Single-Ply Membrane Roofing in Houston, TX
If you own a low-slope commercial building in Houston, you will eventually have to choose a membrane. Most of the advice you get comes from whoever installs one of them. We install all three of the major single-ply systems, so we can give you a straight comparison instead of a sales pitch. This page explains what single-ply roofing is, how TPO, PVC, and EPDM actually differ, and how to decide which belongs on your building. We will also give you a second opinion at no charge. If another contractor says your roof is done, let us core it first.
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What Single-Ply
Roofing Is
Single-ply means the roof membrane goes on as one layer. Built-up and modified bitumen systems use several. The membrane comes in wide rolls. It rolls out over the insulation. Then the sheets get joined at the seams. A low-slope roof is generally one with a pitch of 2:12 or less. There are two families of single-ply. Thermoplastics cover TPO and PVC. Their seams are heat-welded, so the sheets fuse into one piece. Thermosets means EPDM. Its seams are bonded with adhesive or tape. How the roof attaches is a separate choice. Systems can be fully adhered, mechanically fastened, or ballasted. That choice drives wind performance, cost, and how the roof handles building movement.
Comparing TPO, PVC, and EPDM
TPO roofing uses a thermoplastic polyolefin membrane. It is white out of the roll, so it reflects sunlight. It is heat-welded, which makes strong seams. It is the most commonly specified new commercial membrane here. PVC roofing is also thermoplastic and heat-welded. It resists grease and chemicals. That makes it the right call for restaurants, food plants, and any roof that takes kitchen or plant exhaust. It also costs the most of the three. EPDM roofing uses a synthetic rubber membrane. It is bonded rather than welded. It comes black unless you spec otherwise. It is the easiest of the three to repair, and it has the longest field record. Reflectivity is where our climate enters the decision. ENERGY STAR guidance on cool roofs notes that a clean white roof stays far cooler than a dark one. That cuts cooling load and slows how fast the roof ages. In Houston that argues for TPO or PVC on most buildings. Or for a reflective coating over EPDM.
How We Help You Choose
There is no single right membrane. We ask about six things. What is on the roof now, and can we recover it or does it need a tear-off. What is the deck made of, and what shape is the insulation in. What comes out of the exhaust vents. Grease and solvents rule out EPDM and TPO. That leaves PVC. How much foot traffic the roof sees. Service techs walking to HVAC units wear a membrane down. What is the wind exposure, which sets the attachment method. And how long you will own the building. A property you plan to sell in three years earns a different investment than one you will hold for twenty. We survey the roof. We take core samples where we need them. Then we put the comparison in writing and let you choose.
When Restoration Beats Replacement
Not every aging single-ply roof needs to be replaced. If the membrane is intact and the insulation underneath is dry, commercial roof coatings and restoration is often the better economic answer. It extends service life, improves reflectivity, and costs substantially less than a tear-off. Moisture is the deciding factor. We use core samples and scanning to find out whether water has reached the insulation. If it has, coating over it just traps the problem. If it has not, restoration is worth serious consideration. We will tell you which situation you are in rather than defaulting to the larger job. Warranties differ too. A restoration system carries its own coverage, usually shorter than a new membrane warranty. We put both terms side by side so you can compare the real cost per year.
Why Choose STX Roofing
We are veteran-owned and based in Huffman. Russell Mullin founded the company. He is a U.S. Air Force veteran. Before this he worked as an insurance adjuster. That matters on commercial claims. Adjusters who do not know membrane systems tend to underscope the damage. We document seams, flashings, penetrations, and moisture in the format carriers expect. We are bondable to $750,000. We hold an A+ rating with the BBB. We carry GAF Master Elite and CertainTeed ShingleMaster certifications. Commercial work carries a two-year warranty. We do not waive deductibles. We do not accept assignment of benefits.
Buildings and Areas
We Serve
We install and service single-ply roofs across Greater Houston and Southeast Texas, including Houston, Huffman, Humble, Atascocita, Kingwood, Crosby, Baytown, Deer Park, La Porte, Pasadena, Channelview, Spring, and Conroe. Typical buildings are warehouses and distribution centers, light industrial and manufacturing, retail centers, restaurants, schools, churches, medical and office buildings, and multi-family properties. The industrial corridor along the ship channel puts particular demands on membrane selection, because chemical and grease exposure is common there and that narrows the field quickly. Our shop is in Huffman at 25419 FM 2100 Rd. Commercial surveys are scheduled, and we can usually get out within a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which single-ply membrane is best for a Houston building?
For most buildings, a reflective thermoplastic membrane makes sense given our cooling load. PVC is the answer where grease or chemical exhaust is present. EPDM is worth considering where repairability and long field record matter most. The building decides.
Can I recover over my existing roof instead of tearing off?
Sometimes. Code limits how many roof layers a building can carry, and the existing insulation has to be dry. We take core samples to find out before recommending a recover.
How do I know if my insulation is wet?
Core samples and infrared or capacitance moisture scanning. You cannot tell from the surface. This is the single most important thing to establish before choosing between restoration and replacement.
What thickness membrane should I use?
Thicker membranes cost more and last longer, particularly on roofs with heavy foot traffic. We spec thickness against your traffic, your wind exposure, and how long you plan to own the building.
Does ponding water void a membrane warranty?
It can, depending on the manufacturer and the duration. Water standing more than 48 hours after rain is generally considered ponding. We address drainage as part of any replacement scope.
Do you offer maintenance programs for single-ply roofs?
Yes. Scheduled inspection catches seam and flashing failures while they are still small, which is the difference between a service call and a saturated insulation replacement.
Can you work around our operating hours?
Yes. Warehouses, schools, and restaurants all have windows when roof work is disruptive. We schedule around them and stage material so the building stays usable.
How quickly can you respond to a commercial leak?
We are available around the clock for active leaks. We stop the water first with temporary measures, then come back for the permanent repair once the roof is dry.
Ready to Get Started?
Choosing a membrane is a ten to twenty year decision, and it should be made from a survey rather than a brochure. Call STX Roofing at (281) 601-7663 or request a commercial roof inspection. We will core the roof, check the insulation, compare the systems that actually fit your building, and put the recommendation in writing. Veteran-owned, bondable to $750,000, and based in Huffman. Surveys and estimates are free.
