Single-Ply Roofing Membranes: What They Are and the 3 Main Types

Are you ready to install a new roof on your commercial building?

If you’re a business leader, you know the importance of maintaining a safe and efficient workplace environment. That’s why it pays to invest in a roofing system that will remain durable and high-performing for years.

One of the most buzzed-about applications in the roofing industry is single-ply roofing membrane. Cost-effective, flexible and sturdy, this is an ideal way to cover and protect flat roofs and low-sloped roofs.

If this sounds like a great fit for your building, read on. Today, we’re taking a deep dive into the world of single-ply roofing membranes, as well as preferred material types.

Ready to learn more? Let’s get started!

What is a Single-Ply Roofing Membrane?

Over the past few decades, various types of single-ply roofing alternatives have risen in popularity. Still, there are many who are uninitiated with this innovative technique.

Despite being specifically situated for low-slope roofs, this type of roofing material has piqued the interest of business owners and roofing contractors alike, who have used it in a variety of settings. Easily adaptable, eco-friendly and resistant to harmful UV rays, these systems are gaining new ground in a big way.

That said, what exactly are they? And what types of single-ply roofing membranes are available for your building?

As their name implies, single-ply roofing systems are comprised of a single, waterproofing layer placed between the structure itself and the elements above. The layer can be ballasted (weighted down with rocks), fully adhered or mechanically fastened to a layer of insulation. In most cases, these systems include three to four basic elements, including:

• An insulating layer, which can allow for low slope on buildings that don’t have a slope in the roof decking.
• The single-ply membrane
• Protective flashing and termination on the roof edges to prevent water seepage
• Adhesive, fasteners, and/or welding to bond the layers together

While this is an accurate description, it’s far from exhaustive. In fact, there are many different kinds of single-ply systems, materials, and technologies depending on your needs. The one feature they all have in common? All of them only consist of a single roof membrane.

Types of Single-Ply Roofing Membranes

The two main categories of single-ply systems include:

1. Rubber membranes (EPDM)
2. Thermoplastic membranes (PVC and TPO)

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) is the most common type of rubber roof. The membrane is comprised of a flexible synthetic rubber polymer. It is durable and long-lasting. Though this roof type is common in the northern states, there are many disadvantages to this roof type.

EPDM roofing systems are greatly affected by environmental factors, such as temperature. EPDM’s emissivity is very low, meaning that, because of the product type and the color, it will not release heat effectively.

This causes your roof system to expand and contract at a higher rate, due to the higher changes in temperature. Because of this, the life of your roof will lessen, as expansion and contraction will cause cracks in the system.

Additionally, while it offers some chemical resistance, it doesn’t have the same level of resistance to chemicals as thermoplastic membranes.

TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin)

TPO single-ply roofing is a single-ply white membrane made of thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO). It is made from a polymerized rubber blend (typically polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber).

TPO can be installed using a variety of methods (such as mechanically attached, adhered, and ballasted). It is lightweight, flexible, strong and durable. Since it is white and reflective, it is energy efficient.

TPO is cut on-site and requires more seams, so it has more potential failure points. It is chemical resistant, but not flame resistant. It also doesn’t do well in prolonged high heat.

While TPO roofing is the least expensive single-ply membrane option upfront, it doesn’t last as long as PVC, so you end up paying more long-term.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

Another single-ply roofing type is PVC (polyvinyl chloride). It is made from ethylene and chlorine being combined with plasticizers to improve flexibility. These roofs have been around since the 1960s, so they are tried and tested.

It is lightweight and easy to install. Since it is pre-fabricated and there are fewer seams, there are fewer potential failure points. While it is more expensive initially, it is a durable roof with a lifespan of up to 30 years.

It is resistant to chemicals, UV rays, water, and flames. It is suitable for extreme weather conditions and is energy efficient.

Why Get Thermoplastics?

Unlike EPDM roofing membranes, which change physical characteristics after exposure to hot air and thus can’t employ hot air welding, TPO and PVC roofing membranes return back to their original form upon cooling. This enables them to use hot air welding to create a cohesive lap.

To make them even more resistant to tearing, most thermoplastics include a reinforcement layer, called scrim, which is made of polyester. This strengthens the membranes and makes them more dimensionally stable.

While you’ll find many different manufacturers offering their own systems, the two most common types of thermoplastic single-ply roofing membranes include PVC and TPO.

Find out more about the differences between TPO and PVC.

Why is Single-ply Roofing Popular?

Single-ply roofing is popular for commercial roofs that are low-slope or flat. These roofs have been proven to be durable and have a long lifespan.  They are energy efficient, can handle extreme weather conditions, and are easier to install. Plus, they can often be installed over existing roofs. They are also chemical, fire, and puncture resistant.

