Single Ply Roofing

Single Ply Roofs do not have the redundancy of multi-ply roofs such as built up or modified bitumen. Caution should be taken to avoid punctures and damage.

Known Issues


Crazing – The development of a multitude of very fine cracks on the single ply membrane. It is similar to alligatoring. Plasticizer migration and UV-instability in thermoplastic roof materials such as PVC and CPE have resulted in shrinking, chalking, crazing and embrittlement.	Ponding – The batten bars and cover strips used on mechanically fastened systems produce raised areas that let water pool.

Seam Failure – Seam failures occur as the material shrinks and lose elasticity. They are easily repaired using the same installation method if the membrane is still in good condition.

Inadequacies in the early generations of single ply membranes have caused roof leaks and premature failure due to chalking, shrinking, adhesive failure and flashing deterioration in many EPDM and CSPE roofs.

Regular maintenance (including inspections) is a must. After storms or rooftop work, inspect the roof for potential damage.

Leaks in single ply roofs are difficult to isolate and a seamless roof coating system is the best alternative to roof replacement.

Learn more about Single Ply Roof Repair or Single Ply Roof Coating.

Single Ply Roof Restoration

Add 10 or more years to your single ply roof with our Single Ply Roof Restoration System. Get a seamless roof without costly tear off and disruption. Stop roof leaks and prevent further degradation.

Single Ply Roof Coating

Elastomeric coatings provide the highest reflectivity and is a very popular option for building owners. White roof coatings can reflect up to 90% of the heat from the sun.

Acrylic Roof Coatings EnergyGuard® Acrylic Elastomeric Coating may be used on all types of positively sloped single ply membranes such as EPDM, PVC and TPO.

Butyl Roof Coatings EnergyGuard® Butyl Elastomeric Coating may be used on PVC and TPO roofs with minor ponding water issues.

Polyurethane Roof Coatings EnergyGuard® Aromatic Polyurethane may be used on EPDM Roofing. High pH rinses not required.

What's a Single-Ply Roof?

Single Ply roofing is a flexible or semi-flexible pre-manufactured membrane typically made of rubber or plastic materials.

Single-ply roofing comes in large rolls and must be glued or mechanically fastened to a roof, and sealed at all seams. This is in contrast to Built-Up Roofs, which utilize hot asphalt and other hazardous components as the roof is constructed in place.

Types of Single-Ply Roofs

Thermosets are membranes that cannot be hot air welded and are mechanically fastened or adhered. EPDM membranes fall into this category.

Thermoplastics are membranes that can be hot air welded to form cohesive seams. PVC and TPO are the most common types.

Hypalon is manufactured as a thermoplastic but cures over time and becomes a thermoset.

Reflectivity of Single-Ply Roofs

The solar reflectivity of single ply roofs varies depending on the color of the membrane.

Black EPDM roofs can reach 180°F or more in the summer. The heat load of a black roof can severely degrade the performance of airconditioning equipment.