With so many different roofing systems to choose from to protect your commercial building, selecting the one that fits your needs, goals, and budget all at once can be a challenge. There are many factors you should consider when determining what commercial roofing system is right for you, and All American Roofing Systems can help guide you to the best solution.
As a full-service commercial roofer, All American offers a wide variety of roofing systems, and among these are our standout single-ply membranes. Over the last 30 years, single-ply roofing has gradually grown in popularity due to its widespread functionality, versatility, durability, flexibility, and much more. We provide repairs, restoration, replacement, and other services for all types of single-ply systems. Call (814) 282-5953 today to learn more or read on to learn about the single-ply systems we offer:
Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) Single-Ply Roofing
Thermoplastic Polyolefin is a single-ply roofing membrane made up of a single layer of ethylene, rubber and propylene materials, with a reinforcing scrim that is a great option for flat roofs. TPO membranes are manufactured in sheets that are 10, 12 or 20 feet wide, and seams are welded together using a hot-air gun. With proper installation and maintenance, a TPO roof can last 20 years or longer.
According to the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), TPO makes up about 40% of the commercial roofing market, and for good reason – it’s a very affordable material. However, price point should not be the deciding factor when it comes to your commercial roof.
Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros
- Energy efficient
- Comes in black, white, and gray
- Chemical free
- Recyclable
- Stronger than PVC
- Wind resistant
Cons
- Short track record – TPO roofs have only been on the market about 20 years
- Complicated, expensive installation
- Tendency to shrink over time
- Not naturally fire resistant – requires the application of chemical retardants
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Single-Ply Roofing
PVC is a plastic roof material that is formed by combining oxygen, hydrochloric acid, and ethylene. It is one of the strongest flat roof materials available. A major selling point for PVC roof systems is its ability to be prefabricated, meaning the roof is constructed entirely off-site and then applied to your building, giving it stronger seams and an exact fit. Seams are hot air welded, to create a watertight surface. PVC has an estimated lifespan of up to 30 years.
Pros
- Incredible durability and longevity
- Withstands significant pressure (minimum breaking strength of 350 PPI)
- Usually comes with great warranties, due to high performance record
- Fast, less disruptive installation with prefabrication
- Can be manufactured in a wide variety of colors, unlike EPDM or TPO
- Energy efficient
- Resistant to chemicals like grease and oil
- Recyclable
- Fire resistant
Cons
- The most expensive single-ply system
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) Single-Ply Roofing
Finally, EPDM roofs are another single-ply roofing system All American Roofing Solutions offers. This rubber roofing system is the one most property owners and building managers are familiar with. It looks like the inside of a tire – black and rubbery. For more than 60 years, rubber roofing has been a solid performer in the commercial roofing market, with a typical lifespan of 20+ years. Here is a quick overview of its pros and cons:
Pros
- Less expensive
- Long track record of successful performance
- Made from recycled materials
- Waterproof
- Resistant to wind and fire
Cons
- Prone to shrinkage
- Easy to damage
- Weak seams
- Black rubber roofs (non-coated) tend to absorb heat and raise utility bills
Choose The Experts At All American!
Choosing the wrong roofing material for your commercial building can create a lot of problems, both large and small. That is why it is so important to hire a capable, qualified roofing company to assess your facility and recommend the best roofing system for your location, environment, and circumstances.
All American Roofing Solutions is Pennsylvania’s premier commercial roofing contractor, specializing in high-quality single-ply roofing solutions and related services: repair, restoration, replacement, and more. For more information about our services or to schedule a free, no obligation inspection and estimate, call us today at (814) 282-5953.
Conklin has been leading the commercial roofing industry for over 40 years! Installed on over 2+ billion square feet of roofing nationwide, Conklin products can keep any facility water-tight.