Today We Will Cover Reasons Single-Ply Roofing System May Be Best For You?

 

In today’s economy, property owners and managers face the daunting task of keeping their assets safe and in good working order. One of the most important systems in commercial premises is the roof system. So why jump into an investment without knowing the details of a single-ply roofing system?

At Affordable Roofing, we have over 30 years of experience in the commercial roofing field. We work with our customers to determine the best roof type for their facility. Although the final choice is up to the builder, we would like to highlight some of the advantages and disadvantages of single-ply roof systems. 

In this article, we will discuss the types, pros, and cons of a single-ply roof system.

Most Popular Types of Single-Ply Roofing Systems

For single-layer roofs, the insulation coefficient is not taken into account. Customers have more options for insulating the roof of their facility. There are several types of insulation options that facility managers/owners can choose from. 

1- Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) is basically a rubber. EPDM has a reputation for low maintenance, easy repair, and excellent weather resistance, making it an ideal roofing choice for many climates.

2- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a proven membrane with decades of excellent performance. PVC also offers excellent resistance to roofing chemicals such as acids, oils, and greases. Most PVC roof systems are white, but other colors are available.

3- Thermoplastic polyolefins (TPO) are the fastest-growing segment of the commercial roofing industry. This growth is driven by the increased use of TPO in southern climates where cooling costs significantly exceed heating costs.

1- EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer)

Single-ply roofing materials have been used since the advent of EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer). Introduced in the 1960s. In EPDM systems, rubber sheets are laid on the Top panel, seams are glued or glued, and sheets are Ballast – covered with gravel – to prevent and retain flapping low. This is mainly because it has been in use longer than other single-ply systems. Preferred by many roofers, EPDM roofs have many advantages and disadvantages.

Pros: 

• The rubber-like soft sheet is more flexible and easier to install and remove Assembly time and labor costs. 
• If your roof has many vents, pipes, or other penetrations, Since it is made of rubber, it can be cut to your specifications.

Cons: 

• EPDM roofs have poor UV protection and tend to heat up. Heat factor, however, can be mitigated by applying an additional layer of gravel to hold down the slab. 
• Tapped or taped seams can be more fragile, and damage from the elements and necessary foot traffic can cause leaks.

2- PVC (polyvinyl chloride)

PVC (polyvinyl chloride), more commonly known as plastic, has been used as a material for decades. PVC is strong, heat resistant, and offers many protections from chemicals, fire, and weather damage. It became popular as a swimming pool liner, but the roofing industry eventually recognized its usefulness as a high-quality roofing material. 

PVC is supplied in white sheets. Similar to EPDM, his PVC sheets are laid over the decking board on top of the insulation. The difference is that the seams are heat-sealed for better seasonal stretch.

Pros: 

• PVC is a great choice for roofs as it has excellent leakproof properties.  
• The white PVC roof has reflective properties and is resistant to damage and damage. Discoloration from the sun’s UV rays.

Cons: 

• PVC installations require a subfloor and may require complete removal of the roof because the substrate must be clean and flat so that the PVC roofing material can adhere firmly.
• PVC can crack or shatter at low temperatures. Those in the roofing industry have heard legends that cold temperatures can cause roofs to crack, so PVC roofs may not be suitable for people in areas prone to extreme cold.

3- TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin)

TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) may be a newcomer to roofing, but it’s taking the market by storm. A spiritual successor to PVC, it is a sleeker, more modern version of PVC. It installs in the same way as a PVC roof, but is a little more flexible and may not require the original substrate.

Pros:

• By heat-sealing the seams, the TPO sheet adheres better to the roof, eliminating the need for ballast and moving or fluttering. 
• TPO (and PVC) roofs may have a puddle water supply under warranty. On the other hand, EPDM roofs require proper drainage. 
• TPO (and PVC) roofs perform better under constant expansion and contraction and shrink less than EPDM over time.

Cons: 

• TPO has not had as long a track record as EPDM or PVC roofing systems, and roofers are still uncertain about its long-term reliability. 
• Because of this, it is less rigid than PVC, but TPO is more difficult to install than its EPDM.  
• TPO roofs and single-story roofs are not suitable for heavy industry buildings but are suitable for office buildings, etc.

How Can You Restore Your Single-Ply Roof?

When your single-layer roof reaches the end of its life, you might think the only option you have is to tear it all down and install another single-layer membrane. That’s wrong. One popular option is to install a roof coating system over an existing single-layer roof. These coatings are very similar to paint but are very thick and made to withstand the harshest weather conditions. There are some eligibility issues, but if the roof is eligible, the contractor will clean the roof, reinforce the seams, and then apply the coating to the roof. Most roof coating systems come with a 10, 15, or 20-year warranty when new. The best part about the coating system is that it minimizes tearing and saves money. 

A second option is to install a spray foam roof system. Suppose a single-layer roof is the only roofing system installed. In that case, you can minimize tearing and install spray foam on top of what you already have.

Bottom Line

Single-Ply membrane roofs are a cost-effective and time-saving alternative to traditional asphalt roofs. For more information about single-ply roofing systems, or for assistance in determining the best system for your business, call Affordable Roofing at 864-859-9002. 

A member of our team will contact you. Affordable Roofing Company has been a leading provider of innovative commercial and industrial roofing solutions in Greenville, SC Spartanburg, SC Anderson, SC Laurens, SC Pickens, SC Clemson, SC Easley, SC Taylors, SC Duncan, SC Greer, SC We provide commercial roof repair, replacement, and maintenance services to businesses of all sizes. We offer a combination of technical know-how, customized solutions, and quality workmanship for every project.