Single-ply roofing membranes, a term commonly used to describe rubber or plastic sheets, offer a wide range of designs and applications. Although these roofing membranes have always been lightweight, today's new membranes have exceptional weathering and elasticity in addition to being resistant to splits or cracks under normal building movement. These membranes can offer high resiliency and reflectivity with the added benefit of dimensional stability.

The membranes can be applied in most weather conditions and require minimal maintenance after the installation. The roofing material is highly adaptable to irregular shapes and surfaces and also resists tearing, flex-cracking and abrasions as well as other forms of deterioration caused by temperature extremes, sunlight, precipitation and all forms of normal weathering. These roofing systems can be applied over concrete, wood fiber, gypsum and insulated concrete decks in addition to steel decking. Single ply roof systems can even be applied over tapered roof insulation to insure adequate slope to the drains or gutters. If necessary, tapered insulation can be used to form crickets or fill in low or ponding areas caused by excessive weight or improper design. These roofing system membranes provide long-term ultraviolet and ozone resistance along with being environmentally friendly.

The complete single ply system can weigh less than 100 pounds per hundred square feet compared to a built up roof system that can weigh 800 pounds per hundred square feet. Many times, the amount of gravel and debris removed from the old roof weighs more than the new single ply roof system. Often a properly prepared existing roof system (built up, metal, modified bitumen, etc.) can provide an excellent base for the new single ply roofing system. This methodology can prevent having to tear off all the existing roof, thereby saving labor and disposal costs and eliminating the danger of having the building exposed during inclement weather.

Single-ply roofing membranes, coupled with the proper insulation, can add up to increased energy savings for a facility. For more than 30 years, single-ply roofing system membranes have proven their long-term capabilities on nearly 150,000 warranted commercial and industrial projects in the United States.

Single ply roof membranes fall into two general categories: thermoplastic, which are normally seamed by either heat (hot air) or solvent welding; and thermoset, which are chemically cross-linked and must be bonded with an adhesive. Because a single ply roof is smooth surfaced, problems are easily located and repaired. With a full service maintenance agreement supplied by your professional contractor, warranty repairs can be recorded and repaired during the annual inspection.

These roofing systems are unaffected by the normal foot traffic found on most roofs, but reinforced walkways can be added if excessive foot traffic is expected or the building owners desire to limit traffic to a designated area of the roof. With this type of advanced roofing system the installation is extremely critical. To receive a full warranty, only qualified contractors, who can properly insure that all of the manufacturer's procedures are followed, should be used for this type of installation. Once properly installed, a single ply roofing system can carry a warranty of 5, 10 or 15 years.

As a result of our commitment to quality control and updated training programs, Lundin Roofing Company has been designated as an approved applicator for most of the major manufacturers, including such leading names in the industry as Firestone, Carlisle, Duro-Last and Stevens. Lundin Roofing Company is always dedicated to working with only manufacturers who have demonstrated the ability to deliver high quality materials on a consistent basis. These manufacturers must have the financial strength to provide updated training programs and field support, in addition to the best warranties in the business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is this type of roof called "single-ply"?

A: The phrase "single-ply" commonly describes a roofing system utilizing rubber or plastic sheets, often called membranes, which are applied to a roof deck using adhesives or mechanical fasteners.

Q: What is the difference between using an adhesive or mechanical fasteners?

A: Adhesives allow the single-ply membrane to be "fully adhered" to the roof deck or insulation while mechanical fasteners utilize screws or spikes to attach the membrane to the deck.

Q: Where has "single-ply" been used for a roof?

A: The United States Coast Guard, Capital City Press, and Bank One Tower are just a few examples of 'single-ply' roof applications installed by Lundin Roofing Company.

Q: Can this type of roofing be used only on flat roofs?

A: Single-ply membranes offer a wide range of design and application possibilities. The material is highly adaptable to irregular shapes and surfaces.

Q: What about wear and tear?

A: Single-ply membranes have exceptional weathering and elasticity and will not split or crack under normal building movements. This material is resistant to other forms of deterioration caused by temperature extremes, sunlight, precipitation and all forms of normal weathering.

Q: Is this type of roof heavy?

A: A complete single-ply roofing system can weigh less than 1 pound per square foot compared to a traditional built up roof system that can weight 8+ pounds per square foot. Frequently with existing construction, the amount of gravel and debris removed from the existing roof system is more than the weight of the new single-ply roof system.

Q: Is this type of roof strong enough for normal traffic?

A: For areas that require roof traffic once a month or more, in addition to areas adjacent to roof hatches, access doors and rooftop ladders, special walkway pads and mats are available which are easily adhered and feature tear, puncture, uplift and UV resistance.

Q: Can insulation be added to the roof with a single-ply system?

A: Usually installed under the single-ply membrane, foam core insulation boards faced on both sides offer a stable, durable insulation product with maximum thermal efficiency. High compression strengths make these boards tough enough to withstand foot traffic without losing effectiveness.

Q: Can any roofing contractor install this type of roofing system?

A: The success or failure of a single-ply roofing system is largely dependent on the experience of the roofing contractor. Installers should be highly trained and motivated to ensure that all of the manufacturer's instructions are completed accurately.

Q: Can I get a warranty with this type of roofing system?

A: YES, whether new construction or roof replacement, warranties are available ranging from 5 years to over 15 years when a certified contractor installs the roofing system.

Q: What about leaks and repairs?

A: Because the surface of the roof is smooth, any problems can be easily located. Even if the roof is out of warranty, most minor repairs can be performed during the annual inspection by your roofing contractor. Warranty work and all major repairs should only be attempted by a certified single-ply roofing contractor.

Q: Does this type of roof require a lot of maintenance?

A: Single-ply roofs, like all roofs, should be inspected by your roofing professional at least once a year to identify and correct any minor problems. When you add a full service maintenance program as part of your roofing system, your professional roofing contractor will address any minor problems during the scheduled inspections.

Q: What does it cost to have my property inspected for this type of roofing?

A: Whether you are pricing an existing roofing problem or budgeting for maintenance and future replacements, Lundin Roofing Company professionals offer you no obligation consultations for all your commercial and industrial roofing projects.