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Posted on November 18, 2024
Imagine a building without a roof. It doesn’t really make a pretty picture, right? A roof is one of the most essential parts of a building, it protects it from all the weather events and gives a building the curb appeal it deserves. Even though there are a wide range of roofing materials available for commercial buildings, you need to choose the right roofing material for your flat roof with precision.
Flat roofs handle certain roofing materials better than others. In 2025, there was a continued use of trusted favorites in the industry that prove they’re reliable for years to come. Keep reading to find the right roofing material for your flat roof among the best options from 2025.
*Please note, price ranges listed in this article may not reflect the final cost of your project. Prices are subject to change based on various factors such as local labor rates, material quality, and more. All costs established in this article are rough estimates based on average industry rates.
Since flat roofs don’t drain as quickly as sloped roofs, water and debris can collect, increasing the risk of leaks. That’s what makes it so important to choose durable, weather-resistant roofing materials for flat roofs that reduce the likelihood of water damage and help your roof last longer. Whether you’re looking for affordable options or top-tier materials with advanced features, selecting the right material makes all the difference.
Made out of synthetic rubber, TPO is a material popular among property owners for its long-lasting durability and energy efficiency. Consisting of three membranes, a polyester-reinforced scrim, a TPO polymer base, and a TPO compounded top ply, a TPO membrane is flexible, and resistant to UV rays and heat, which makes it a perfect fit for flat roofs.
Energy Efficient: TPO membranes are highly effective at reflecting heat. This feature helps the roof reflect the heat easily and lowers the temperature inside the building.
UV Resistant: It is also very effective at reflecting UV rays and keeping everyone safe from its harmful effects.
Eco Friendly: As a product made out of synthetic rubber, TPO roofing materials are easy to recycle and environmentally friendly. Which makes it a perfect choice for environmentally conscious homeowners.
Shrinkage Over Time: If not properly maintained, TPO membranes may shrink, leading to potential seam separation and leaks.
Limited Lifespan: While TPO roofs can last between 20 to 30 years, they may require more frequent replacements compared to some other materials like metal.
Complex Installation: Costs can increase significantly if the roof’s design is complex or if existing roofing materials need removal.
Material Cost: The cost of a TPO membrane is $2 to $3.50 per square foot, but the cost might vary depending on the manufacturers and brand you choose.
Labor Costs: The labor cost to install a TPO membrane costs around $3.50 to $8.50 per square foot.
Roof Removal and Disposal: $1 to $5 per square foot if old roofing material needs to be removed.
Total Installation Cost: The final cost to install a 1,500-square-foot roof can potentially cost between $6,250 to $18,000.
EPDM is another rubber material known for its highly durable properties that are most commonly used on flat, commercial properties. It is available in large rolls, making installation relatively easy compared to other roofing materials. Since it’s so dark in color, it offers excellent heat absorption, making it excellent for use in colder climates.
Durable: EPDM is resistant to weathering, UV rays, and temperature fluctuations, providing excellent long-term protection.
Long Lasting: With proper installation and care, EPDM roofs can last between 30 to 40 years and do not need any replacement or frequent maintenance from property owners.
Cost Effective: Compared to other roofing materials, EPDM is one of the least expensive options.
Heat Absorption: Due to its coloring and ability to absorb heat, an EPDM roofing membrane is not considered a great roofing option for climates with humidity and extreme heat.
Vulnerable to Punctures: While generally durable, these membranes can be punctured by sharp objects if not adequately protected, particularly in high-traffic areas.
Material Cost: The approximate cost of an EPDM roofing membrane is around $4 to $12 per square foot.
Labor Costs: The cost of installing an EPDM roofing membrane falls between $2.50 to $5 per square foot for installation.
Total Installation Cost: The entire cost to install a 1500-square-foot roof generally falls between $7,500 and $19,500 per square foot, depending on the complexity of the installation process.
