What is TPO Retrofit Roofing?

by S&K Construction And Remodeling | May 12, 2025 | Blog

What is TPO Retrofit Roofing? A Complete Guide for Commercial Property Owners

If you’re a commercial property owner or facilities manager searching for a cost-effective, energy-efficient, and low-maintenance way to upgrade your existing flat roof, you’ve likely come across the term TPO retrofit roofing. But what exactly is it? Why is it becoming one of the most popular commercial roofing solutions in the U.S.? And is it right for your building?

At S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC, we help building owners across Jefferson, Ashtabula County, and the greater Northeast Ohio area choose roofing solutions that protect their property, reduce costs, and increase long-term performance. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about TPO retrofit roofing—what it is, how it works, its benefits, drawbacks, cost considerations, and why it might be the perfect solution for your roof.

What Is TPO Roofing?
What Does “Retrofit” Roofing Mean?
How Does TPO Retrofit Roofing Work?
Benefits of TPO Retrofit Roofing
TPO Retrofit vs Roof Replacement
TPO Retrofit Installation Process
Cost of TPO Retrofit Roofing
How Long Does a TPO Retrofit Last?
Is Your Roof a Good Candidate for Retrofit?
Local Expertise in Northeast Ohio: Why Choose S&K
Financing Options Available
Final Thoughts

1. What Is TPO Roofing?

TPO stands for Thermoplastic Polyolefin, a single-ply roofing membrane made from a blend of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber. TPO roofing is white or light-colored, highly reflective, durable, and resistant to UV, heat, chemicals, and punctures.

It’s ideal for flat and low-slope commercial roofs, especially for businesses looking to improve energy efficiency.

2. What Does “Retrofit” Roofing Mean?

A retrofit roofing system involves installing a new roofing membrane over an existing roof rather than tearing off the old one. This is especially useful when the current roof is still structurally sound but may be leaking or losing performance due to age or damage.

A TPO retrofit system saves money, reduces downtime, and minimizes disruption compared to a full replacement.

3. How Does TPO Retrofit Roofing Work?

Here’s a simplified overview of the TPO retrofit roofing process:

Inspection and Assessment
Roofers assess the existing roofing system to ensure it’s a good candidate for retrofit.
Surface Preparation
Any wet or damaged insulation is removed, and minor repairs are made.
Adding Insulation (Optional)
Additional insulation boards may be added to improve R-value.
Installing the Retrofit System
A cover board or separator sheet is installed to act as a buffer between the old roof and new membrane.
Applying the TPO Membrane
The TPO membrane is rolled out and adhered, mechanically fastened, or heat-welded into place.
Flashing and Detailing
All penetrations, edges, drains, and curbs are sealed.
Final Inspection
The completed system is inspected for quality, code compliance, and manufacturer warranty approval.

4. Benefits of TPO Retrofit Roofing

Here’s why building owners throughout Northeast Ohio are opting for TPO retrofit systems:

✅ Cost-Effective

No tear-off means less labor and disposal, reducing total project costs.

✅ Energy Efficient

TPO reflects up to 85% of UV rays, lowering air conditioning bills in the summer.

✅ Environmentally Friendly

Less material waste goes to landfills, and the membrane is often recyclable.

✅ Quick Installation

Minimal disruption to operations—your business can often remain open during the process.

✅ Lightweight

TPO membranes won’t add significant weight to the structure, preserving the building’s integrity.

✅ Durable

TPO resists punctures, algae, mold, chemicals, and UV radiation.

✅ Compatible with Existing Roofs

Most retrofit systems work over EPDM, mod-bit, BUR, and metal roofing systems.

5. TPO Retrofit vs Roof Replacement

Feature	TPO Retrofit	Roof Replacement
Tear-Off Required	No	Yes
Downtime	Minimal	Longer
Cost	Lower	Higher
Waste Disposal	Minimal	Significant
Energy Efficiency	High	High (if TPO used)
Time to Install	Faster	Slower
Structural Impact	Less invasive	More structural consideration

Bottom line: If your current roof is structurally sound but aging, a TPO retrofit can deliver similar performance to a full replacement at a lower cost.

