How to Compare Commercial Roofing Quotes

 

Hiring a contractor to work on your facility’s commercial flat roof can be costly. From repairs to restorations or even a system replacement, you are investing in a system to protect your facility and everything inside of it.

With over 38 years of experience in the commercial roofing industry, we have a team of experts that produce high-quality, detailed commercial flat roofing quotes for our customers. Every company quotes their customers differently.

That’s why we made this article outline where to find commercial roofing contractors and how to compare commercial roof quotes.

 

Rule of Three

[caption id="attachment_24087" align="alignright" width="300"] Commercial Roof Inspection[/caption]

Before hiring a commercial roofing contractor, it’s important to get at least three quotes from different companies. By receiving three quotes, you are able to get three experts to look at your roofing system and get three opinions on what kind of scope of work is needed.

 

Fresh Sets of Eyes

With each contractor that you have inspect your roof, they may find new problems or provide new ideas for your project. While one contractor may want you to replace your roofing system, another contractor may suggest a repair on the damaged area. You want more opinions before making a decision.

 

Keep the Cost Competitive

Having multiple quotes will also help you figure out what kind of budget to expect because they should be in the same price range. If two quotes are close in cost with the third more than double the price, you can either request them to requote or weed them out of your search. And in the spirit of competition, contractors that are bidding on a project tend to provide more competitive prices.

 

Where to Find a Commercial Roofing Contractor

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="185"] BBB Accredited[/caption]

When you are looking for contractors of any kind, start with referrals! Talk to colleagues, business groups, and friends to collect names of contractors that are recommended first hand.

Your next place to find reliable roofing contractors are National Commercial Roofing Association (NCRA). The NCRA was founded in 1886 and serves as the roofing industry’s leading authority across the US. You can utilize the NCRA’s Member Directory to look up reliable roofing contractors in your area.

You can also take advantage of the Better Business Bureau. You can search for businesses that not only have a rating based on reviews, but you can find a BBB Accredited business that has gone through an evaluation with the bureau.

When you create a shortlist of contractors, schedule them to come assess your facility separately. When the contractors are at your facility, make sure to show all of them the same problem areas (leaks, etc) to make sure their quotes are based on the same information.

 

How to Compare Commercial Roofing Quotes

A commercial roofing quote will be provided from the contractor after they visit your facility for an assessment. When you are comparing three or more commercial roofing quotes side by side, you should compare more than just the costs.

 

Materials

Make sure your quote covers all materials including supplementary materials such as sealants. Unless you specifically ask, make sure that all of your quotes are for the same type of roofing system (metal, SPF, shingle, etc.)

 

Labor

[caption id="attachment_23909" align="alignright" width="300"] West Roofing Systems Safety Training[/caption]

The labor costs are where you can get a variety of numbers, remember that the lowest cost is not always the best. Higher paid teams could mean that they have more training, or do a better a job long-term. It’s best to compare their labor costs with a portfolio.

Read: Spray Polyurethane Foam Roofing Contractor Qualifications

 

Warranty

You always want to work with a contractor that will provide a solid warranty. The cost of the warranty will change based on the length of the warranty (15 years, 20 years) and the type of warranty (manufacturer’s, contractors, etc.). So, make sure you are looking closely at the warranty and don’t settle for something that is low-cost.

 

Incidentals

You want your contractor to do more than just install or repair your roof, you want them to clean up after themselves. Make sure that your quotes include incidentals such as material freight, debris removal, and cleanup. Those are costs that could add up fast.

 

Reputation

Aside from the cost of the quote, you want to look into how reputable your contractors are. From online reviews, to contractor databases, do your research beforehand. It pays off to spend a little more to have a reliable team on your facility roof.

Here are some things to look for when comparing contractor reputation:

• Does the contractor have an online presence? Online reviews?
• Does the contractor carry the proper license and insurance?
• How long has the contractor been in business? Can they provide references?
• What kind of materials does the contractor use? Can you choose as a customer?

Read: Hiring A Professional Roofing Commercial Contractor by Disaster Safety

 

Portfolios

[caption id="attachment_23405" align="alignright" width="300"] SRM on Commercial Roof[/caption]

It’s not uncommon to ask a potential contractor for a portfolio of work. This portfolio could include photos, videos, interviews and written descriptions of completed projects.

