What is a Thermoplastic Single Ply Roof?

If you have done any research about commercial flat roofing over the last few years, you have doubtless come across the term "Single Ply Roofing".  So what the heck is a "Single Ply Roof" anyway? You can trouble yourself no more, because today we are going to discuss Thermoplastic Single Ply Roofing Systems! When you are done reading this article you'll have a well rounded understanding of the basics. 

Thermoplastic single ply membranes represent the fastest growing segment of the U.S. new construction roofing market over the past five years.They come in two basic varieties, PVC and TPO (there are others, but for the purpose of this article we are going to stick with the most popular). PVC is commonly referred to as "Vinyl" and TPO is commonly referred to as "Plastic".

The PVC (polyvinyl-chloride) product is a reinforced membrane with hot-air welded seams. This material has excellent durability and dimensional stability and is the category leader for dependability and longevity. Since the 1960s’ PVC has an unblemished history of commercial roofing performance.


The TPO (thermoplastic-polyolefin) is relatively new to the single ply category; wide spread distribution and application started in the mid 1990’s. TPO combines the hot-air welding benefit of PVC with the promise of greater flexibility and weatherability benefits. While TPO has good testing results in the laboratory, results from the field are troubling to say the least. 

Both PVC and TPO are aesthetically pleasing, lightweight, highly reflective, and chemical resistant. They also offer nominal fire resistance.

SINGLE-PLY BENEFITS
Resistant to chemicals
Reflective, California Title-24 Compliant
Green Building Counsel approved for LEED points
Energy Star rated to decrease HVAC cooling costs
Safe to install


SINGLE-PLY DRAWBACKS
One layer -Single ply roofs have no redundancy of waterproofing. The thin top layer is the entire roof. One puncture, tear, or open seam and moisture can easily enter the facility.  If the system is mechanically fastened water can migrate below the system, making leak detection and correction very difficult. Mold can easily grow when moisture is trapped between one of these ultra thin roofs.
Seams - miles and miles of seams that all need to be heat welded. Miss one sean and you can have a severe leaking and other related water intrusion issues.
Safety Concerns - these roofs are very slippery. Early morning dew and a slippery surface can be a recipe for disaster. If you choose one of these systems make sure you have a full safety rail system and walk pads installed.
Cost - These systems can be very expensive to install. Compare all of your options before buying. 
Puncture issues - Because these membranes are very thin, with average thickness of only 50 mils thick - they can be easily punctured. One sharp edged toolbox can cause thousands in damages.

Additional drawbacks of TPO membranes - TPO membranes have an extremely short track record. TPO Manufacturers have changed their formulations year after year due to problems. The product that ends up on your roof could have less than a few months of 'real world' application.  There is also cause for concern when TPO is applied in areas of High Solar Loading. The Midwest Roofing Contractors Association has gone so far as to issued a "bulletin" warning that the use of TPO membranes in areas of High Solar Loading can lead to premature membrane failure. The problem has become so prevalent that there are a number of Class Action lawsuits pending.

If you choose to install one of these single ply systems, my personal preference is the time proven PVC system. You will pay a bit more up front, but you will have a product that is field tested and reliable.

Flat roofs. Flat roofing.  Roofing. Roofing materials. Roof repair. Roofing Contractor. New roof. Metal roof. Commercial roofing. Roof Replacement. Cool roofs. Cool Roofing. Roof Coating. PVC roofing. TPO Roofing.

"PUF".....THE MAGIC ROOF SYSTEM!!

There is a veritable "Alphabet Soup" of Products available in today's Flat Roofing market: TPO, TPA, SBS, APP, CPA, PVC, BUR, CPE, PUF, EPDM, SPF...etc.. Consequently, Property Managers, Facilities Managers, Building Owners and decision makers can be overwhelmed with information - much of it contradictory. I understand your frustration and that is why I am here to help with "unbiased" information about flat roofing products!
Today we will be discussing "PUF" - Polyurethane Foam which is also commonly referred to as "SPF" - Sprayed Polyurethane Foam. Sprayed Polyurethane Foam has been used as a flat roofing system since the 1960's and have demonstrated service life well beyond 20 years. I believe this is a roofing system who's time has come and we'll discuss the many reasons why later in this article.

