What is a Single Membrane Roof
To explain what a single membrane roof is, also known as a single ply membrane roof, it helps to quickly explain a little history.
Single membrane roofs, also known as single ply membrane roofs, is essentially one layer of roofing material, such as PVC, TPO, or EPDM. By comparison to Built-Up Roofing (BUR), which has multiple layers of asphalt coated felts. The goal of single membrane roofs is to essentially have one large layer of roofing material on your roof. This is done by attaching smaller rolls of a single membrane together onto your roof.
Let’s say you have a warehouse with a 50,000sf roof. Even if a single ply roofing manufacturer made a roll of, for example, PVC this large, it would be impossible to install it as is. It’s simply too large. The membrane would have to be cut down to a manageable size so it could be lifted onto your roof and people could install it.
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Single Membrane Roofing Systems We Offer
Many commercial buildings in Colorado use a single-ply roofing membrane, and some residential buildings may use singly-ply for carports, patios, or additions. At Bob Behrends Roofing, we offer the following single-ply systems for installation and repair:
PVC
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a type of plastic. PVC roofs are also called vinyl roofs. Many restaurants use a PVC roof because it is the most resistant to grease and animal fat buildup. Our installation experts here in Colorado use single-ply PVC roofing for a variety of buildings. This roofing system is also durable in harsh weather, is fire-resistant, reflective, lightweight, and the material can be recycled. PVC roofs are also very affordable.
TPO
Our Colorado single-ply TPO roofing systems are a popular choice for many commercial buildings, but isn’t recommended for restaurants. TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) is a reflective membrane that is made from polymer and rubber. TPO roofing systems are very durable, and typically last up to 20 to 30 years. TPO membrane is cooler in the summer because it reflects heat. This is an affordable option for most commercial roofs. Another benefit of TPO is it is considered “Green” because it’s non-toxic, non-hazardous, has no added plasticizers, and is 100% recyclable.
EPDM
EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is known as the “rubber roof.” This very durable membrane is often used on low-slope commercial buildings, and also on residential patios and carports. EPDM roofs are known for their durability and strength, and for their fire resistance. Often these rubber roofs are coated with a white layer, which minimizes heat absorption by reflecting sunlight.
Single Ply Membrane Roof Cost
The cost to install a single ply membrane roof depends upon a variety of things, such as the condition of the roof and insulation, the complexity of the roof, and the particular single membrane being installed. However, PVC is the most expensive, running about $8.50/sf. TPO is next, at around $7/sf. EPDM, or the rubber roof, costs on average $5.50/sf.
Single-Ply Membrane Roof Lifespan
As with cost, lifespan also depends upon several factors. For example, was the membrane was installed correctly? Is it ballasted. Was the appropriate membrane installed? Was it maintained? On average, PVC should last around 20 years. TPO, 25 years. EPDM, 30 years.
Bob Behrends Roofing has extensive experience and skills installing Colorado’s single-ply roofing systems, whether it be EPDM, TPO, or PVC. You can count on us to be reliable and on time, and to get the job done right. We also offer a 5-year guarantee on our workmanship that comes with any of our roofing services, in addition to the manufacturer’s guarantee on the quality of the products. If you would like more information about our single-ply membrane roofing systems, contact Bob Behrends Roofing today!