Commercial
Overview
Single ply is a flat polymer based waterproofing material that has been used by designers and specifiers for over 40 years.
It’s generally supplied in rolls and ranges in thickness from 1.1mm to + 2mm. Single ply technology offers a wide freedom of geometric form in roof design to suit new build and refurbishment projects.
Joints are sealed using heat and adhesives depending on the scheme. It can be adhered, mechanically fixed and/or ballasted depending on the roof system.
The Material
A variety of single ply membranes and specifications are available to compliment different design requirements.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
PVC accounts for approximately 80% of the UK market making it the most popular single ply roofing membrane. It is available in a wide range of colours. Joints are heat welded.
PVC cannot be installed over bitumen roofs without a barrier layer. This makes it unsuitable for refurbishment applications.
Due to the presence of chlorine and plasticisers PVC can be considered the least environmentally friendly of the single ply products. For many designers this environmental threat makes it impermissible. PVC is only partially recyclable.
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer)
A resilient, synthetic rubber membrane that can be manufactured in large sheets to reduce installation times. Jointing can be carried out with tape bonding using a special primer or with adhesives.
EPDM is compatible with bitumen. Although EPDM cannot be recycled the membrane can be reused if loose laid or mechanically fixed. You can have any colour as long as it’s black. EPDM needs to be ballasted to receive a satisfactory fire rating.
TPE (Thermoplastic Polyolefin Elastomer)
A polymer membrane that exhibits a high resistance to UV/Ozone exposure and does not absorb moisture. Laps are heat welded. TPE is 100% recyclable and no solvents are used in its installation. TPE is compatible with bitumen. TPE is simple to install due to the fact that welding is successful across a broad range of temperatures unlike PVC.
PIB (Polyisobutylen)
PIB is a synthetic rubber membrane and is 100% recyclable with a full life cycle assessment to ISO14040 ratifying that the product has no significant environmental impact from cradle to grave. It is therefore considered the most sustainable of single ply products. It is generally solvent welded using tape systems.
Key Benefits
- Single ply roofs are clean, lightweight, flexible, quick to install and cost effective.
- Safe, flame-free construction using hot-air welding, adhesives and fasteners.
- They are durable, flexible membranes with life expectancy of 30 years or more.