Learn more about all the benefits of single-ply roofing.

Varying Cost Factors of Single-ply Roofing

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all single-ply roofing system. As these solutions are so diverse in nature, you’ll find that the single-ply roofing membranes costs vary depending on your specific installation requirements.

A few of the factors that will play into your overall cost include:

• The type of roofing system you select
• The specific attachment method you select
• The nature of your new roofing system (recover versus tear-off)
• Costs for additional add-ons or extended warranty terms
• Special requirements to meet building and energy codes

Your roofing contractor should be able to provide you with a complete quote that breaks down your costs depending on the above factors and any other special considerations.

Try our annual roof cost calculator and read more about the yearly costs of replacing your roof.

Reputable Single-ply Roofing Manufacturers

There are many reputable and trustworthy single-ply membrane manufacturers that provide single-ply roofing throughout the United States, installed by professional roofers.

Duro-Last

Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Saginaw, Michigan, Duro-Last is a pioneer in the commercial roofing industry, specializing in custom-fabricated, single-ply PVC roofing systems.

They are known for their prefabrication process, with up to 85% of seams completed in a factory-controlled environment before installation, minimizing on-site fabrication and reducing the risk of roof leaks.

Duro-Last’s commitment to vertical integration allows them to control quality from top to bottom, producing many components in-house. Their PVC membranes are highly resistant to chemicals, fire, high winds, UV radiation, and are watertight and highly reflective. Duro-Last offers the “Edge-to-Edge & Deck-to-Sky™” system for a comprehensive roofing solution.

Only authorized Duro-Last roofing contractors like Sentry Roofing can install this roofing system.

Read our comprehensive Duro-Last Roofing System review here.

Elevate (Formerly Firestone Building Products)

Formerly known as Firestone Building Products, Elevate rebranded in 2022 and continues to manufacture TPO roofing membranes like UltraPly™ TPO and UltraPly™ SA (self-adhered).

They are known for innovative solutions like the Platinum TPO roofing roll with enhanced UV resistance. Elevate offers a range of insulation boards, adhesives, sealants, and accessories for complete roofing systems.

Carlisle SynTec Systems

Part of Carlisle Construction Materials, a $3 billion global company, Carlisle SynTec Systems has been providing commercial single-ply roofing materials for over 50 years.

Their flagship product, the Sure-Weld® TPO reinforced membrane, is a premium choice for heat-weldable, single-ply thermoplastic polyolefin sheets, available in 16-foot wide rolls to reduce the number of seams needed. Carlisle is also renowned for their groundbreaking SureSeal EPDM roofing, showcasing their expertise in various single-ply roofing materials.

Their TPO membranes are ENERGY STAR® qualified and meet LEED requirements. Carlisle provides a range of insulation, adhesives, sealants, and accessories for complete roofing systems.

Sika Sarnafil

Sika Sarnafil is a Swiss-based company with over 50 years of experience in single-ply roofing. Their key products include Sarnafil G410 (fiberglass reinforced), Sarnafil TS (thermoplastic), and Sarnafil S327 (self-adhered).

Sika Sarnafil’s membranes are designed for long-term performance and resistance to harsh climates. The company offers a range of accessories like adhesives, sealants, and insulation for complete roofing systems.

Protan

Protan is a Norwegian company founded in 1939 and specializes in single-ply roofing since the 1960s, manufacturing Protan G (glass fiber reinforced) and Protan PVC membranes.

They are known for products engineered to withstand extreme weather conditions like high winds, heavy rain, and temperature fluctuations. Protan offers a range of insulation boards and accessories for complete roofing solutions.

GenFlex

Part of the Italian company Polyglass Group, GenFlex specializes in TPO roofing systems reinforced with polyester fabric for durability and energy efficiency. Their key products include EZ TPO, EZ TPO Plus, and EZ TPO SA (self-adhered). GenFlex offers a range of insulation boards, adhesives, sealants, and accessories to complement their roofing systems.

Enjoy the Perks of a Single-Ply Roofing Membrane System

Now that we’ve covered the basics of a single-ply roofing membrane system, are you ready to learn more about single-ply roofing installation for your commercial building?

If so, we’d love to help.

We’re experienced, licensed commercial roofing contractors serving Indiana and Illinois since 1984. We’re well-versed in every stage of the roofing lifecycle, from inspections and installations to repairs and replacements.

Contact us today to request an evaluation of your current commercial roof system. We can help you take the first step to install a new, high quality single-ply membrane roof for your building!