When people think of roofing, they usually picture a steep, shingled slope. But a surprising number of Bay Area homes have flat or low-slope sections — covered patios, garage extensions, room additions, or even entire rooftops. These areas can't use traditional shingles. They need a roofing system designed specifically for flat surfaces. That's where TPO comes in.
What is TPO?
TPO stands for Thermoplastic Polyolefin. It's a single-ply membrane that gets rolled out across the roof surface and heat-welded at the seams. Unlike shingles, which rely on gravity and overlap to shed water, TPO creates a continuous, seamless barrier. There are no gaps, no tabs, and no places for water to sneak through. It's specifically engineered for surfaces where water doesn't run off quickly — which is the whole challenge with flat roofs.
Why TPO Works for Flat Roofs
Flat roofs have a unique problem: water sits. Even with a slight slope for drainage, a flat roof holds water longer than a pitched roof. That means your roofing material needs to be completely watertight — not just water-resistant. TPO handles this because the seams are heat-welded together, creating a bond that's actually stronger than the membrane itself. There are no nail holes, no exposed adhesive, and no weak points.
TPO also reflects UV rays, which helps keep your home cooler in the summer. On a flat surface that gets direct sun all day, that reflectivity makes a real difference in attic temperature and energy costs.
When Do You Need TPO?
Here are the most common situations where we install TPO for homeowners:
- Covered Patios and Carports: These often have flat or nearly flat roofs that can't shed water effectively with shingles.
- Garage Extensions and Room Additions: When a new structure is built with a flat roofline, TPO is the right choice for the top.
- Low-Slope Sections: Some homes have a mix of steep and flat sections. The flat portions need a membrane system while the steep sections get shingles.
- Full Flat Roofs: Some home designs, especially mid-century and modern styles, feature entirely flat rooftops.
If you have a flat section that's leaking, bubbling, or showing cracks in the existing membrane, it's likely time for a replacement.
Why We Offer TPO
We're a shingle company at heart — CertainTeed and Owens Corning are our bread and butter. But after 34 years in the Bay Area, we've seen enough flat roof sections to know that homeowners need a trusted option for these areas too. Rather than send you to someone else, we handle TPO installations in-house with the same crew, the same standards, and the same commitment to quality.
We don't subcontract flat roof work. Our team installs the TPO membrane, welds the seams, and handles all flashing and edge details. You get one crew, one point of contact, and one warranty covering the whole job — whether your roof is steep, flat, or a mix of both.
How to Get Started
If you have a flat or low-slope roof that needs attention, the process is simple. Give us a call or reach out through our contact page. We'll assess the area, walk you through the TPO system, and provide a custom quote based on your specific situation. Flat roof pricing varies by project size and complexity, so we don't list a standard rate — but we'll give you a clear, transparent number before any work begins.
Whether it's a small patio cover or a full flat roof replacement, we're here to help. Same honesty, same quality, same crew.