Flat & Single-Ply Roofing
Seattle & Greater Area

Both perform excellently in Seattle's climate. TPO is slightly more cost-effective and is by far the most common choice for residential and standard commercial applications. PVC costs about 15–20% more but offers superior chemical resistance and stronger weld strength — ideal for commercial kitchens, restaurants, or anywhere with grease or chemical exposure. We'll help you choose based on your specific building.

A properly installed TPO or PVC membrane lasts 20–30 years in Seattle's climate. EPDM typically runs 15–25 years. The key factors are installation quality, proper drainage design, and regular maintenance (clearing drains, inspecting seams annually). Seattle's rain is actually gentler on flat roofs than the UV exposure in sunnier climates — moisture is the enemy, and our membranes are built for it.

Ponding water (standing water remaining 48+ hours after rain) shortens membrane life significantly. Solutions include installing tapered insulation to create positive drainage slope, adding drains or scuppers, or in some cases regrading the structure. We assess the drainage situation as part of every flat roof evaluation and include the solution in the estimate.

All three membrane types (TPO, PVC, EPDM) can handle foot traffic for maintenance purposes. For rooftop decks with regular traffic, we install walkway pads that protect the membrane. Commercial applications with frequent access may use pavers or specialized protection boards. We discuss your usage plans during the estimate to specify the right system.

Not necessarily. If the membrane is in good overall condition and the leak is isolated — typically at a seam, penetration, or flashing — we can repair it at a fraction of replacement cost. If the membrane is brittle, heavily cracked, or has widespread seam failure, a full replacement is the more economical long-term solution. We give you an honest assessment with photos.