Consider single ply roofing if you have a flat roof that needs easy and budget-friendly coverage.

This lightweight membrane will equip your building with a waterproof, fire-resistant, and eco-friendly layer of protection that you won’t find with any other roofing option.

But before you open your wallet, several aspects of this roofing system require your attention.

What Is Single-Ply Roofing?

Single-ply is a one-layer membrane roof made of synthetic materials, perfect for low-slope commercial and industrial buildings like factories, schools, hospitals, etc.

How much Does A Single Ply Roof Cost?

Depending on factors such as the membrane type, installation method, and insulation type, the cost of your single-ply roofing installation will vary.

Nevertheless, you should expect the average total cost to fall between $4.50 and $13.50 per square foot. 

Single-ply labor for installation ranges between $2 and $3 per square foot.

That leaves the materials at about $2.50 and $10.50 per square foot.

Covering a 2,000-square-foot roof will set you back $9,000 to $27,000.

Single-Ply Roofing System Assemblies

Single-ply roofing can be applied to different assemblies to ensure an ultimate weather-resistant, watertight, and durable roofing system. 

Ballasted Roofing

Ballasted single-ply roofing is the most cost-effective installation method, costing an average of $4 to $7 per square foot.

Ballasting involves covering the membrane with rocks, gravel, dirt, or sand and weighing it down.

It’s ideal for large rooftops frequently exposed to extreme weather conditions.

Ballasting is typically combined with certain types of single-ply membranes.

Bear in mind that ballasted roof system can drastically burden your building’s structure, so opt for it only when you’re sure t your building can take it.

In addition, as the ballasting material deteriorates over time, it can damage the membrane.

Checking for damage is also tricky because you have to remove the ballast in its entirety.

Mechanically Attached Roofing

Attaching your single-ply membrane is typically done mechanically.

It’s considered an upgraded version of the ballasted roofing system.

The membrane is secured to the roof with metal fasteners and plates.

It works well with all membranes, so you don’t have to settle only for particular single-ply membranes like with ballast.

However, just like with ballast, the screws add weight to your roof.

Moreover, it might be difficult to hide the fasteners unless the manufacturer has provided a feasible solution.

Mechanically attaching the membrane ranges from $5 to $8 per square foot.

Fully Adhered Roofing

For complex roof shapes, you should choose a fully-adhered single-ply roofing system.

It doesn’t depend on the roof design and presents an easy repair solution.

Like a mechanically attached roofing system, full adhesion is compatible with all membrane types. 

Since it doesn’t require roof deck penetrations, it’s also perfect for open decking ceilings.

This creates a watertight layer and makes your roof less susceptible to leaks.

The average price range of a full-adhesion roofing system is $5.50 to $9.50 per square foot.

Metal Retrofit Roofing

With a metal retrofit roofing system, you won’t have to spend extra money on removing the old roofing material.

You can just place metal panels on top, along with a layer of insulation, and cover everything with a single-ply membrane. 

Metal retrofit roofing increases your building’s energy efficiency and makes it more noise-proof.

The best membranes to combine with this type of installation are thermoplastic membranes.

Metal retrofitting ranges from $6 to $13 per square foot.

Did you know? Removing your roof can set you back $1.50 to $6 per square foot.

Single Ply Roof Types

You can find single-ply roofing in three different materials.

Single Ply Roof Types	Cost per Square Foot
TPO	$5.50-$12.50
EPDM	$4.50-$11.50
PVC	$6.50-$13.50

TPO

TPO, which stands for thermoplastic polyolefin, is a type of single-ply roof membrane that uses hot air welding to create uniform roof coverage.

It’s very reflective and has excellent UV resistance. It works best when it’s mechanically attached or fully adhered.

Its installation can be tricky, so employing a reliable contractor with at least 15 years of experience is vital.

Furthermore, its lifespan is shorter than the other two single-ply roofing types, at around 20 years.

The average price of TPO roofing is $5.50 to $12.50 per square foot.

EPDM

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer) is a popular choice for commercial buildings.

EPDM roofing comes in large rolls suitable for ballasting, mechanical attachment, and adhesion.

It’s one of the less pricey options, with an average cost of $4.50 to $11.50 per square foot.

However, with its more economical price come less desirable features.

EPDM doesn’t perform well in hot and dry climates.

