What are single-ply membrane roof pros and cons on a commercial roof?

Single-ply membrane roofing is a type of commercial roofing system that is popular for its durability, ease of installation, and cost-effectiveness. Here are the pros and cons of single-ply membrane roofing, broken down into bullet points:

Pros:

Easy installation: Single-ply membrane roofs can be installed quickly and efficiently, reducing the amount of time and labor required for the installation process. The skills and understanding of the single ply membrane install itself and how to install is a low barrier to entry in roofing. This allows a cost savings in the market adoption.  

Lightweight: Single-ply membranes are lightweight, which means they don’t put as much stress on the building’s structure as heavier roofing materials.

Cost-effective: Single-ply membrane roofs are typically less expensive to install than other types of commercial roofing systems, making them a cost-effective option for many businesses.

Durable: Single-ply membranes are made of high-quality, weather-resistant materials, making them a durable option for commercial roofing.

Energy-efficient: Some single-ply membrane roofing systems are designed to reflect the sun’s rays, reducing the amount of heat that enters the building and helping to lower energy costs.

To oversimplify, most single plys are like a pool liner that can be installed via fasters or fully adhered with glue. The fastener version is covered with a lap from the adjoining sheet and heat welded shut. It’s quite simple. You’ll hear two different phrases in the single ply world regarding installation practice. Mechanically fastened and Fully Adhered. If you’re willing to spend a bit more money using a glue system allows for less penetrations through a substrate which is ideal for leak source creation. Fully adhered membranes require a bit more tender loving care & skill set in application and curing. It requires a level of patience and attention to detail.

Cons:

Limited color options: Single-ply membrane roofs are typically only available in a limited range of colors, which may not be suitable for all building styles.

Susceptible to damage: Single-ply membranes can be damaged by punctures, tears, or other types of physical damage. If not repaired promptly, these damages can lead to leaks and other roofing problems.

Short lifespan: Single-ply membrane roofs have a relatively short lifespan compared to other types of commercial roofing systems, meaning that they will need to be replaced more frequently. Twenty (20) Year Warranties are handed out like candy at a parade with most TPO installs. TPO was invented in the early 90’s and typically they can last up to max 20 years if the TPO is installed over a pitched substrate. TPO doesn’t bode well with long term ponding. 

Seams. When two sheets meet one another and have to be heat welded this creates a seam. If you look at an article of clothing they typically tear or are compromised close to a seam. Seams typically are in the top 70% location of leaks outside of tears or mechanically caused damage on most roofs. 

What are Single-ply membrane roofs made of?

Single-ply membrane roofs are made of a flexible sheet of synthetic material, such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride), TPO (thermoplastic olefin), or EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer). These materials are chosen for their durability, resistance to weather and UV radiation, and flexibility, which allows them to be easily molded to the shape of the roof.

PVC roofs are typically made of a blend of PVC resin and other additives, such as stabilizers and pigments. They are known for their durability and resistance to fire, chemicals, and punctures. PVC can be mechanically fastened and fully adhered. 

TPO roofs are made of a blend of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber. They are known for their energy-efficiency, as they reflect the sun’s rays and reduce the amount of heat that enters the building. TPO can be mechanically fastened and fully adhered. 

EPDM roofs are made of a rubber material that is resistant to weather, UV radiation, and chemicals. They are known for their long lifespan and ease of installation. EPDM is a fully adhered only system in the roofing world. 

In general, single-ply membrane roofs are designed to be easy to install and maintain, making them a popular choice for commercial roofing applications.