On a 2,000 sq.ft. house installing GAF Everguard TPO costs $11,000 – 12,000

The cost of the TPO membrane itself varies depending on its thickness, which can be 45 mil, 60 mil or 80 mil. Its recommended to install the thickest membrane you can afford, as this will ensure its durability and long service life.

GAF TPO is about 15-20% cheaper than its top competitor Carlisle TPO roofing membranes.

Keep in mind that your TPO installation cost will depend on the a number of factors, in addition to the cost of the membrane itself. These include:

-Local labor rates for professional flat roof installs. Across different states, these can vary by as much as 30-35%, with cities on both coasts having some of the highest roofer labor rates.

– Complexity of your roof architecture: number of chimneys and other penetrations that require more work to ensure that the membrane is air tight and does not let in any moisture.

– Removal of the old membrane can add anywhere from $500 to $900 to the total installation cost.

Here is a detailed break down of the common additional charges you may incur when installing a GAF TPO roofing membrane.

ITEM	COST
Install PolyISO Rigid Foam Insulation (highly recommended)	$45 – 50 / 100 sq.ft. for 1 inch thickness (equivalent to 6 R insulating value)
Tear-off and remove old roofing material	$0.75 – 3.00 / sq.ft depending on the material and number of layers. EPDM rubber is the cheapest to remove
Penetration Flashing (chimney, skylight) or curb	$250 – 500 each, depending on complexity
Small Pipe Flashing	$50 each
Large Pipe Flashing	$75 – 100 each
Install Roof Drain	$180- 250 each
Replace Damaged Plywood	$75 – 90 for each 4×8 sheet
Install Painted Steel Edge Metal	$3 / ln. ft. Recommended on “inland” roofs (located at least 1 mile from the ocean).
Install Stainless Steel Edge Metal	$7 – 8 / ln. ft. Recommended on roofs located within 1 mile from the ocean.

What Are the Pros of GAF Everguard TPO?

Here are some of the stand-out features and benefits of GAFs’ EverGuard TPO line. They continue to persuade home and business owners and architects to make GAF TPO roofing their preferred roofing system.
EverGuard TPO heat-welded seams offer results four times stronger than other membranes.

It utilizes welding technology for a seam more robust than the roofing membrane around them. The membrane is reinforced with a mesh layer in its core, making it impenetrable. This construction is more likely to remain in place for the duration of its life cycle.

TPO is solar reflective, so it helps to keep air-conditioning costs low and reduces thermal contraction and expansion. The “urban heat island” effect is reduced thanks to its high UV reflection and an emissive light gray color.

EverGuard TPO is much cooler than EPDM Rubber and torch.

The material is inherently flexible, so additional plasticizers aren’t necessary. Due to its flexibility, it is suitable for complex roof shapes with customized designed valley and gutter intersections.

It is also ideal for both decking and larger commercial factory applications and designer residential roofs.

EverGuard TPO is much faster and easier to install than EPDM butyl or torch membranes. All accessories required for every detail and corner of the install – including penetrations, are available.

It is also much easier to make alterations after installation. Its routinely welded process results in a perfect install every time. Therefore, it significantly reduces the possibility of failures, improper applications, or errors.

GAF EverGuard TPO resists the rigors of heat, cold, rain, severe weather, and UV rays, and this amount of resistance ensures its durability and longevity.

It doesn’t require biocides as it’s inherently fungal resistant. Additionally, it offers an incredibly smooth and clean finish with an aesthetic that satisfies, and delivers excellent performance for a budget-friendly price.

A quick run-down of those advantages are:

Exceptional seam strength
Energy-saving
Naturally flexible
Easy to install and repair
Aesthetically pleasing
Long-lasting weathering
Excellent value

Did you know? A roof could be good for the environment. Eco-friendly or “cool roofs” reflect the sun’s ultraviolet and infrared rays away from buildings resulting in a higher thermal emittance.