It absorbs more heat than the other two roofing materials, which might lead to overheating of the entire building.

PVC

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) has become one of the most frequently used low-slope roofing materials nationwide.

The reasons for such wide usage, especially for commercial buildings, are its puncture and chemical resistance, easy manufacturing, installation, maintenance, and durability.

PVC roofing offers unparalleled protection against elements, leaks, and UV exposure.

With a great product comes a great price, which in this case is slightly higher than for the other two materials, at $6.50 to $13.50 per square foot.

What Is Single-Ply Roofing Made Of?

As a single-ply roof comes in three varieties, different materials are involved in its manufacturing process.

EPDM, or rubber membrane, is made of a synthetic rubber polymer that consists of ethylene, diene monomer, and propylene.

TPO and PVC are thermoplastic membranes that include scrim, a fiberglass or polyester reinforcement layer that strengthens the membrane.

PVC is made of polyvinyl chloride or polymerized vinyl chloride, whereas TPO is made of thermoplastic polyolefin.

What Are The Benefits Of A Single-Ply Roof?

Investing in a single-ply roof will be easier when you know the benefits it brings to your building and its occupants.

Regardless of which membrane type or assembly you decide on, single-ply roofing has several universal advantages.

Durable

All ply roofing types are extremely durable against inclement weather.

They can resist hail, abrasion, and other forms of damage and last up to 40 years.

Many residential and commercial building owners consider them a reliable flat roofing option.

Fire-Resistant

The components of single-ply membranes make them fire-resistant.

Roof fires get extinguished before they even reach the rest of the building.

Chemical Resistant

These durable roofing systems also provide excellent resistance against acid rain, grease, and oils.

For example, if you’re installing it in a restaurant, you won’t have to worry about damage caused by potential contact with these substances.

UV-Resistant

Single-ply roofing systems are naturally reflective and resistant to UV rays.

It increases your building’s energy efficiency and lowers your utility bills.

Waterproof

Unparalleled water resistance might be one of the main reasons why a single-ply roof is so popular nationwide.

When installed properly, leaks are practically impossible. 

Eco-Friendly

Apart from making your building more energy efficient, single-ply membranes are also eco-friendly in other ways.

For one, their longevity reduces the need for replacement, decreasing manufacturing demand and ensuring a cleaner environment.

Even if the single-ply membranes need a replacement, the old ones are recyclable. 

Cost Effective

All single-ply types are relatively inexpensive.

You’ll rarely find a roofing system that offers this many benefits for the same price.

Easy to Install

Unlike multi-layer membranes and other roofing systems, single-ply is lightweight and flexible.

This guarantees easy handling during installation, especially on higher buildings where it might be difficult to work with long strips of more rigid material.

Color Variety

If you opt for PVC or TPO roofing, you’ll find a variety of colors to match the overall aesthetics of your building.

Even if your choose EPDM, which usually comes in black or white, you can cover it with colorful ballast.

What Are The Disadvantages Of A Single-Ply Roof?

Single-ply roof membranes has many advantages, but there are also several downsides.

Still, many property owners conclude that they are far from being deal breakers.

Installation Conditions

Single-ply roofing requires some special installation conditions.

The membranes must be installed in dry climates and temperatures between 40-85 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Pro Tip: If you have to keep single-ply membranes in a place colder than recommended, you’ll need to reserve time for them to “relax” before installation. They lose elasticity in lower temperatures.

Varying Quality

The quality of single-ply membrane material greatly varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, making it difficult to determine the exact price of your roofing project.

Easy Punctures

Despite being durable and resistant to various forms of damage, single-ply membranes are still more easily punctured than other roofing systems.

Fallen branches, heavy tools, and other sharp objects can easily cause damage to your roof and enable leaks.

High foot traffic can also make your membrane more susceptible to damage over time. 

Single Ply Roofing vs Built Up

Built-up roofing systems, also called “tar and gravel” roofs, are made by interchangeably adding layers of tar or asphalt and reinforced fabric.

Naturally, they’ve been around longer than single-ply roofing, but there are also other differences between these two roofing systems worth noting.

Cost

Built-up roofing was generally costlier than single-ply, but that has recently changed.

The average price range of built-up roofing is between $5 and $8 per square foot.