There are a few reasons why you should ask to see a potential contractor’s portfolio:

• Shows their proven successes
• Adds credibility for the contractor
• Ability to see quality of past projects

Pull up your contractors’ portfolios side by side and see their quality of work for similar projects (steep-slope vs steep-slope or SPF vs SPF, etc)

Check Out: West Roofing Systems Portfolio

 

Investing in a commercial roofing project can be a daunting task. But by being prepared and asking the right questions, you can find the right contractor to deliver high-quality work for a good price.

Although it would be just as easy for you to choose a different commercial roofing contractor in your area; choosing West Roofing Systems as turnkey roofing company will provide you with highly trained teams and award-winning service. Our services are flexible and diverse; we can recoat, repair or replace your facility’s roof so that it lasts decades.

Article Here: How to Compare Commercial Roofing Quotes

Cost of Single-Ply Membrane Commercial Roofing

 

Our sales team is asked every day, “How much does a single-ply membrane roof cost?” and it’s not easy to give just one answer. There are many factors that can affect the price of a commercial roof; from the weather to the location to the material and installation.

In this article, we will review the average price of a single-ply membrane roof and break down factors that could change your price. Keep in mind that when you are looking to invest in a new roofing system, it’s a good idea to get multiple quotes from a couple contractors.

Single-Ply Membranes are sheets of rubber and other synthetics that can be chemically adhered or mechanically fastened to insulation or a cover board creating a layer of protection on your commercial facility.

Read More: Single-Ply Roofing Systems: Installation and Performance

For an average 20,000 sq. foot commercial roof, it will usually cost between $3.50 and $7.50 per square foot in materials and labor to install a typical single-ply membrane commercial roofing system.

To get the best roofing system for the right price, you will need to consider these key factors:

 

The Size of Your Roof

When a contractor is pricing a new roofing system, the economies of scale starts around 20,000 sq feet; which means after 20,000 sq. feet you can start saving money per square foot of roof.

[caption id="attachment_23998" align="alignright" width="300"] EPDM Roofing System[/caption]

Other size factors that can impact your cost also include:

• The logistics of moving equipment up to and across a large roof
• Debris removal costs
• Material transport costs – this cost can take up 2-3% of the total project costs

 

Condition of Existing Roof

The condition of your existing roof will be a crucial factor in the cost of your new single-ply membrane roof. There are three options when dealing with the existing roof:

Clean and Prepare Existing Roof (no significant alterations) - $0.10 - $0.75 per sq. foot

When you have a solid roof that doesn’t require major modifications or corrections, the contractor will need to clean and prepare the roof, so the insulation adheres properly.

There are four ways a contractor can prepare a roof for single-ply membrane installation:

1. Air Pressure Cleaning
2. Powerwash
3. Dry Vac/Ballast Removal
4. Wet Vac for dirt, gravel and dust removal

 

Recovery Board Fastened on Top of the Existing Roof – $0.70 - $1.40 per sq. foot

Recovery boards are commonly used to cover and improve the application surface. This process could be used to cover joints and to provide a separation layer between the existing and new roofing systems.

 

Stripping and Removal of Roof - $1.00 - $2.00 per sq. foot

There are two main reasons a contractor would need to strip and remove your existing roof.

1. A building can’t have more than two roofing systems. This means if you currently have two roofs, your contractor will need to remove them before installing your new roof.
2. If your roof is damaged, saturated or unstable, your contractor will need to strip the existing roof to install a new working roof.

 

Access to Roof

[caption id="attachment_23977" align="alignright" width="300"] TPO Single-Ply Membrane Roofing[/caption]

Not all commercial roofs are flat; not all roofs can be walked on. Additional costs can occur when your contractor has limited access to the facility roof.

Height and distances of the roof can be multipliers for the cost of your single-ply membrane roof installation. Sloped roofs often require the contractors to use a man lift or repelling gear for single-ply membrane roof installation. Contractors may need to rent conveyance equipment such as a crane or passenger hoist to move the crew and equipment.

 

Insulation Choice

After the existing substrate is prepared, either by cleaning or removing the existing roof, the insulation is installed. In general, two layers of insulation are used.

There are a few types of insulation options the facility manager/owner can to choose from:

 

Polyisocyanurate (Polyiso)

Polyiso is the most commonly used insulation for roofing. It’s a rigid material that can be cut to size for installation. The R-Value for Polyiso lasts longer, and the aged R-Value is still higher than EPS and XPS.

