TPO roofing membranes come in 45 mil, 60 mil, and 80 mil thicknesses. Learn which TPO thickness is best for your Georgia home or commercial building.

How thick is TPO roofing?

Single Ply Roofing FAQs
November 16, 2025•2 min read

How Thick Is TPO Roofing?

Q: What are the standard thicknesses for TPO roofing?
A: TPO membranes typically come in three thicknesses:

  • 45 mil (good for residential or budget-conscious projects)

  • 60 mil (the most common choice for commercial roofs)

  • 80 mil (ideal for high-traffic or long-term durability)

Q: What does “mil” mean in TPO roofing?
A: A mil is a unit of measurement that equals one-thousandth of an inch.
So:

  • 45 mil = 0.045 inches

  • 60 mil = 0.060 inches

  • 80 mil = 0.080 inches

Q: Is thicker TPO always better?
A: Thicker TPO offers more benefits, especially for commercial roofs:

  • Higher puncture resistance

  • Longer lifespan

  • Better performance under foot traffic or rooftop equipment

But for residential homes in Georgia, a 45 mil membrane may be enough—especially if your roof isn’t walked on often and you're watching your budget.

Q: What thickness is best for my Georgia roof?
It depends on how you use your roof:

  • Residential low-slope roofs (like in Sandy Springs, Warner Robins, or Roswell): 45 or 60 mil may be suitable.

  • Commercial roofs or rooftops with heavy HVAC equipment: Go with 60 or 80 mil.

  • Flat roofs with high foot traffic (restaurants, apartments, offices): 80 mil is worth the investment.

Q: What do most commercial roofers use?
Most commercial applications in Georgia use 60 mil TPO, balancing performance and cost.
80 mil is preferred for maximum protection and longevity.

Q: Does TPO thickness affect energy efficiency?
Not directly. TPO’s white reflective surface is what helps with energy efficiency, not its thickness. But thicker membranes can provide better insulation when paired with quality roof insulation like polyiso foam board.

Need help choosing the right TPO roof?
Call Roof Nuts today at 404-476-6851 or visit RoofNutsGA.com for a free inspection. We serve homeowners and businesses across Georgia, including Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, Savannah, Athens, and more.

Related FAQs

What is TPO roofing made of?
TPO stands for thermoplastic polyolefin—a blend of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber. It’s a single-ply membrane that’s flexible, UV-resistant, and heat-welded at the seams.

How long does TPO roofing last?
A properly installed TPO roof can last 20–30 years, especially when using 60 mil or thicker membranes.

Is TPO roofing good for Georgia’s climate?
Yes. TPO handles heat, humidity, and UV exposure well—ideal for Georgia’s hot summers and occasional storms.

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