Single ply roofing has become increasingly popular in recent years for flat roofs. It’s made up of flexible sheets of synthetic polymer, which can be divided into two main groups: thermoplastics and synthetic rubber. Of the two, thermoplastics are the most widely used because they can be reheated and remolded.
One popular example of a thermoplastic membrane is Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). PVC has been used as a single ply roofing material in Europe since the 1960s and is suitable for a variety of settings, from large factory rooftops to small garage roofs and bay windows.
In this article, we look at everything you need to know about Single Ply Roofing and if this is the best choice for your property.
Single ply roofing benefits
Regardless of the sort of roofing material you’re contemplating, a single ply membrane roof offers a number of universal advantages. These consist of:
Resistant against UV & Natural Elements
A vital criterion for any roofing material is the guarantee that it is resistant to UV light’s deteriorating effects. Not only are the majority of single-ply membrane materials resistant to the buildup of potentially hazardous microorganisms, but they are also UV-resistant.
Durable
When applied using a hot air weld, the single-ply roof membrane offers your structure with protection against varying weather conditions and harsh temperatures.
Fire Retardant
Single-ply membrane roofs are also fire resistant and self-extinguishing due to their composition. Single-ply roofing is assured to bring trust and security to any business, organization, or workplace that is concerned with the fire safety of its employees, visitors, or customers.
Chemical Resistance
It is reassuring to know that your roofing material protects you and your building against acid rain and other types of acidic outflow in places that are susceptible to exposure to potentially hazardous substances.
Eco-Friendly
Single-ply membranes are far more ecologically benign than conventional industrial roofing materials in terms of their manufacture, durability, and capacity to be recycled. Thermoplastic Polyethylene (TPE) is said to be the most environmentally friendly material available.
Different types of single ply roofing
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Due to its resilience, endurance, and resistance to chemical buildup and acidic outflow, PVC has been one of the most popular flat roofing materials in the UK and Europe for over half a century. Additionally, it is incredibly simple to build, install, and repair.
Thermally-plasticized Olefin (TPO)
Similar to PVC, Thermoplastic Olefin is a popular material for a range of flat roofing applications. TPO, also known as Flexible Polyolefin (FPO), is less flexible than PVC and may incur additional installation expenses due to the usage of solvents.
Due to its superior weatherproofing capabilities, TPO is frequently utilized in the building of green roofs and has a 20-year lifespan.
Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer (EPDM)
EPDM is an adaptable and flexible single-ply material that may be mechanically fastened, ballasted, and completely adhered. Typically, the EPDM membrane is fully cured upon arrival at the installation site, so there is no need to delay the installation procedure.
It is 100% resistant to UV radiation, thermal stress from ozone, and changing climatic conditions. EPDM has a life expectancy of 20 to 30 years, but recent findings in the United States indicate that it may live up to 40 years.
Single ply roofing membrane cost
Depending on the manufacturer and material that you’ve chosen, the single ply membrane roof cost might vary significantly. It is generally believed that EPDM roofing membranes are the most cost-effective, followed by PVC and TPO.
Nonetheless, we would always advise contacting expert industrial roofing contractors for further information on the material, the installation procedure, and any potential expenses.
Reasons to choose single ply roofing membrane
But how can you determine if a single-ply membrane system is suitable for you? There are several reasons to select this style of business roofing.
Highly resilient
In addition to being exceptionally robust and resistant to tears and punctures, a single ply membrane roofing system is also unaffected by chemical substances. When a single-ply membrane roof is installed using a hot air weld, it protects the roofing system against a variety of weather conditions and severe temperatures, including acid rain. Additionally, single-ply membranes are resistant to UV radiation damage.
The composition of a single-ply membrane system makes it not only highly flame-resistant but also self-extinguishing!
Cost-effective
A single-ply membrane system is a cost-effective commercial roofing option for various reasons. Initially, it is a cost-effective solution due to the fact that installation is often quite straightforward and quick. Considering the membrane’s durability and flexibility, repairs and maintenance should be minimal throughout the roof’s lifetime. Lastly, if the roof must be fixed for any reason, repairs and alterations are quick and straightforward, allowing for further cost savings.
Additional advantages of a single-ply membrane include:
- A range of grades are available for selection (grades are the type of protection desired from the product)
- Various colors to choose from
- Product of low weight
- Excellent reflective characteristics
- Simple to install and environmentally friendly
Installing the roof on your property
Several criteria influence the feasibility of any single-ply roofing material, including the required detailing or flashing, acceptable attachment techniques, insurance and energy needs, site location, and whether or not a roof is being re-covered. You must also consider building heights, wind exposure, roof traffic, and aesthetics.
If you need a single ply roof installed on your property, do get in touch with our team at Premier Roofing Solutions in Nottingham and we’ll be more than happy to provide you with an obligation free quotation for your requirement.
Our honesty, ethics, and expertise as industrial roofing contractors will ensure that the installation of your single ply roofing system is handled in a very professional way from the very beginning of your project.
In fact, we have supplied a variety of single-ply systems to several satisfied customers throughout the United Kingdom. All of our roof installation projects are insured for both materials and labor, and we will ensure that, regardless of your specifications, you receive the ideal roof for your business property.
