Everything you need to know about flat and low-slope roofing systems — TPO, EPDM, PVC, modified bitumen, BUR, and commercial metal roofing.
TPO has become the most popular commercial roofing membrane in North America, and for good reason. It's heat-weldable (creating watertight seams), energy-efficient (white reflective surface), and competitively priced. If you're spec'ing a new flat roof today, TPO is likely your default choice.
New construction, restaurants (grease-resistant), buildings prioritizing energy efficiency, and budget-conscious commercial projects. Top brands: Carlisle, Firestone, GAF, Johns Manville.
Shop TPO on Amazon →EPDM — the classic "rubber roof" — has been the workhorse of commercial roofing for 50+ years. It's the most time-tested single-ply membrane with a proven track record. Black EPDM absorbs heat (good in cold climates), while white EPDM reflects it.
Cold climates (stays flexible in freezing temps), reroofing over existing systems, and buildings where proven long-term performance matters most. Top brands: Firestone, Carlisle, Johns Manville.
Shop EPDM on Amazon →PVC membranes are the premium single-ply option. Like TPO, seams are hot-air welded, but PVC has a longer track record and superior chemical resistance — making it the go-to for restaurants, laboratories, and any building with rooftop exhaust from kitchens or manufacturing.
Restaurants and food processing, chemical plants, buildings with rooftop grease exposure, and projects where long-term reliability justifies the premium. Top brands: Sika Sarnafil, Duro-Last, IB Roof.
Shop PVC on Amazon →Modified bitumen is an evolution of the traditional built-up roof. It combines asphalt with rubber or plastic modifiers (SBS or APP) applied in sheets. It's tougher than BUR, easier to install, and provides excellent waterproofing and foot traffic resistance.
Buildings with heavy rooftop equipment, areas needing regular maintenance access, cold climates (SBS mod bit), and projects where a multi-layer system adds redundancy. Top brands: GAF, Firestone, Polyglass.
Shop Mod Bit on Amazon →The original flat roof system — built-up roofing uses multiple layers of bitumen and reinforcing fabrics (typically 3–5 plies) topped with gravel or a cap sheet. BUR has been used for 100+ years and still performs well, though it's being replaced by single-ply on most new projects.
Existing BUR roofs needing maintenance or overlay, projects where multi-layer redundancy is critical, and buildings where the gravel surface provides ballast and UV protection.
Metal roofing isn't just for houses. Standing seam and R-panel metal systems are increasingly used on commercial buildings, warehouses, and retail structures. They offer the longest lifespan of any commercial roof and require the least maintenance.
Warehouses, retail buildings, churches, schools, and any structure where the owner wants a 50+ year roof with minimal maintenance. See our full metal roofing guide →
| System | Cost/sq ft | Lifespan | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| TPO | $3.50 – $7.50 | 20 – 30 yrs | New construction, energy efficiency |
| EPDM | $3.00 – $6.00 | 25 – 35 yrs | Cold climates, proven reliability |
| PVC | $5.00 – $10.00 | 25 – 35+ yrs | Restaurants, chemical resistance |
| Modified Bitumen | $3.50 – $6.50 | 20 – 30 yrs | Foot traffic, multi-layer redundancy |
| BUR | $4.00 – $8.00 | 20 – 30 yrs | Existing BUR systems, ballasted |
| Metal | $5.00 – $14.00 | 40 – 70+ yrs | Warehouses, long-term ownership |