PVC is a considerably popular roofing material among flat roof owners for its durability and ability to reflect heat. It is also known for its strength and fire resistance. While it tends to be more expensive than TPO or EPDM, its longevity and performance justify the investment.
Chemical and Fire Resistant: PVC roofing membranes are highly resistant to chemical and fire exposure, which makes them an ideal roofing material for flat roofs in commercial properties, where the chance of fire or chemical breakout is high.
Reflective Properties: The reflective surface of PVC helps keep buildings cooler, reducing the cost of energy bills.
Durable: PVC roofs typically last between 20 to 30 years with proper maintenance and care, proving itself a long-term protective layer for your roof for years to come.
Brittle in the Cold: PVC can become brittle in very cold temperatures, which may reduce its effectiveness in colder environments.
High Cost: Compared to other flat roof materials, like TPO and EPDM, PVC is quite costly
Material Cost: The initial retail cost of PVC roofing membranes is approximately $7 to $18 per square foot.
Labor Costs: To install the roof, professionals charge the labor cost of $2.50 to $5 per square foot.
Total Installation Cost: The upfront cost of installing a PVC membrane can cost up to $12,750 to $34,500.
Modified bitumen is a relatively affordable yet durable flat roofing material that consists of different layers to create a single, thick, waterproof sheet for the roof. To install this roofing material a professional needs to torch it down or use other methods, such as a self-adhesive membrane of modified bitumen.
Puncture Resistant: Modified bitumen is highly resistant to punctures, making it an excellent protection against any harsh physical damage.
Waterproof: Due to its layered construction, bitumen roofing material proves to be a highly water-resistant product, that does not capture moisture easily and prevents leaks.
Ease of Installation: The installation process is relatively simple, which can help reduce labor costs and time for you.
Not Energy Efficient: Due to the huge amount of energy required during its installation and later to cool down the interiors, it is not a great idea to have bitumen material if you are looking for an energy-efficient product.
Weight Considerations: The material tends to be heavier than other options on this list, which may necessitate additional structural support for larger installations.
Material Cost: The upfront cost to buy bitumen is $4 to $9 per square foot.
Labor Costs: The labor cost for installing modified bitumen falls around $2 to $3 per square foot.
Total Installation Cost: The final cost of installing a 1500-square-foot roof can be as high as $9,000 to $18,000, which might include a few hidden costs that you need to check with the roofing contractor.
Materials | Cost (per square foot) | Lifespan | Suitable climate | UV resistance | Maintenance |
TPO | $2 to $3.50 | 20-30 Years | Warm, moderate | High | Low |
EPDM | $3 to $8 | 30-40 Years | Cooler climates | Moderate | Low |
PVC | $7 to $18 | 20-30 Years | Warm | Very high | Low |
Modified Bitumen | $4 to $9 | 15-20 Years | All Climates | Moderate | Medium |
Consider Your Climate: Warm climates benefit from reflective materials like TPO and PVC, while cooler areas may get more value from heat-absorbing options like EPDM.
Think About Maintenance: Some materials, like PVC, require minimal upkeep, making them great for busy homeowners. Other options, such as modified bitumen may need more frequent checks, especially in harsh weather.
Set Your Budget: Each flat roofing material has a different price point, so comparing them to each other before finalizing the product for your building might be a good idea.
Get Expert Advice: Consult with a professional roofing contractor to understand a lot more about the materials available to you, the installation process, and prices.
Selecting the right flat roofing material is the most important part of keeping your business operations running. Each option offers unique benefits, from energy efficiency to low maintenance, so consider your priorities carefully. Whether you’re interested in TPO for its eco-friendliness, EPDM for cost-effectiveness, PVC for its durability, and modified bitumen for its easy installation process, each material brings something valuable to the table.
When you’re ready to take the next step, our consultants at B & A Roofing and Gutters can provide expert advice on the best roofing materials for flat roofs for your specific setup. For a free consultation, call us at (601) 520-3183, and get the best solution for your needs.
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