Below are the costs for three different thicknesses:

• 1 in. - $1.40 - $1.75 per sq. foot in materials and labor
• 2 in. - $2.00 - $2.50 per sq. foot in materials and labor
• 3 in. - $2.80 - $3.15 per sq. foot in materials and labor

*Attached Polyiso cost associated with mechanical attachment would be based on industry average applications.

 

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)

EPS can be used for roofing, walls or floor insulation, but more commonly used with concrete. You get more R-Value per dollar with EPS being the lowest cost insulation choice.

 

Extruded Polystyrene (XPS)

XPS insulation can be found in blue, pink or green and is most commonly used for wall insulation. This is probably what you think when you hear insulation because it is the middle of the road in terms of cost and R-Value.

Read More: Choosing Rigid Foam by Green Building Advisor

 

Membrane Choice

[caption id="attachment_23972" align="alignright" width="300"] EPDM Single-Ply Roofing System[/caption]

When you are considering single-ply membrane roofing, there are two types of membrane to choose from: TPO and EPDM.

 

TPO

Thermoplastic Polyolefin is a single-ply roofing membrane that is one of the fastest growing commercial roofing systems on the market. TPO roofing systems are made up of a single layer of synthetics and reinforcing scrim that can be used to cover flat roofs.

For an average 20,000 sq. foot commercial roof, it will usually cost between $1.90 and $3.50 per square foot in materials and labor to for a TPO membrane.

 

EPDM

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer is a single-ply membrane that consists of a synthetic rubber compound that allows it to be flexible. EPDM has been used on commercial roofing facilities since the 1960s and is considered a time-tested option.

For an average 20,000 sq. foot commercial roof, it will usually cost between $1.80 and $3.50 per square foot in materials and labor to for an EPDM membrane.

Infographic: TPO vs. EPDM Systems

 

Installation Choice

[caption id="attachment_23999" align="alignright" width="300"] TPO Installation[/caption]

When it comes to installing the membrane of your choice to your roof (whether it’s to the insulation or to a cover board), there are three ways to choose from: Ballasted, Fastened or Adhered. They each have their own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to price, longevity, and ease of installation.

 

Ballasted

A Ballasted attachment is a low-cost option. It consists of laying down the membrane (TPO or EPDM) and covering it with gravel, pavers, river rock, and other similar materials. While this option can save you money (and look pretty cool), it adds up to 10 pounds per square foot onto your building structure. And as the rocks degrade over time, they can easily damage the membrane underneath.  Maintaining this type system is very difficult since the ballast would need to be moved to see any deficiencies in the membrane.

 

Fastened

Fastened attachment is when the membrane (TPO or EPDM) is mechanically attached through the cover board with metals screws and plates. These are inserted along the seams of the membrane sheet.

 

Adhered

Chemically adhered membrane is rolled out onto the cover board after a bonding adhesive is applied. This method does not penetrate the membrane which alleviates the chance of leaks even more.

 

Cost Table

Depending on the type of membrane thickness of membrane and type of attachment, your cost could vary.

Below is a table of cost estimates based on an average size roof:

 

	045 mils Thickness	065 mils Thickness
TPO
Ballasted	$1.90 - $2.35 per sq. foot	$2.00 - $2.50 per sq. foot
Fastened	$2.50 - $3.00 per sq. foot	$2.65 - $3.15 per sq. foot
Adhered	$2.75 - $3.25 per sq. foot	$2.85 - $3.50 per sq. foot
EPDM
Ballasted	$1.80 - $2.25 per sq. foot	$2.00 - $2.35 per sq. foot
Fastened	$2.00 - $2.25 per sq. foot	$2.20 - $2.70 per sq. foot
Adhered	$2.80 - $3.20 per sq. foot	$3.00 - $3.50 per sq. foot

 

 

Roof Penetrations

[caption id="attachment_23979" align="alignright" width="300"] TPO Single-Ply Membrane around Roof Penetration[/caption]

Most commercial roofing systems have accessories attached such as A/C units, skylights, air vents, plumbing vents and more. These penetrations on the roof can be in the way of rolling out a straight section of membrane.

When the contractor approaches these penetrations with single-ply membrane roofing, they need to cut smaller membrane pieces to size and essentially building up the roof around the vents/units which takes up more time and can cost more money to work around.

