TPO Roofing Alabama | Commercial Roof Types Huntsville AL | Flat Roof Solutions for Businesses
When it comes to commercial roofing, one size definitely doesn’t fit all—especially in Alabama. With high humidity, scorching summer heat, seasonal storms, and occasional freezing temperatures, your commercial building needs a roofing system that’s built to stand up to the region’s unique weather conditions.
At 1 Stop Roofing & Exteriors, we help business owners, facility managers, and property developers choose the right roofing system for long-term performance and energy savings. Here’s a breakdown of the top commercial roofing systems used in Huntsville and across North Alabama, along with the pros and cons of each.
1. TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin)
✅ Pros:
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Highly reflective surface reduces cooling costs
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Seam-welded for strong waterproofing
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Mold, puncture, and UV resistant
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Low maintenance and cost-effective
🚫 Cons:
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Less flexible in extremely cold conditions
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Quality can vary depending on manufacturer
Best for: Retail buildings, warehouses, and office parks looking for energy efficiency and durability.
2. EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)
✅ Pros:
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Excellent resistance to UV rays and ozone
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Performs well in both hot and cold temperatures
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Easy and quick to install
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Low upfront cost
🚫 Cons:
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Black surface absorbs heat, increasing cooling needs
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Vulnerable to punctures without protective layer
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Seams are glued rather than heat-welded
Best for: Low-slope commercial roofs where initial cost is a priority and temperature fluctuation is a factor.
3. Modified Bitumen Roofing
✅ Pros:
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Tough, multi-layer system resists tears and foot traffic
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Performs well under fluctuating temperatures
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Can be applied with cold adhesive or heat for flexibility
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Ideal for flat or low-slope roofs
🚫 Cons:
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Requires professional installation to avoid seam issues
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Less energy-efficient unless surfaced with a reflective coating
Best for: Industrial buildings or facilities with foot traffic and mechanical equipment on the roof.
4. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
✅ Pros:
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Excellent chemical resistance
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Naturally fire-retardant
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Heat-welded seams for superior leak resistance
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Long lifespan and low maintenance
🚫 Cons:
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Higher material cost compared to TPO or EPDM
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May become brittle in cold weather over time
Best for: Restaurants, manufacturing facilities, or commercial buildings with grease or chemical exposure.
5. Metal Roofing Systems
✅ Pros:
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Incredibly durable and long-lasting (up to 50+ years)
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Great for steep-slope commercial applications
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Fire, wind, and hail resistant
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Can be coated for energy efficiency
🚫 Cons:
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Higher upfront cost
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Can be noisy without proper insulation
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Not ideal for every commercial roof layout
Best for: Sloped commercial buildings, high-visibility storefronts, or businesses seeking long-term ROI.
Choosing the Right System for Your Business
The best roofing system for your building depends on:
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Roof slope and layout
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Budget and energy goals
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Expected foot traffic
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Exposure to chemicals or grease
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How long you plan to own or manage the property
At 1 Stop Roofing & Exteriors, we help you weigh the options and choose a system that’s built to last in Alabama’s climate—installed by certified professionals who get the job done right.
Need help choosing the best commercial roofing system?
📞 Call us today at 256-424-2744 or schedule a consultation with our Huntsville-based roofing experts.
