What are Single Ply Roofing Systems?
Imagine your current bed you sleep on. Is the most important part of your bed to you the comforter? Your bed consists of a mattress, maybe a mattress topper, the impossible to fold sheet, a top sheet then the comforter. Really it’s all dependent on how well that mattress supports your ability to sleep then the comfort of the blanket you sleep under. Well, in roofing it’s kind of similar, the single ply is about as important selection wise as the hard to fold sheet. It’s really about the system and how it works together in the overall performance.
Think of single ply roofing systems as different types of pool liners. You could literally select an EPDM Rubber membrane, TPO or PVC single ply when at the end of the day the real factors are the insulation below it, the amount of seams & how the system was applied whether mechanically or fully adhered. The top sheet (Single ply system) is really just that, a sheet. It’s performance is contingent upon how well the seams are done & what’s underneath it. Is the system pitched properly and weeps water off the roof well? If you can keep that in mind, your roofing install will go much better in the end.
Truth be told if you squeeze out 20 Years from a single ply roofing system, you won.
Now for the nerd talk…
Definition of a single-ply roofing system
Single-ply roofing is a commercial system that uses layers of membrane material for waterproofing. It is usually synthetic rubber, thermoplastic, or modified bitumen. Plus, insulation and/or a reflective top layer can be added for energy efficiency. Single-ply systems are great for flat roofs and low-slope rooftops on industrial, commercial, and residential buildings.
Advantages of single-ply roofing include:
- Low installation costs
- Long lifespan with maintenance
- Waterproof protection
- Temperature regulation for cooling
- Fire retardant materials
- Plus choices of colors, insulation types, and reflective coatings.
Types of Single Ply Roofing Systems
Single-ply roofing systems are a great way to safeguard your roof from water damage and other environmental elements. There are diverse types available. Each has its own pros and cons. Here, let’s discuss the different types of single-ply roofing systems. We’ll also point out their respective advantages.
Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO)
Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) is a single ply roofing system. It’s made from a mix of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber. Heat or radiation bonds the materials together. It stays white, unlike other single-ply membranes. Plus, it has excellent UV resistance and reflectivity. This helps to reduce energy costs for cooling the building.
TPO resists extreme temperatures, chemical fumes and smoke, and ozone. It’s flexible and can be applied over almost any surface. It also comes in thermally welded versions with seams that are hard to see. These features make TPO an ideal choice for commercial buildings. It’s durable, long lasting, and affordable.
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM)
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) roofing is often referred to as rubber roofing. It is a single-ply, cost-effective system designed for long-term use. Installation can be achieved with either mechanical fastening or adhesion.
FM Global has approved the material, providing structural fire protection. Its non-woven polyester reinforcement and temperature resistance make EPDM well-suited for flat roofs on residential and commercial buildings. It can also be used on slightly sloped roofs and to refurbish deteriorated bituminous flat roofs. There is no need for additional items, such as gravel or chippings, when installing over cleaned granular surfaces.
EPDM comes in large sheets of up to 12m wide. This reduces the number of vulnerable joins, eliminating leak prone areas that come with traditional felt flat roof systems. Overlap is typically between 50mm – 200mm, depending on manufacturer.
EPDM is more waterproof than other single ply systems due to its high elasticity. Its good elongation properties over thermal movement make it ideal for thermally sensitive substrates, like metal decking on steel joists that experience large temperature variations throughout the year.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or thermoplastic polyvinyl chloride, is a popular single-ply roofing membrane. It has great tear and puncture resistance and tactile strength. PVC sheet membranes are composed of a flexible base and reinforced with an advanced polymer-based coating. They are lightweight and easy to install. Plus, they have been tested in accordance to UL 2218 Class 4 roof impact resistance standards – the highest rating.
PVC roofing systems can last up to 20 years with proper maintenance. This makes them a great option for today’s commercial flat roofs.
Advantages of Single Ply Roofing Systems
Single ply roofing systems provide many great advantages! They are long-lasting, versatile and energy-efficient. Installation is speedy and the need for maintenance is low – a great solution for commercial roofing. Furthermore, these roofing systems can handle wind and weather, making them perfect for areas that are prone to extreme conditions.