 

Type of Warranty

When you install a new single-ply membrane roofing system, you will have a few warranty options. The three most common types of warranties include:

1. Contractor’s Warranty - No expense or less than $1,000
2. Manufacturer’s Product Warranty - Low cost and low coverage
3. Manufacturer’s Full System Warranty - $0.08 - $0.15 per sq. foot

 

Single-Ply Membrane Roofing Systems have been the go-to roofing for commercial, industrial, and manufacturing facilities for decades. Contact West Roofing Systems today to talk to our expert staff about your future Single-Ply Membrane Roofing System.

Original Post Here: Cost of Single-Ply Membrane Commercial Roofing

Single-Ply Membrane Roofing: TPO vs. EPDM

 

Here at West Roofing Systems, we’ve been installing Single-Ply Membrane Roofing for over 38 years. And in that time, one of the most common questions we’ve received from customers is, “What's the difference between TPO and EPDM Single-Ply Membrane Roofing?”

Read More: Single-Ply Membrane Commercial Roofing: Installation and Performance

Single-Ply Membranes are sheets of rubber and other synthetics that can be chemically adhered to insulation or ballasted creating a layer of protection on your commercial facility. When you are considering single-ply membrane roofing, there are two types of membrane to choose from: TPO and EPDM. While both TPO and EPDM are membranes that are installed on top of the insulation, but there are slight differences that could affect your facility.

TPO

Thermoplastic Polyolefin is a single-ply roofing membrane that is one of the fastest growing commercial roofing systems on the market. TPO roofing systems are made up of a single layer of synthetics and reinforcing scrim that can be used to cover flat roofs.

For an average 20,000 sq. foot commercial roof, it will usually cost between $1.90 and $3.50 per square foot in materials and labor to for a TPO membrane.

EPDM

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer is a single-ply membrane that consists of a synthetic rubber compound that allows it to be flexible. EPDM has been used on commercial roofing facilities since the 1960s and is considered a time-tested option.

For an average 20,000 sq. foot commercial roof, it will usually cost between $1.80 and $3.50 per square foot in materials and labor to for an EPDM membrane.

 

Here is an infographic to compare TPO and EPDM Single-Ply Membrane Systems:

 

 

Single-Ply Membrane Roofing Systems have been the go-to roofing for commercial, industrial, and manufacturing facilities for decades. Contact West Roofing Systems today to talk to our expert staff about your future Single-Ply Membrane Roofing System.

Article Here: Single-Ply Membrane Roofing: TPO vs. EPDM

Single-Ply Membrane vs Spray Polyurethane Foam: Which is Best for Commercial Flat Roofs?

 

When we meet with future clients, they are usually comparing several types of roofing systems. We are always asked: Which is better? Which is more affordable? Which is best for long lasting protection?

At West Roofing Systems, we want to make sure that our future clients have the best information available. For this reason, we created an article that explores the differences between single-ply membrane and SPF roofing systems to give you all the information you need in choosing which roof for your facility.

 

The Basics

Single-Ply Membrane Roofing

[caption id="attachment_23977" align="alignright" width="300"] TPO Single-Ply Membrane Roofing[/caption]

Single-Ply Membranes are sheets of rubber and other synthetics that can be chemically adhered to insulation or ballasted creating a layer of protection on your commercial facility.

There are two main types of single-ply membrane commercial roofing: Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) and Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer (EPDM). They differ in their chemical makeup, how they are installed and their energy efficiencies.

Read More: Single-Ply Membrane Roofing: Installation & Performance

 

Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) Roofing

[caption id="attachment_23134" align="alignright" width="300"] Seamless SPF Roof[/caption]

Spray Polyurethane Foam, more commonly referred to as SPF, is a material that is sprayed and expands into a foam, creating a solid layer across an existing roof.

While SPF roofing is not the most known type of roofing material, the technology has been around since the early 1960s for industrial, commercial, and residential facilities.

Read More: Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) Roofing: Installation & Performance

 

 

Cost

Single-Ply Membrane Roofing

For an average 20,000 sq. foot commercial roof, it will usually cost between $3.50 to $7.50 per square foot for EPDM and $3.50 to $6.50 per square foot for TPO, including materials and labor warranty.

 

Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) Roofing

For an average 20,000 sq. foot commercial roof, it will usually cost between $4.00 and $7.00 per square foot in materials and labor to install a typical SPF roofing system. This price range is for an SPF roof of average thickness and building structure.

