Learn More About Single Ply
Single ply is a class of roofing membrane that is made of flexible synthetic materials manufactured in a highly controlled process. The consistency of quality, product strength, flexibility and durability, along with multiple methods of attachment, make single ply roofing a viable choice in a variety of applications.
The type of single ply roofing right for a particular job is dependent on several factors including the height of the building, wind exposure, foot traffic, desired look and cost. How the roof is attached to the roof deck also depends on the application and can include mechanical fasteners, ballast, or adhesive.
Isaacs Roofing & Sheet Metal can help determine the type of single ply system suited best for your situation. We can also install both self-adhered and fully-adhered vapor barriers under any of our roofing systems.
Commercial roofs come with a 10 – 25 year manufacturer’s warranty, plus a 2-year in-house warranty.
EPDM Single Ply Roof Systems
EPDM roofs are made from synthetic material in either black or white-on-black colors. Membranes are available either with or without internal scrim reinforcement, for durability and strength, and in thicknesses of .045” to 0.90”. EPDM roofs are installed by full-adhesion, attached mechanically or secured with ballasts. Seams are secured with butyl-tape technology. Warranties on this type of roof system are available from 10 to 30 years.
FEATURES
Very popular
Fairly low cost
Readily-available material with short lead times
Easily repairable
OPTIONS
Colors – black & white
Thicknesses – .045″, .060″, .072″ and .090″
Fleece-backing
TPO Single Ply Roof Systems
TPO roofs are made from thermoplastic material with internal scrim reinforcement for durability and strength. White colored TPO roofs are popular for solar reflectivity to achieve LEED and Energy-Star certification. TPO roofs are installed by full-adhesion, attached mechanically or with ballasts. Materials are available in standard colors of white, gray and tan with additional custom colors available on large projects. Thicknesses are available in 0.45”, 0.60” or 0.80”. Seams are secured by heat-welding. Warranties on this type of roof material are available from 10 to 30 years.
FEATURES
Highly popular when white solar-reflective roofing is desired (LEED & Energy Star)
Relatively low cost
Readily-available material with short lead times
OPTIONS
Colors – white, tan, gray standard with many custom color options available
Thicknesses – .045″, .060″, .072″ and .090″
Fleece-backing
PVC Single Ply Roof Systems
PVC roofing systems are single-ply membranes with a plasticized formulation. Each type of membrane has a chemical mix which gives it unique properties, though all PVC membranes are scrim reinforced. PVC membranes are based on a polyvinyl chloride chemical composition with additional chemicals which keep the membrane flexible and protect from UV degradation. Seams are heat-welded, much like TPO. Modern PVC membranes are often characterized as a premium single-ply method to achieve solar-reflectivity and LEED/Energy-Star compliance. Color options are much the same as TPO, but manufacturers typically offer even more custom options in PVC formulations. Thicknesses range from 0.36” to 0.80” and warranties are available up to 20 years.
FEATURES
Typically grease-resistant
UV stable – considered more durable than TPO when exposed to concentrated sunlight
Many manufacturers offer faux rib profiles which look like standing seam metal
OPTIONS
Colors – white, tan, gray standard with many custom options
Thicknesses – .045″, .060″, .072″ and .090″
Fleece-backing
