Roofing Tips and News
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31 January 2012
Single Ply roofing materials have become one of the favorites of many Pensacola roofers and architects over the last 15 years. This is mainly due to the fact that it is relatively low cost and can be rapidly installed to suit most designs. There are several different types of single ply roofing available nowadays offering a wide range of colors and compositions which have been evolving with the development of tougher and longer lasting chemical compounds.
The three main types of single ply roofing are as follows:
Poly-Vinyl-Chloride: otherwise known as PVC single ply roofing, is the most commonly available and can be purchased in a wide variety of different colors directly from various manufactures with a range of thicknesses depending on the applications. Single ply PVC is highly durable with many types of attachment methods available, can easily be adapted to the more ecologically friendly architectural designs that are becoming commonplace in today’s more conservationist approach to construction. A professionally fitted PVC single ply roof can be expected to last at least 40 years.
Ethylene-Propylene-Diene-Monomer: more commonly referred to as EPDM therma-set rubber sheets are similar to the PVC single ply sheets in that they are flexible and available in a range of thicknesses and can be applied in much the same way. The advantage of this type is a greatly increased protection from ultra-violet rays and ozone impacts and will react well to most of the chemical compounds an average roof is exposed to. This particular compound is also highly resistant to punctures and tears.
The most modern type currently available is the Thermoplastic-Polyolefin or TPO. This technology provides even more protection through being internally reinforced with heat sealed edges allowing the roofing to be applied to most surfaces including concrete, wood and stone. The reinforcement is usually provided by an internal fiberglass frame that allows the material to flex slightly when under pressure from high winds or extreme temperatures. TPO also has the highest resistance of any single ply roofing material to exposure from harsh chemicals and other pollutants common in industrialized areas.
Any of these types of single ply roofing will provide reliable and long lasting protection against some of the harshest environments. Although not always a perfect substitute for built up roofs some of the key advantages single ply roofing can offer include:
- Very quick to install due to the flexibility in size, thickness and attachment methods available;
- Low cost in comparison to most alternative roofing products;
- Excellent insulation properties;
- Allows air to flow through if required offering more options for creating greener building designs;
- Very easily maintained, replaced or refitted;
- Wide range of pre-made colors and designs available.
When making a choice between these three types of single ply roofing the deciding factors are most frequently the dimensions and style of the building being constructed, how industrialized the region is, the harshness of the climate and the amount of traffic expected across its surface.
For more information, fill out our Contact Form, or call Edwards Roofing at 850-478-0230.