Read More: Cost of a Spray Polyurethane Foam Roofing System

 

 

Installation

Single-Ply Membrane Roofing

[caption id="attachment_23999" align="alignright" width="300"] TPO Installation[/caption]

The beginning of the installation process is similar between TPO and EPDM single-ply membrane roofing systems.

After the existing substrate is prepared, either by cleaning or removing the existing roof, the insulation is installed. There are a few types of insulation options the facility manager/owner can choose from Polyisocyanurate (Polyiso), Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), Extruded Polystyrene (XPS)

After the existing substrate is prepared, either by cleaning or removing the existing roof, the insulation layers are installed and covered by a cover board. There are three ways to attach the membrane to the cover board: ballasted, with an adhesive or mechanically fastened.

The significant difference between TPO and EPDM comes when it is time to adhere the membrane seams together. TPO uses a hot-air gun to melt down the membrane at the seams and fuse them together. EPDM is joined together with a seam tape.

 

Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) Roofing

[caption id="attachment_23117" align="alignright" width="300"] Spray Polyurethane Foam Application Team[/caption]

Before the installation can start, the existing roof needs to be prepared. Rather than stripping the existing roof, the contractor will most likely prepare the substrate by getting rid of all dirt, dust, and contaminants.

The first layer put down by the contractor is the polyurethane foam. This foam is created by combining two liquids as it’s sprayed onto the existing roof substrate. As the liquid is sprayed onto the existing roof, it expands to form a solid foam surface.

When the SPF layer has been completed, it is then coated with a layer(s) of elastomeric silicone or acrylic coating with embedded granules.

 

Advantages

Single-Ply Membrane Roofing

If properly installed and maintained, a commercial single-ply membrane roof can last 30 years. There are quite a few other benefits of single-ply membrane roofing systems:

• Proven Track Record - EPDM roofing has been used for commercial flat roofing for over 60 decades. This amount of time on the market has allowed various laboratory and field studies to be performed and tracked.
• Customer Choice of Insulation - Since single-ply membrane roofing does not include the insulation factor, as a customer you have more options to choose from to insulate your facility’s roof.
• Class A Fire-Rated - TPO membranes and EPDM can achieve Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Class A fire resistance listings by adding fire retardant chemicals during the manufacturing process.
• Reflective or Retentive - TPO is generally white and highly reflective. On the other side of the spectrum, EPDM is often described as “Black Roofs,” due to the natural dark color of the membrane.

 

Read More: Pros and Cons of Single-Ply Membrane Roofing Systems

 

Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) Roofing

[caption id="attachment_22114" align="alignright" width="300"] West Roofing Systems installs SPF Roofing[/caption]

If properly installed and maintained, a commercial SPF roof can last 50 years. There are quite a few other benefits of SPF roofing systems:

• Energy Efficient – SPF delivers thermal, air, and moisture barriers to provide the highest R-value per inch.
• Durable – The foam material can expand and contract with the building, decreasing the likelihood of cracks and splitting.
• Seamless and Waterproof – The continuous solid surface does not require joints or seams, removing the most vulnerable area for leaking.
• Environmentally Friendly – In most cases, there is minimal stripping of the original roof – eliminating the need for costly roof tear-offs and waste.

 

Read More: Pros and Cons of Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) Roofing Systems

 

Disadvantages

Single-Ply Membrane Roofing

[caption id="attachment_23998" align="alignright" width="300"] EPDM Roofing System[/caption]

While the advantages of a single-ply membrane roofing system outweigh the disadvantages, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Here are disadvantages of single-ply membrane roofing systems:

• Durability - Single-ply membrane roofing does not have a hard top layer to protect the synthetic rubber from dropped tools, gravel or loose screws from being pushed into the rubber membrane.
• Seams - Although these seams are sealed either mechanically or with melting adhesives, they are still areas that are more vulnerable to leaks than other roofing systems.
• Roofing Accessories – Penetrations such as skylights or vents need special attention during installation.
• UV Rays - UV rays that shine directly on the roof can degrade the adhesives quickly over time.

 

Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) Roofing

While the advantages of an SPF roofing system outweigh the disadvantages, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Here are disadvantages of SPF roofing systems:

• Hire the Right Professional – The contractor needs to be precise with the application and have a solid understanding of the chemicals they are using.
• Limited Installation Window – Installation of an SPF roofing system cannot be performed during cold, windy, or rainy weather.
• Overspray Potential – Since the SPF is installed by a spray application, there is a risk of the wind carrying overspray onto surrounding cars and other surfaces.
• Limited Colors – The silicone coating that is applied to the foam comes in two colors: white and gray.
• Maintenance – SPF roofing systems need to be inspected twice a year at least.

