TPO or metal retrofit? Understanding the tradeoffs

By The Coffee Shops™. 

How to determine which option is right for the job, and what each option has to offer.  

When contractors meet with building owners to discuss an aging metal roof, the conversation often comes down to two possibilities: recover the roof with a thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) system or retrofit it with a new metal roof. In an episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Heidi Ellsworth sat down with Roof Hugger founding partner, Dale Nelson, to discuss the strengths, limitations and long-term implications of each approach. 

Dale unpacked why TPO holds appeal for many building owners. “One of the big positives of TPO is that it's less expensive,” he said. He went on to explain that TPO can be a practical option for low-slope roofs and buildings with numerous penetrations, various rooftop equipment or complex design needs. He also noted that these systems can incorporate insulation and provide a reflective surface that contributes to energy efficiency. 

Still, Dale believes that contractors should help owners understand that cost is only one part of the equation. “TPO is going to last you 18 to 25 years,” he said, while adding that metal roofing systems can deliver significantly longer service lives. “Metal is simply going to outlast any other roofing material out there, so it's an investment no question.” 

The discussion also touched on sustainability and future flexibility. Dale contrasted the average 70% recycled content of steel roofing with that of TPO which is around 4½%.  He highlights the ability to add photovoltaic systems to standing-seam metal roofs years later in a building's life cycle. “It's a solar-ready roof,” he noted. 

For contractors, the key takeaway is understanding a building owner's goals before recommending a system. Budget, expected ownership timeline, roof configuration and future building value can all influence the decision. 

Ultimately, Dale encouraged contractors and owners to look beyond initial installation costs and consider potential TPO overloading, code compliance, long-term performance, maintenance requirements and lifecycle value when evaluating roofing options. 

Listen to the entire podcast or Watch the video to learn more about TPO and metal retrofit roofing options.