So what is Polyurethane Foam?
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Sprayed Polyurethane is comprised of two products; Iso ("a") and Resin ("b"). These two products are applied using plural component spray equipment. The two liquid components mix at the nozzle of a high pressure gun at a 1:1 ratio. Once the combined product hits the roof deck an exothermic reaction takes places and millions of individual closed foam cells form. These cells rise 30-35 times the original liquid volume and form a hard, closed cell monolithic roof surface that is fully adhered to the substrate. The product dries in seconds, and because it is lightweight, it adds very little load to the structure.

After the SPF has been applied to the proper thickness and finish specifications, a protective layer of elastomeric coating or gravel is applied. This protective layer produces a durable weather resistant surface that can be walked on for normal maintenance. SPF is tough, however, it must be protected by elastomeric coatings (acrylic, silicone, urethane) or other coverings (such as aggregate) to prevent ultra-violet-induced surface degradation. Such coverings can also be used for other purposes, including, inhibiting moisture vapor transmission, enhancing the aesthetics of the system, increasing the impact and abrasion resistance of the system, achieving non-flammability, meeting code requirements, or increasing energy efficiency.

Benefits of Spray Foam Roof Systems

• Leak free monolithic seal over your entire roof . No seams, no heat welding, no glues.
• Self flashing- forms a tight weatherproof seal as soon as applied, eliminating the need for counter flashing.
• High insulation value - Approximately R-6 per inch - higher than any other product on the market. .Also because there are no fasteners, gaps or seams like other insulation products - there is no thermal bridging. You get TRUE insulation value over the entire roof.
• Reduces or Eliminates Standing water - Polyurethane Foam can be applied to create slope to drain, substantially reducing standing water and creating positive slope.
• Rapid payback with energy savings- High Insulation value combined with High reflectivity and high emissivity make this roof system extremely energy efficient.
• Strong adhesion and wind uplift resistance- because the system is fully adhered it is nearly impervious to high winds. A recent study conducted in Florida (where Hurricanes have created the toughest wind uplift standards in the country) concluded that Polyurethane Foam Roof systems are the best choice.
• Weather resistant- the tough Elastomeric Surfacing combined with embedded granulation make todays Polyurethane Foam Roof systems as tough as nails.
• Lightweight and high strength- Sprayed Polyurethane Foam roofs weigh less than 1lb per square foot and have a high density of 2.8 - 3.0 lbs per square foot - easily capable of withstanding the toughest conditions.
• UL, FM, Energy Star, and "Cool Roof" approved.
• Renewable - Foam roof systems have a proven service life of 20 years and longer. When properly maintained these systems can be resurfaced with an additional layer of Elastomeric sealant and continue to protect the structure.

When it comes time to re-roof your building make sure you consider Polyurethane foam. It may be the best choice!

Flat roofs. Flat roofing.  Roofing. Roofing materials. Roof repair. Roofing Contractor. New roof. Metal roof. Commercial roofing. Roof Replacement. Cool roofs. Cool Roofing. Roof Coating. Foam roofing. SPF roofing. Polyurethane Foam Roofing. PUF roofing. Spray Foam roofs. SPF roofs. Foam roof.

SUMMER HAS ARRIVED!!

Everyone knows it doesn't make sense to drive a car 100,000 miles without regular maintenance. All equipment breaks down prematurely when it is not properly maintained.



The roof on your commercial building should be thought of as equipment too, and its life expectancy can be substantially increased or diminished depending on whether or not it is properly maintained. If you have a roof that hasn't had a check-up or a tune-up in years, it may not be too late.


Summer is upon us, but it only lasts three short months. While it's hot and dry it's a great time to have your roof inspected so you're prepared for the rains that will be here soon. Options for roof repair, maintenance and restoration are plentiful in the summer months, but once rain is threatening, roofing options become limited and potentially more costly.

Be prepared for fall and winter storms this year, call me for a roof inspection today! My comprehensive assessment of your roof will give you a detailed road map for maintenance and repairs that will extend roof service life and forestall the inevitable expense of roof replacement.






















Your first line of defense against premature roof failure is an inspection and Maintenance program. Scratch this one from your "TO DO" list and then start enjoying the rest of your summer!

Flat roofs. Flat roofing.  Roofing. Roofing materials. Roof repair. Roofing Contractor. New roof. Metal roof. Commercial roofing. Roof Replacement.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Happy New Year!! I hope 2010 is a fantastic year for you.

Get off to a good start and be proactive with your roof. If it's been more than 6 months since your last roof inspection, call and schedule a roof inspection today.




Flat roofs. Flat roofing.  Roofing. Roofing materials. Roof repair. Roofing Contractor. New roof. Metal roof. Commercial roofing. Roof Replacement.