Single-ply roof membranes nowadays costs between $4.50 and $13.50 per square foot.

Installation

Single ply involves one layer, excluding potential insulation.

As for built-up, you can add as many layers as necessary. This makes installation longer.

In addition, built-up installation involves hazardous fumes.

Advantages

Some of the benefits of these two roofing systems are quite similar.

They’re UV- and fire-resistant and can last up to 40 years with proper care.

On the other hand, people consider built-up more reliable because it has no seams that could cause leaks as single-ply membranes do.

Single Ply Roofing Membrane vs Bitumen

Unlike single-ply roofing, modified bitumen sheets are made of asphalt and reinforced with fiberglass or polyester.

They’re just as flexible as single-ply membranes but much more robust and durable regarding high foot traffic and damage.

Lifespan

Bitumen comes in multiple layers, ensuring a better waterproofing system and overall roof longevity.

It can also be reinforced with a cool roof coating, extending its lifespan further.

Installation

Both roofing systems can be installed in various ways.

However, all methods of single-ply installation are less demanding than bitumen installation.

Certain ways of installing bitumen also come with risks, like a roof fire, so you should always leave it to professionals.

Cost

Moreover, bitumen is generally more expensive than single-ply membranes due to the materials and various costs involved in its complex installation.

Single Ply vs Double Ply Roofing

Single-ply and double-ply roofing are similar in many ways.

The main difference is in the layers and the security they provide.

More layers, naturally, ensure greater protection against moisture and interior damage.

They also offer stability for additional units you might wish to add to your roof, such as a solar panel system.

Single Ply Or GRP

GRP (glass-reinforced polyester) is another roofing system that comes only as a single layer.

Other similarities with single-ply roofing include good resistance to weather elements, moisture, and UV rays.

They’re both straightforward to repair and maintain and have a similar life expectancy.

Appearance

Both come in various color options to match your taste.

However, many homeowners dislike GRP’s appearance due to the resin that gives it a shiny look.

Durability

On the other hand, GRP is believed to be more puncture-resistant and tougher than single-ply roofing.

But this toughness comes with less flexibility, which isn’t the case with single-ply membranes.

Single-ply roofing is also better for large roofs because it’s less prone to expanding and contracting than GRP.

Is Single-Ply Roofing The Same As TPO?

TPO is a type of single-ply roofing that’s heat welded.

How Long Does A Single Ply Roof Last?

The life expectancy of a single-ply roofing membrane is between 20 and 40 years.

It depends on the quality of the membrane’s materials, the membrane’s durability, design, installation quality, 

Improper installation, poorly done drainage, inadequate fixing, and other components accompanying the membrane could be the reason for its replacement.

Single Ply Roof Maintenance

Ensuring the best life expectancy for a single-ply membrane should take into account the following aspects:

• Inspect the existing roof. Before you begin the membrane installation, inspect the existing roof to determine its quality, structure, and condition. Establish what kind of membrane material and tools you’ll need for the installation. In addition, repair any damage on the existing roof.
• Determine the roof system design. Perform the proper calculations that’ll ensure the membrane’s durability. These could be thermal calculations for the insulation, wind lift calculations, etc.
• Find compatible roofing components. Ensure that other roofing components won’t cause future problems instead of extending the roofing membrane’s lifetime.
• Hire a reliable, professional installer. Find a professional team of single-ply roofing installers. They’ll ensure that your roof is high-quality and up to standard.

Did you know? During a roofing project, field engineers should conduct site inspections at least two times during the installation. If you’re hiring one for your single-ply roofing installation, don’t settle for less than that.

Which Is The Best Single-Ply Roofing Membrane?

After everything mentioned in the article, it can be concluded that PVC is the best single-ply membrane. 

Is A Single-Ply Roof Any Good?

Single-ply roofing is an inexpensive option for commercial buildings with large roof surfaces.

With proper installation and maintenance, single-ply membranes can last for a long time and serve you well. 

Nevertheless, whether it’s a good choice for your particular building depends on various factors.

It’s important to consider them all before you opt for any roofing system, and the same goes for single-ply roofing.

Safe Roofs With Single-Ply

Single-ply roofing will keep your interior safe and dry even in the worst weather conditions.

Consider all the pros and cons laid out in this article and get quotes from several contractors before you decide whether this roofing option is the one for you.