 

As you can see, both Single-Ply Membrane and SPF Roofing Systems have their benefits and drawbacks. Choosing which one is best comes down to a customer-by-customer basis.

West Roofing Systems, Inc. installs sustainable and efficient roofing systems for commercial, industrial, manufacturing and municipal buildings. In over 38 years, we have installed over 56,000,000 square feet of commercial Spray polyurethane foam (SPF), single ply membrane and other popular roofing systems.

If you are looking for maintenance, repair or replacement for your facilities roof, fill out our quote form for your free no-obligation commercial roof quote from our team of experts.
 

Original Post Here: Single-Ply Membrane vs Spray Polyurethane Foam: Which is Best for Commercial Flat Roofs?

Pros and Cons of Single-Ply Membrane Commercial Roofing

With today’s economy, property owners and managers face the daunting task of keeping their facility running safe and in decent shape. One of the most critical systems in a commercial facility is the roofing system.  So, why jump into an investment without knowing the advantages and disadvantages of single-ply membrane roofing?

At West Roofing Systems, we have over 38 years of commercial roofing experience; we work with customers every day to decide what kind of roof is best for their facility.

While the choice is ultimately up to the building owner, we want to point out a few pros and cons to Single-Ply Membrane Roofing Systems.

 

The Basics

[caption id="attachment_23998" align="alignright" width="300"] EPDM Roofing System[/caption]

Single-Ply Membranes are sheets of rubber and other synthetics that can be ballasted or chemically adhered to insulation to create a layer of protection for your commercial facility.

There are two main types of single-ply membrane commercial roofing: Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) and Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer (EPDM). They differ in their chemical makeup, how they are installed and their energy efficiencies.

Read More: Single-Ply Membrane Commercial Roofing: Installation and Performance

 

Pros of Single-Ply Membrane Roofing

Proven Track Record

EPDM roofing has been used for commercial flat roofing for over 60 years. This amount of time on the market has allowed various laboratory and field studies to be performed and tracked. That’s why single-ply membrane roofing has a proven track record for being a high-performance roofing option.

TPO, while having more market share than EPDM, has not been on the market as long as EPDM. This means that TPO single-ply membrane roofing is still under testing and evolving into a more reliable roofing membrane.

 

Options for Insulation Materials

Since single-ply membrane roofing does not include the insulation factor, as a customer you have more options to choose from to insulate your facility’s roof. There are a few types of insulation options the facility manager/owner can to choose from:

• Polyisocyanurate (Polyiso) – The most used insulation type for roofing applications, Polyiso is more expensive but pay off with a higher R-value rating.

• Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) - With the highest R-value per dollar, EPS is used for roof, wall and floor insulation. EPS can be used with for ground contact and does not retain water over time.

• Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) – Usually defined by the blue, green or pink color, XPS falls in-between Polyiso and EPS in the range of price and performance. XPS is semipermeable with a perm rating of 1.

 

Read More: Insulation Comparisons by Insulfoam

 

Choice of Reflective or Retentive Properties

TPO is fast growing in popularity across the commercial roofing market. Also, known as “White Roofs,” TPO is generally manufactured white and highly reflective. TPO is also available in tan, gray, green, blue and red.

On the other side of the spectrum, EPDM is often described as “Black Roofs,” due to the natural dark color of the membrane. This high-performance rubber compound provides excellent weatherability and heat retention beneficial for facilities located in climates with lower “cooling days”.

 

Easy Installation

[caption id="attachment_23999" align="alignright" width="300"] TPO Installation[/caption]

Unlike the complexities involved with processing spray polyurethane foam roofing, installing single-ply membrane roofing is relatively simple.

After the existing substrate is prepared, either by cleaning or removing the existing roof, the insulation layers are installed and covered by a cover board.

There are three ways to attach the membrane to the cover board: ballasted, with an adhesive or mechanically fastened.

The significant difference between TPO and EPDM comes when it is time to adhere the membrane seams together. TPO uses a hot-air gun to melt down the membrane at the seams and fuse them together. EPDM is joined together with a seam tape.