Let’s explore the benefits of single ply roofing systems in greater detail:
Lightweight
Lightweight roofing systems are becoming more popular with commercial property owners. Single ply roofing is a type of lightweight roofing which can range from 28 – 90 mils thick. It is made of either thermoplastic or thermoset polymers. This means less load is needed on the building structure. This translates to lower construction costs.
Single ply membranes are not only cost-effective, but offer superior performance. They are not suitable for all applications, but provide an attractive option for low slope or flat applications. Here, additional reinforcement may be needed to achieve comparable performance characteristics of heavier built-up systems.
Durability
Durability? It’s a major benefit of single ply roofing systems! This type of roof is made of one layer, boosting filtration and waterproofing. Plus, it has greater wind protection than other roofs. The top layer is rubberized, so it won’t puncture, tear, or fade from UV rays. Many single ply roofs come with warranties to last for decades!
Easy installation
Single ply roofing systems offer a speedy and straightforward installation. The lightweight membrane makes it easy to move around on the roof. It also reduces the fasteners needed for secure install, cutting down install time. Many single ply systems have factory-applied sealants. This improves adhesion and reduces the number of seams needed. Plus, it creates a watertight seal. This lowers labor costs, allowing for quick completion of the project.
Furthermore, many single ply membrane makers give training programs. This helps contractors learn correct installation methods to ensure long-lasting and high-quality roofs.
Cost-effectiveness
Single ply roofing systems save money compared to traditional ones. The install process is cheaper and simpler. It’s lightweight, so it can be transported and handled easily. Plus, the material is less expensive than other systems. Labor costs are lower too, since it doesn’t require many layers. When maintained, single ply roofs can last up to 30 years. This makes it a cost-effective option for residential and commercial use.
Disadvantages of Single Ply Roofing Systems
Single ply roofing systems offer strength and affordability. But they come with a cost. Installation costs are high and their light weight makes them susceptible to punctures and tears. Moreover, single ply roofing systems are not as durable as other systems.
Here are more disadvantages of single ply roofing systems:
Susceptible to UV damage
Single-ply roofing systems are popular. They’re easy to install and not too pricey. But, compared to multi-ply systems, there are some disadvantages. Single-ply membranes are more vulnerable to damage from Ultraviolet (UV) light.
The membrane can dry out and crack as the polymers break down over time. This can cause leaks and damage. Sun bleaching can also occur, making colors look uneven. Bird droppings and other contaminants accelerate the bleaching process.
Manufacturers have created better formulations to resist UV radiation. These products cost a bit more than those without.
Susceptible to punctures
Single ply roofing systems are light and easy to install. But they are more prone to punctures than other systems. Factors affecting puncture resistance include the material, thickness of membranes and installation technique.
Common single ply roof membranes are PVC, TPO and EPDM. They are light but strong when installed properly. However, they can be vulnerable to sharp objects or weather conditions. If the membrane is punctured, water can seep through and damage the structure.
Thicker membrane layers offer more protection against cuts or tears. Single-ply membranes come in various weights and thicknesses. Selecting an appropriate weight can reduce susceptibility to punctures.
Installation is key for protecting against outside elements. Details like flashing installation around pipes or curbs should be sealed correctly. Also, watch out for wrinkles as this can create weaknesses.
Limited design flexibility
Single ply roofing systems offer advantages such as fast installation and lower cost than multi-ply roofs. However, they lack design flexibility. Single ply roofs lead to a flat roof, not a sloped one. This limits the variety of rooftop designs. Plus, single ply systems are more likely to have ponding due to lack of slope. They also have a shorter lifespan, requiring more repairs and maintenance, which costs more. Also, single ply roofs need insulation layers to prevent heat loss in extreme weather. Otherwise, it must be manually covered with tarpaulins or PVC tape. This can be costly and dangerous.
Conclusion
A single ply roofing system is an economical solution for commercial use. It has one layer of material and offers great waterproofing and ventilation. It needs fewer materials and less time to install. With proper installation, it can last up to 20 years or more with the proper maintenance and system design.
There are 3 main types of single ply roofing systems: TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), and EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer). Each type has its benefits, so it’s important to have a professional help you choose the best option for your building. However, remember the beginning of this writing….the system is more important that the sheet itself.