When it comes to commercial flat roofing, there are two standout options that professionals turn to time and time again: TPO and EPDM. Both are single-ply membranes trusted for their performance, longevity, and ease of installation — but they’re very different materials. Understanding what sets them apart can help you make the best decision for your building, budget, and climate zone.

Let’s dig into the key differences, starting with what these roofing systems are made of and how they perform in the real world.

What Is TPO Roofing?

TPO, or Thermoplastic Olefin, is a type of single-ply membrane made from a blend of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber. It was introduced in the 1990s as a cost-effective alternative to PVC roofing. TPO membranes are most commonly white, though gray and tan options exist. That bright white surface isn’t just cosmetic — it reflects sunlight, making TPO a highly energy-efficient “cool roofing” solution.

TPO membranes are installed using mechanical fasteners or adhesives and feature hot-air welded seams. Those heat-welded seams provide a watertight barrier and are one of TPO’s biggest selling points, particularly in areas prone to heavy rain or standing water.

What is PVC Roofing?

A Complete Guide to One of the Industry's Most Durable Flat Roof Systems

In the world of commercial and flat roofing systems, few materials have earned a reputation quite like PVC. Known for its durability, weather resistance, and low maintenance, PVC roofing has become a top choice for building owners, contractors, and architects alike. But what exactly is it? How does it compare to other roofing systems? And is it right for your next project?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down what PVC roofing is, how it works, its pros and cons, and why it’s considered one of the most reliable roofing membranes in the industry.

What is PVC Roofing?

PVC roofing stands for Polyvinyl Chloride roofing — a single-ply roofing membrane made from a blend of synthetic plastic polymers. Originally developed in Europe in the 1960s, PVC roofing made its way to the U.S. market as a high-performance solution for flat and low-slope commercial roofing.

PVC membranes are usually white or light-colored and are typically installed in sheets that are either mechanically fastened, fully adhered, or ballasted. The seams are welded together using heat (hot-air welding), creating a watertight, monolithic surface that’s both durable and flexible.

Wondering which roofing torch to use? Here’s everything you need to know — from the difference between a detail torch and a full-size burner to what makes our Magnum Torch line the best in the business. Every torch we sell comes with a high-quality hose and adjustable regulator, so you're ready to roll right out of the box.

Whether you're doing fine seam work on flashing or laying down a full modified bitumen cap sheet, we've got you covered with:

• Long Handle Torch Kit w/ Electric Starter - Long Handle Torch Kit w/ Electric Starter

• Magnum Detail Torch - Magnum Detail Torch

• Magnum Torch - Magnum Torch

• Magnum Torch Combo Kit - Magnum Torch Combo

In this article, we’ll break down what makes each torch unique, when to use a detail torch vs. a standard one, and how to get the most from your flame. Let’s fire it up.

TPO roofing — short for Thermoplastic Olefin — is one of the most popular roofing materials for flat and low-slope roofs, and for good reason: it's energy-efficient, affordable, durable, and easier to install than you might think.

If you’re new to roofing or just learning the ropes of TPO, this guide is for you. I’ll walk you through what it is, how it’s installed step-by-step (especially when glue is involved), and what tools you’ll need along the way. Let’s make sure you do it right the first time.

So… What Is TPO Roofing?

TPO is a single-ply white membrane that’s commonly used on commercial buildings. It comes in wide rolls — usually 10 to 12 feet — and it's either fully adhered (glued down), mechanically fastened, or ballasted (we’ll focus on glue-down here).

It’s made from a blend of polypropylene and rubber, and it's designed to reflect sunlight, which helps keep buildings cooler and reduces energy bills.

Some major perks of TPO:

• Highly reflective: ENERGY STAR-rated for its cooling effect

• Affordable: Less expensive than PVC but still heat-weldable

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Mastering the Spud Bar: A Roofer’s Best Friend for Commercial Tear-Offs

When it comes to commercial roofing tear-offs, speed, efficiency, and muscle matter. Among the arsenal of roofing tools, one that’s often underestimated — but absolutely essential — is the spud bar. This rugged, no-frills tool plays a critical role in removing old roofing materials, especially built-up roofs (BUR) and modified bitumen systems. Knowing how to use a spud bar correctly can save time, energy, and wear-and-tear on your power tools.

What Is a Spud Bar in Roofing?

A spud bar, sometimes called a roofing spud bar or roof scraper, is a heavy-duty steel bar with a flat, sharpened blade on one end and a long handle for leverage. It’s specifically designed to remove embedded roofing materials like asphalt, gravel, and tar, especially when those layers cling stubbornly to the roof deck.

In commercial roofing, this tool is used to “spud” — or scrape — the roof surface clean before new membrane installation. Think of it as the manual muscle behind surface prep.

How to Use a Spud Bar on a Commercial Roof

1. Prep the Area

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Torch down roofing is a tough, long-lasting flat roof system that’s installed using heat to bond the material directly to the surface. It’s trusted by pros for its waterproof performance and durability — especially on low-slope roofs.

In this guide, we’ll break down what torch down roofing is, how to install it, and what tools you’ll need — including links to the exact gear you should have on hand.

🔥 What Is Torch Down Roofing?

Torch down roofing is made from modified bitumen membranes that are applied with an open-flame roofing torch. The torch melts the underside of the membrane, which fuses to the roof for a watertight seal.

Types of Torch Down Systems:

• Two-layer system: base + cap sheet

• Three-layer system: base + interply + cap sheet (best for heavy-duty protection)

Membranes are typically made from APP (atactic polypropylene) or SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene), both known for excellent weather resistance and flexibility.

