Single Ply
Single ply roofing, as its name suggests is a roofing system consisting of one layer of material.
There are many types of single ply products, most of them designated by the initials of their
principal chemical compound. For example one popular membrane material is PVC, a flexible version of
poly-vinyl-chloride. Another rubber-like membrane is EPDM, ethylene-propylene-diene-monomer. Stone
Roofing installs many different single ply roof system including: TPO, PVC, TPA, PIB, EPDM, and
Hypalon. When selecting a single-ply system, it is imperative that the choice is tailored to the
specific project. Consult with your project manager for recommendations based on your project
parameters.
TPO
TPO is the brand name for thermo-plastic polyolefin or Thermal Polymer Olefin. TPO is comprised of
materials combined in a thermal reactor at a molecular level; once combined, the molecules fuse
together and cannot be separated, as opposed to other materials that are ground up and melted together.
TPO is one of the lightest, most recyclable materials on the market. With a built-in, Ultra Violet
protection, it is also one of the most weather-resistant materials on the market. Because it is a
polymer, it is a great insulator that also protects buildings from the elements, as it does not conduct
sound, electricity, or heat; TPO keeps buildings cooler in the summer. Due to the nature of this
material, it stands up to even the most extreme weather conditions without expanding or contracting,
which is why the automotive industry uses it in fenders, bumpers, doors, and other body moldings. TPO is
also very impact resistant and resilient, making it a prime choice when considering roofing systems that
will stand up to hail conditions and harsh storms.
PVC
PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride, meaning it is comprised of carbon, hydrogen, and chlorine
(from salt) on a molecular level. When heated sufficiently, thermoplastics temporarily shift from a solid
to a semi-solid state enabling the sheets or panels that are overlapped to fuse together as a solid upon
cooling. This process yields one, continuous membrane rather than several compressed particles. This
process, referred to as heat-welded seam technology, is one of the most beneficial features of PVC. First
appearing on roofs in Europe in the 1960s, PVC has the longest track record in roofing membranes of all
thermoplastics. Since it has been widely tested and perfected, there are many options with this type of
roofing membrane.
Manufacturers have the ability to produce a large array of colors, including white,
which is heat reflective. PVC can be attached and adhered in several different ways. These options make
PVC roofs completely customizable and aesthetically pleasing. With the low-temperature flexibility and
high-temperature tolerance points of the membrane, PVC is very flame resistant, impact resistant and
resilient. Because of the resilience and performance of PVC, many roofs throughout the United States that
were installed 20 years ago are still performing well to-date.