So they’re not only great to help conserve energy, but help to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, in addition to mitigating the heat radiated into the atmosphere.

What Are the Cons of GAF TPO Roofing?

Some other points to consider when choosing a GAF TPO roof solution:

An intricate installation process
DIY is not recommended
GAF TPO Warranty

GAFs’ 20, 25, and 30-year warranties guarantee that their roofing systems will not leak due to a manufacturing defect as long as it’s been installed following the instructions. The warranties are available in three different weights, 45mil, 60mil, and 80mil.

GAF TPO vs Carlisle’s TPO

Carlisle’s TPO is another type of premium reinforced membrane. Like GAF TPO, it is heat-weldable and suitable for new roof or re-roofing applications.

Carlisle’s Sure-Weld TPO roofing reinforced membrane is a first-rate, single-ply thermoplastic polyolefin sheet. They use cutting-edge polymerization technology to merge the elasticity of ethylene-propylene (EP) rubber with the heat weldability of polypropylene.

Every Sure-Weld TPO membrane contains OctaGuard XT™, an advanced, industry-leading art weathering package. This technology allows Sure-Weld to endure extreme weather testing to mimic exposure to harsh climates.

Both brands of TPO roofing offer exceptional strength thanks to their heat-welded seams. Carlisle TPO products undergo weeks of rigorous testing to understand what weather conditions they can withstand and for how long.

For example, some tests are designed to mimic 40 – 60 years of extreme weather conditions.
TPO roofing products are still considered relatively new, and since their first introduction in the early 1990s, manufacturers couldn’t confirm how long-lasting they were.

Therefore, testing results like this are good to know when deciding.

However, they are slightly more expensive than GAF TPO roofing, with a starting price of $7.50 per square foot compared to GAF’s $5.50 per square foot.

GAF TPO vs PVC Roofing

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is another sought-after type of single-ply roofing membrane for residential and commercial applications. Originally from Europe, PVC is high-quality roofing material.

It is considered the strongest and most long-lasting membrane offering a service life of over 30 years.

PVC has been a backbone in construction for over 30 years and has a well-deserved reputation for durability. PVC roofing is highly resistant to chemical damage and offers some resistance to weathering or punctures.

If your roofing is likely to be exposed to oil and grease, PVC roofing is more suitable. Since the thermoplastic material will not absorb or weaken due to these types of chemical exposure.

Many restaurants and buildings with grease traps opt for a PVC roof system. PVC roofs are also more flexible and easier to install, thanks to the inclusion of plasticizers in their formulation.

PVC and GAF TPO roofing systems are formulated differently but share many qualities. For example, they both offer superior leak resistance with heat weldability.

Both types are recyclable and exceptionally energy-efficient as their reflective surface can sustain the sun’s heat and UV rays. PVC roofing is easier to install as the welding requires lower temperatures, making the process reasonably straightforward.

However, installation does require a trained professional. What makes PVC roofing stand out is its resistance to strong chemicals. This acid-resistant membrane is perfect for commercial buildings exposed to fumes, oil, grease, and other chemical materials.

In terms of cost, PVC roofing overall is more expensive than GAF, with a starting price of $6.50 per square foot.

You can also check out our in-depth guide on the differences between a TPO vs PVC roofing.

Is A GAF TPO Roof Worth It?

A GAF TPO roofing system offers many sought-after features for a practical roofing application. Exceptional strength, puncture resistance, energy efficiency, good looks, and budget-friendly.

GAF is a well-established manufacturer and one of the largest in North America. They offer confidence in their TPO roofing systems by backing them against manufacturing defects for up to 30 years.

On the other hand, Carlisle’s rigorous testing could provide more confidence in longevity. And PVC roofing chemical resistance might be more suitable in a restaurant setup.

There are three great roofing companies, but which one to go for ultimately depends on your requirements. Now you know what to expect with these three types of single ply roofing membranes, you’re more equipped to make an informed decision.