 

Lightweight and Flexible

Even though there are multiple layers, and you can choose the thickness of the membrane installed on your roof, overall single-ply membrane roofing is lightweight compared to other commercial flat roof systems. This relieves stress that is put on your building’s structure.  (Excluding ballasted systems)

The flexibility of the single-ply membranes allows the contractor to accommodate unique roof designs. This flexibility also allows the roofing systems to stay intact with expanding and contracting buildings.

 

Cons of Single-Ply Membrane Roofing

Membrane is Easily Punctured

While we explained in the paragraph above that single-ply membrane roofing is lightweight and flexible, that also leads us to our first con, the thin layers are easily punctured.

Single-ply membrane roofing does not have a hard-top layer to protect the synthetic rubber from dropped tools, gravel or loose screws from being pushed into the rubber membrane. This kind of damage could create holes in the rubber and insulation and be vulnerable to leaks.

Read More: How Puncture Resistant Are Commercial Roofing Membranes? by GAF

 

Roofing Accessories

[caption id="attachment_23979" align="alignright" width="300"] TPO Single-Ply Membrane around Roof Penetration[/caption]

Most commercial roofing systems have accessories attached such as A/C units, skylights, air vents, plumbing vents and more. These penetrations on the roof can be in the way of rolling out a straight section of membrane.

When the contractor approaches these penetrations with single-ply membrane roofing, they need to cut smaller membrane pieces to size and essentially building up the roof around the vents/units which takes up more time and is not as reliable in terms of being waterproof.

 

Seams are Vulnerable to Leaks

We covered in the installation explanation how the rubber membrane is rolled out, overlapped and fastened with either heat, mechanical fasteners, adhesives or tapes. Although these seams are sealed, they are still areas that are more vulnerable to leaks than other roofing systems.

 

UV Rays

UV rays that shine directly on the roof can degrade the adhesives quickly over time. This is what can make those seams vulnerable to leaks. If there is a puncture, tear or other damage to the roof, the UV rays coming into the adhesive layer can cause more damage with the adhesives deteriorating.

 

Single-Ply Roofing Systems take up over half of the roofing systems for commercial, industrial, and manufacturing facilities that are looking for a sustainable, economically efficient option.

At West Roofing Systems, our goal is to get you a long-lasting roof that will protect your facility. That includes working with our award-winning team to choose the best roofing systems to meet your needs.

Contact West Roofing Systems today to talk to our expert staff about your future Single-Ply Membrane Roofing System.

 

Article Here: Pros and Cons of Single-Ply Membrane Commercial Roofing

Single-Ply Membrane Commercial Roofing: Installation and Performance

 

If you’re looking up ‘Single-Ply Membrane Roofing’ you are probably looking to replace or repair your commercial roof.

Here at West Roofing Systems, we’ve been installing Single-Ply Membrane Roofing for over 38 years. And in that time, one of the most common questions we’ve received from customers is, “How does single-ply membrane roofing work?”

Single-Ply Membranes are sheets of rubber and other synthetics that can be chemically adhered to insulation or ballasted creating a layer of protection on your commercial facility.

While Single-Ply Membrane Roofing is one of the most well-known types of commercial roofing material, there are several types to fit your budget and facility needs. This article will cover the types of single-ply membrane roofing, how they are installed and their advantages and disadvantages.

 

Types of Single-Ply Membrane Commercial Roofing

[caption id="attachment_23977" align="alignright" width="300"] TPO Single-Ply Membrane Roofing[/caption]

There are two main types of single-ply membrane commercial roofing: Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) and Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer (EPDM). They differ in their chemical makeup, how they are installed and their energy efficiencies. There is also a third, low-budget option: Ballasted Roofing System.

 

TPO

Thermoplastic Polyolefin is a single-ply roofing membrane that is one of the fastest growing commercial roofing systems on the market. TPO roofing systems are made up of a single layer of synthetics and reinforcing scrim that can be used to cover flat roofs.

TPO has gained industry acceptance with the natural reflective surface to reflect UV rays. As reported by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) TPO takes up about 40% of the commercial roofing market share.

 

EPDM

[caption id="attachment_23972" align="alignright" width="300"] EPDM Single-Ply Roofing System[/caption]

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer is a single-ply membrane that consists of a synthetic rubber compound that allows it to be flexible. EPDM has been used on commercial roofing facilities since the 1960s and is considered a time-tested option. Although EPDM has more of a trusted history with commercial roofing, it only has about 20% of the commercial roofing market according to the NRCA.