6. TPO Retrofit Installation Process

Here’s a closer look at how S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC performs TPO retrofits:

Free Onsite Evaluation
Moisture Scanning with infrared or nuclear equipment
Core Sampling to inspect insulation and decking
Designing the Custom Retrofit Solution
Permitting and Planning
Installation by Certified Crews
Final Walkthrough and Warranty Delivery

We’re an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor, so you can count on top-tier workmanship and product warranties.

7. Cost of TPO Retrofit Roofing

How much does a TPO retrofit roof cost in Ohio?

Costs typically range from $5 to $10 per square foot, depending on:

Existing roof type
Roof size and complexity
Insulation requirements
Membrane thickness (45mil, 60mil, 80mil)
Labor access and safety needs

For a 20,000 sq ft commercial building, that’s roughly $100,000 to $200,000, but S&K Construction and Remodeling offers competitive pricing, free estimates, and flexible financing to make it work for your budget.

8. How Long Does a TPO Retrofit Last?

A professionally installed TPO retrofit system can last 20 to 30 years, depending on:

Membrane thickness
UV exposure
Maintenance frequency
Foot traffic on the roof

We recommend annual inspections and cleanings to maximize the life of your roof.

9. Is Your Roof a Good Candidate for Retrofit?

Here’s a quick checklist:

✅ Low-slope or flat roof
✅ Structurally sound decking
✅ Some leaks but not major water damage
✅ Seeking energy savings
✅ Looking to avoid full tear-off
✅ Business can’t afford long downtime

If this sounds like your building in Youngstown, Jefferson, Ashtabula, Akron, Cleveland, or surrounding areas, S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC can perform a free inspection and help you determine if retrofit is right for you.

10. Local Expertise in Northeast Ohio: Why Choose S&K?

At S&K Construction and Remodeling, we’re not just any roofing company. We’re your local experts, with deep knowledge of Ohio weather, roofing codes, and flat roof systems that stand up to heavy snow, freeze-thaw cycles, and summer heat.

Why We Stand Out:

✅ Family-owned and operated in Jefferson, OH
✅ Owens Corning Preferred Contractor
✅ 5-star Google Reviews
✅ Licensed, insured, bonded
✅ 24/7 emergency repair service
✅ Warrantied work on every project

We proudly serve Ashtabula, Lake, Geauga, Trumbull, Mahoning, Portage, Cuyahoga, and Summit counties—including communities like Mentor, Willoughby, Painesville, Madison, Chardon, Youngstown, and Beachwood.

11. Financing Options Available

Worried about cost? We’ve got you covered.

S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC offers easy financing options to spread out payments and get your retrofit roof started now.

We work with top lending partners to offer:

✅ Low monthly payments
✅ 0% interest promotions (for qualified buyers)
✅ No upfront cash required
✅ Fast approval process

Ask us during your estimate for a no-obligation financing consultation.

12. Final Thoughts: Is TPO Retrofit Roofing Right for You?

If you’re a commercial building owner in Northeast Ohio looking for a cost-effective, energy-saving, and long-lasting alternative to roof replacement, TPO retrofit roofing might be your best option.

You’ll avoid tear-off costs, extend the life of your building, improve energy efficiency, and even qualify for rebates or tax deductions related to energy improvements.

Schedule Your Free Estimate Today

Ready to find out if a TPO retrofit roof is the right fit for your property?

Contact S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC today. We’ll inspect your roof, explain your options, and give you a clear quote—with no pressure and no surprises.

📞 Call us at (330) 509-2021
📍 Based in Jefferson, OH, serving all of Northeast Ohio
🌐 Visit us at skremodeling.com

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