🧰 Tools You’ll Need for Torch Down Roofing

Make sure you’ve got the essentials before starting:

Short Answer:

👉 1 roofing square equals 100 square feet.

This quick rule helps roofers, contractors, and homeowners accurately estimate the amount of materials needed for any roofing project. Whether you're re-shingling a small shed or planning a full roof replacement, understanding what a square means in roofing is the first step.

📐 What Is a Roofing Square?

In the roofing world, a square is a unit of measure that equals 100 square feet of roof area. Rather than talking in square feet, roofers use “squares” to make estimating faster and more consistent.

For example:

If a roof measures 2,000 square feet, it would be 20 roofing squares.

🧮 How to Measure and Calculate Roofing Squares

To estimate how many squares your roof needs:

1. Use a tape measure wheel to measure the length and width of each roof section.

   📌 Rock Solid 100' Open Reel Tape Measure

2. Multiply length × width to get square footage per section.

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1. Roofing Hatchet (or Roofing Hammer)

A must-have for any roofer, this tool combines a shingle cutter, hammer, and gauge all in one. Look for a model with a magnetized face and built-in shingle gauge for faster installs.

👉 All-Steel Magnetic Hatchet 20 oz.

2. Shingle Remover (Shingle Ripper / Tear-Off Bar)

This is your go-to for roof tear-off tools. With a serrated, angled head and long handle, it rips up shingles and nails in one smooth motion.

👉 48" All Metal Shingle Shovel with Replaceable Blade

3. Roofing Utility Knife

Precision is key on every cut. Hook blades glide through shingles like butter, perfect for ridge caps, valleys, and starter strips.

👉 SureGrip Heavy Duty Knife

4. Chalk Line

lean Up Your Yard Like a Pro: Why Magnet Sweepers for Yards Are a Game-Changer

If you’ve ever stepped on a rogue nail or found rusty screws hiding in the grass, you already know the importance of keeping your yard debris-free. Whether you're a DIY warrior, a weekend mechanic, or just cleaning up after a construction project, magnet sweepers for yards are an absolute must-have tool. Designed to pull metal objects out of the grass and soil, these rugged devices do more than just tidy up — they protect your family, pets, tires, and lawn equipment.

What Are Magnet Sweepers for Yards?

Magnet sweepers are essentially heavy-duty magnets mounted on wheels, handles, or even towable frames. They’re designed to pick up metal debris like nails, screws, bolts, and other ferrous objects that can get buried in grass or hidden in gravel. While you could walk around with a magnet on a stick, dedicated magnet sweepers for yards make the job faster, more thorough, and easier on your back.

Some models look like push brooms with a magnetic bar attached, while others are tow-behind units for lawn tractors or ATVs. They range from compact, hand-held versions for small cleanups to industrial-strength sweepers capable of covering wide swaths of land in one go.

Tearing off an old roof is tough work—but it doesn’t have to be slow. Whether you're a pro contractor or tackling a DIY reroof, using the right tools for roofing tear-off can cut hours off the job and save your back in the process.

In this guide, we’ll show you the fastest way to tear off a roof—and the essential tools that make it happen.

🔧 What Slows Down Roof Tear-Off?

If you’re doing it the hard way, here’s what usually eats time:

• Cheap tools that bend or break

• Shovels that slide under nails instead of popping them

• Wasting time cleaning up debris or nails

• Working with the wrong team setup

The trick? Have the right roofing tear-off tools lined up before you even hit the ladder.

🚀 Fastest Way to Tear Off a Roof: Step-by-StepStep 1: Prep the Job Site

• Lay tarps around the base to catch debris

• Cover landscaping and AC units

• Stage tools and bins for fast access

Step 2: Start at the Peak

• Use a tear-off shovel or pitchfork to loosen shingles

• Push downward in strips—don’t scatter shingles everywhere

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Whether you're re-shingling a residential home or outfitting a full commercial crew, RoofingToolsOnline.com is your one-stop shop for reliable, pro-grade roofing tools and equipment. We supply everything a roofer needs to get the job done right — with the durability, precision, and price that contractors demand.

🔨 Top-Quality Roofing Equipment, Built to Perform

We carry a curated selection of the most trusted brands and contractor-approved tools in the roofing industry, including:

• Roofing Staples & Fasteners – Industrial-grade staples and nails designed for maximum hold and compatibility.

• Utility Knives & Blades – Perfect for cutting shingles, underlayment, and flashing with ease.

• Magnetic Sweepers – Clean up job sites fast and stay compliant with safety standards.

• Roofing Safety Gear – Harnesses, anchors, and PPE to keep your team protected.

Whether you're looking for everyday essentials or hard-to-find specialty items, we’ve got the roofing equipment you can count on.

🧰 Designed for Roofing Crews, Built for the Job Site

Why Quality Roofing Tools Matter

Roofing isn't just another home improvement job—it demands precision, strength, and endurance. Using the wrong tool can lead to delays, damage, or even injury. The right tools for roofing help you:

• Finish projects faster

• Work safer on steep slopes

• Improve accuracy and reduce waste

• Achieve a clean, professional finish

That’s why our curated lineup of roofing tools includes only trusted brands, contractor-grade materials, and gear built to withstand tough job site conditions.

Our Best-Selling Roofing Tools

Here are just a few of the top roofing tools we currently have in stock:

1. Coil Roofing Nailers

Lightweight, powerful, and jam-resistant. Perfect for asphalt shingles, fiber cement, and more.

2. Roofing Shovels & Tear-Off Bars

Engineered for speed and efficiency, these tools make tearing off old roofs easy—even on the hottest days.

3. Roofing Hatchets & Hammers

Ergonomically designed for all-day use with built-in gauges to help align shingles properly.

4. Seam Rollers & Membrane Tools