With EPDM, you have an option of choosing from 45, 60, or 90 mils thickness and either black or white for the color. While TPO has a natural white color, EPDM results in a dark gray or black color for your roof. While the darker color is not helpful in reflecting UV rays, it does retain heat and can be useful in cooler weather.

 

Ballasted

Ballasted roofing systems are the low-cost option of commercial roofing. With ballasted roofing systems, you use the same insulation and rubber membrane as TPO or EPDM Single-Ply Membrane Roofing; although, instead of using adhesives or mechanical fasteners, the waterproof membrane is held down with gravel, pavers, river rock, and other similar materials.

This option adds weight to your structure, up to 10 pounds per square foot. As the rocks degrade over time, they can easily damage the membrane underneath; this can allow water in the insulation and create leaks.

 

How Single-Ply Membrane Roofing Is Installed

The beginning of the installation process is similar between TPO and EPDM single-ply membrane roofing systems.

After the existing substrate is prepared, either by cleaning or removing the existing roof, the insulation is installed. There are a few types of insulation options the facility manager/owner can to choose from:

• Polyisocyanurate (Polyiso)
• Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
• Extruded Polystyrene (XPS)

 

Read More: Choosing Rigid Foam by Green Building Advisor

After the existing substrate is prepared, either by cleaning or removing the existing roof, the insulation layers are installed. Generally, a cover board is placed on top for the membrane to be adhered to. A bonding adhesive is applied right onto the cover/insulation board, or the entire assembly is mechanically fastened or ballasted.

Both TPO and EPDM membranes are manufactured in sheets that are 10, 12 or 20 feet wide. These sheets are then rolled up and taken to the commercial facility. As the contractors are applying the membrane sheets roll out the membrane overlapping the sides.

The significant difference between TPO and EPDM comes when it is time to adhere the membrane to the insulation board.

 

TPO

Thermoplastic Polyolefin is a single-ply membrane, the TPO membrane can be attached to the cover board with a bonding adhesive or mechanically fastened. When the membrane is rolled out, the contractor then returns and uses a hot-air gun to hot air weld the seams together.

Here is a video of the West Roofing Systems team installing a TPO Single-Ply Membrane Roofing System.

 

EPDM

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, like TPO, is mechanically fastened or adhered to the cover board. The membrane is rolled out on the flat roof, then the contractor returns and secures the seams with a layer of seam tape or an additional adhesive.

 

Advantages of Single-Ply Membrane Roofing

The benefits of installing a single-ply membrane roofing system, rather than another roof type, are numerous regarding installation, performance, cost and longevity.

• Over 50 years of proven performance
• Customer choice of application methods
• Class A fire-rated
• Choice of white or black for UV reflection or heat retention
• High-tensile-strength
• Easy and quick installation

 

Disadvantages of Single-Ply Membrane Roofing

While the advantages of a single-ply membrane roofing system outweigh the disadvantages, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

• Membrane is easily punctured
• Seams are vulnerable to leaks
• Durability – TPO tends to get brittle and crack, EPDM tends to shrink over time
• UV rays can degrade the adhesives

 

Single-Ply Membrane Roofing Maintenance

[caption id="attachment_23979" align="alignright" width="300"] TPO Single-Ply Membrane around Roof Penetration[/caption]

Warranties for a single-ply membrane roofing system can be 15, 20 or 30 years. But since there is no top coating, when your warranty is up you have two options to renew your warranty:

• New silicone restoration membrane
• New roofing system such as SPF roofing

 

Repairing Your Single-Ply Membrane Roofing System

Although your warranty may last 30 years, chances are you will need to perform regular repairs on your Single-Ply Membrane Roofing System.

The membrane is very susceptible to punctures, even someone stepping on a screw can push it into the membrane cause damage. To keep your insulation (and ultimately your facility) clear of water, it’s best to keep up on repairs.

A contractor will be able to repair a single-ply membrane roofing system relatively quickly with these steps:

1. Clean the surrounding area
2. Prime the area with a bonding adhesive
3. Cut a piece of membrane 2” bigger than the puncture
4. Use an adhesive or hot-air gun to bond the new piece of membrane onto the roof

 

Single-Ply Membrane Roofing Systems have been the go-to roofing for commercial, industrial, and manufacturing facilities for decades. Contact West Roofing Systems today to talk to our expert staff about your future Single-Ply Membrane Roofing System.

Originally Published Here: Single-Ply Membrane Commercial Roofing: Installation and Performance