Single-ply flat roofs · Brooklyn

Tpo Vs. Epdm Roofing: Which Fits Your Roof

Tpo vs epdm roofing is a choice between white, heat-welded TPO for sun-baked roofs and black, easy-to-patch EPDM for roofs with heavy foot traffic, and BST Roofers confirms the right one on your roof. TPO is reflective and energy-saving. EPDM is glued or taped rubber that stays flexible in the cold. Want us to look at your roof? Call (929) 295-4523.

Get your free estimate Talk to a rooferCall (929) 295-4523

A Brooklyn flat roof with a white TPO membrane beside a neighbouring black EPDM rubber roof

TPO · White, heat-weldedSun-baked roofs

EPDM · Black rubberRoofs with heavy foot traffic

Six points, two membranes

TPO and EPDM side by side

Attribute	Best fit · sun-baked roofs TPO Thermoplastic single-ply	Best fit · heavy foot traffic EPDM Synthetic rubber single-ply
Membrane color	White, reflective	Black rubber
Seams	Heat-welded	Glued or taped
Lifespan	Long when maintained	Long when maintained
Energy use	Lower cooling costs	Absorbs more heat
Repair ease	Patch and re-weld	Simple patching
Cost per square foot	Moderate	Often lower

Swipe to see both membranes

Best fit: TPO for sun-baked roofs, EPDM for roofs with heavy foot traffic.

Where roofs fail

Seams decide more than color

A heat-welded TPO seam becomes one bonded joint.

Glued or taped EPDM seams are the classic weak point on an aging roof, which is why we check them first. Both membranes can be fully adhered, mechanically attached or ballasted.

Fully adhered Mechanically attached Ballasted

See where EPDM seams and details fail.

Close-up of a single-ply membrane seam on a Brooklyn flat roof, where two sheets overlap and are joined

How the seam is joined

TPO · heat-weldedOne bonded joint

EPDM · glued or tapedChecked first on aging roofs

What your roof goes through

Sun, cold and foot traffic

Sun

White TPO reflects heat and trims cooling costs.

Favors TPO

Cold and traffic

EPDM stays flexible in winter and resists punctures underfoot.

Favors EPDM

Ponding water

Both tolerate it better than most roofs, but weak drainage still needs fixing.

Both membranes

Fit by property

The likelier membrane for each Brooklyn roof

Property	Likelier fit
Brownstone, row house	EPDM
Multi-family building	TPO
Mixed-use, storefront	TPO
Warehouse	TPO

Brownstone to warehouse

Which roof gets which membrane

Brownstones and row houses often suit EPDM, since patching is simple. Multi-family and mixed-use buildings lean toward TPO for the cooling savings. Warehouses and retail roofs usually go TPO.

Need a full tear-off? See:

Replacing a roof with TPO Replacing a roof with EPDM

No guesswork pricing

Cost, lifespan and warranty in plain terms

Thickness in mils Roof size Tear-off Access

Price follows membrane thickness in mils, roof size, tear-off and access.

Warranty terms follow the manufacturer and the thickness you choose. We do not quote figures without seeing your roof.

Read what TPO installation costs or what EPDM repairs cost for the details.

Straight answers

Tpo vs epdm roofing FAQ

Can one go over the other?

Sometimes, but only when the old membrane and insulation are dry and sound. We check before we say yes.

Which lasts longer?

Neither wins outright. Both last a long time when installed well and maintained.

Which is easier to repair?

EPDM is the simpler patch. TPO repairs are clean when the roof is dry and prepared.

Which is better for a Brooklyn row house?

Usually EPDM, because of its easy repairs and durability underfoot.

Get your free estimate

TPO or EPDM? We'll tell you straight

Not sure which membrane belongs on your roof? We will look and tell you straight. Get your free estimate or call (929) 295-4523.

Get your free estimate Talk to a rooferCall (929) 295-4523