Commercial TPO Flat Roof Installation in Tempe

Tempe, AZ · Commercial Roof Installation · TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) · Timeline: 6 business days · Cost: $38,000 – $50,000

Project Scope

Installation of a 60-mil TPO single-ply membrane roofing system on an 8,500 sq ft commercial office building. The previous modified bitumen roof had reached end of life with multiple patched areas, ponding water, and membrane shrinkage causing edge pull-away.

Challenges

The existing modified bitumen roof required full tear-off due to multiple layers that exceeded the structural load recommendation. The building's parapet walls had deteriorated coping caps that allowed water infiltration into the wall cavity. Two rooftop HVAC units needed to be temporarily lifted for proper membrane installation underneath the curbs.

Solution Applied

We performed a complete tear-off of the existing multi-layer roof system and inspected the metal decking for corrosion. New 2-inch polyiso insulation boards were mechanically fastened to provide R-13 insulation value. A 60-mil TPO membrane was hot-air welded with fully adhered seams for a watertight system. New aluminum coping caps were installed on all parapet walls. HVAC units were lifted using a crane and reset on new raised curbs with fully flashed membrane integration.

Materials Used

  • 60-Mil TPO Membrane
  • 2-Inch Polyiso Insulation Board
  • Aluminum Coping Caps
  • TPO-Coated Metal Edge
  • Prefabricated Pipe Boots
  • HVAC Curb Adapters

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between TPO and SPF for commercial roofs?

TPO is a single-ply membrane installed in sheets with heat-welded seams, offering excellent UV and chemical resistance. SPF is spray-applied foam that provides built-in insulation. Both are excellent for Arizona commercial buildings — TPO is preferred for large flat surfaces and SPF for roofs needing slope correction.

How long does a TPO roof last in Arizona?

A quality 60-mil TPO roof installation typically lasts 20–30 years in Arizona with proper maintenance. The heat-welded seams are the strongest part of the system and resist Arizona's extreme UV exposure.

Is TPO roofing energy efficient?

Yes. White TPO membranes have a high solar reflectance index (SRI), reflecting up to 90% of solar radiation. This can reduce rooftop temperatures by 50–60°F compared to dark-colored roofing materials.

Can a TPO roof be installed over an existing roof?

In some cases, yes, but it depends on the condition and number of existing roof layers. Our Tempe project required full tear-off due to multiple layers, but single-layer recovers are often possible.

What warranty comes with a TPO roof installation?

Simply Roofing provides a 25-year workmanship warranty on all commercial TPO installations. The TPO manufacturer warranty typically covers the membrane for 20–30 years against defects.