The Benefits of Single Ply Rubber Roofing for Commercial Buildings

Commercial buildings need to stay in top shape. One of the most important features in any building is the roofing system. It’s your first line of defense against the elements. It can also help insulate your building and keep energy costs low. Single ply rubber roofing is a smart choice for most commercial buildings: it’s sturdy, durable and cost effective.

When you’re considering a new flat roof, single ply EPDM may be the answer to your needs. Here’s an overview of the benefits of this roofing type.

What are single ply membrane roofs?

Single ply membrane roofs are made from rubber or other synthetics. Sheets of material are ballasted or chemically adhered to provide insulation. This creates extra protection for your commercial building. This roofing material comes in either EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) or TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin).

Benefits of single ply rubber roofing

There are numerous benefits to this roofing type, including:

• Easy installation: The easier your roof is to install, the more you’ll save on labor costs. Single ply membrane roofs are installed by cleaning off the existing substrate or removing an existing roof. The insulation layers are installed, then covered with a cover board. Then the single ply membrane is attached, either through ballasting, adhesives or mechanical fasteners. Depending on whether you choose EPDM or TPO, the seams are adhered differently. EPDM uses seam tape, while TPO melts the seams together with a hot air gun.
• Durable: This roofing material has been used for over 60 years. It’s proven to be a sturdy, reliable and durable roofing material for commercial buildings when installed and maintained appropriately.
• Flexible and lightweight: Despite the insulation and cover board, single ply rubber roofing is one of the lightest-weight options on the market. That can reduce the amount of weight and stress on your building. Plus, it’s easy to adjust for any building configuration, and will expand and contract along with the structure.
• Reflective or retentive: You can choose whether your roof is reflective or retentive. TPO is usually white and highly reflective, which can help reduce the amount of heat transfer into your building. Single ply EPDM usually comes in black, which gives it a retentive heat property.
• Insulation options: You’ll have your choice of three insulation types. Polyiso is the most expensive option, but it has excellent R-value. EPS or expanded polystyrene has the highest R-value relative to its price, and won’t retain water. Finally, XPS or extruded polystyrene is semipermeable and is usually between polyiso and EPS in price.

The main downside to single ply rubber roofing is that it needs to be properly maintained in order to avoid punctures, leaks and UV ray degradation. However, if you take care of your roof as needed, it should provide you with decades of faithful service.

If you’re considering single ply rubber roofing and EPDM roofing, call R & H Roofing, LLP today. We can help you choose the right commercial roofing material that will last you for years to come.

Categorised in: EPDM Roofing

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