Commercial Single-Ply Roofing Installations

There are countless combinations of single-ply commercial roofing systems in today’s market, and choosing the right system can feel overwhelming. From membrane color to seam type and installation method, each decision impacts the performance and longevity of your roof.

When you need an expert to help you sort it all out, turn to GSM Roofing – your commercial single-ply roofing contractor serving PA, MD, NJ, and DE.

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What is Single-Ply Roofing?

This type of commercial roofing system is made from flexible, synthetic materials that come in large sheets or membranes. These membranes are applied in a single layer (hence the name “single-ply”) and are commonly used on flat or low-slope commercial roofs.

Single-ply systems can be installed in various ways, such as being fully adhered, mechanically attached, or ballasted. These roofs are known for being:

Low maintenance
Energy-efficient
Durable and weather resistant
Lightweight (often requiring less structural reinforcement)
Relatively quick to install compared to multi-layered systems

Types of Single-Ply Roofing Systems

Although single-ply membrane roofing systems have become the “standard” for low-slope roofing, there are benefits and drawbacks to EPDM (ethylene propylene diene M-class rubber), TPO (thermoplastic olefin), and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) that our customers need to be aware of.
At GSM Roofing, our decades of installation experience and master certifications ensure you’ll get a long-lasting single-ply roofing system that perfectly fits your needs and budget.

TPO roof on Haverford College’s Alumni Field House.

TPO Roofing

A TPO commercial roof is economical, with prices near the lower portion of the single-ply roofing spectrum. You may choose from black, gray, tan, or white — all of which are UV resistant to different degrees. This resistance prevents heat build-up inside the building in the summer and keeps heat in during the winter.

TPO roofing systems are incredibly resistant to problems, like dirt build-up, mold, mildew, algae, tears, and perforations. Thanks to its superior flexibility – if the building shifts, settles, expands, or contracts – that’s no problem for TPO.

Installation is relatively simple for experienced roofers, often resulting in lower labor costs — especially depending on whether the system is heat-welded, adhered, or mechanically fastened. Using wider sheets also reduces the number of seams, minimizing potential entry points for water and wind.

Beware if your commercial roofing contractor has no experience installing TPO roofing systems. They should be able to talk to you about:

Variations in material quality among manufacturers
Installation methods that can lead to cracks and seam failures
Lamination quality
The role (if any) that material thickness plays in longevity

A mega PVC roof installation on Philadelphia Premium Outlets.

PVC Roofing

A You can expect single-ply PVC roofs to last 20 years or more when properly maintained — due to their ability to bear a minimum of 350 pounds per square inch. That lifespan and toughness are especially useful in areas that experience significant snowfall.

Hot-air-welded seams increase moisture resistance and perform better than other materials with seams that must be adhered, taped, or caulked. PVC roofing:

Is fire-resistant
Can withstand winds from Category 3 hurricanes
Tolerates ponding
Is watertight when installed correctly
Is resilient in low and high-alkaline circumstances
Will combat the growth of plants, mold, mildew, algae, and bacteria

PVC is also very resistant to damage from various chemicals, making it a good choice for applications where chemical use is prevalent. Additionally, its UV-ray reflection and recyclable nature make it very eco-friendly.

PVC has the highest up-front single-ply commercial roofing cost, but its durability means lower maintenance and repair costs.

EPDM Roofing

EPDM is an economical, fire-resistant single-ply roofing system option for commercial buildings with low-slope roofs. When you choose the white option, it can be environmentally friendly because of its ability to reflect UV rays and reduce energy costs. It’s also entirely recyclable.

When installed with Polyiso insulation, white EPDM roofing is very energy efficient. It reflects the sun’s heat away from the building, and it also helps keep heat in the building when it’s cold outside. It’s receptive to roof coatings, which will prolong the roof’s life and add even more reflective ability.

EPDM roof systems are compatible with solar and vegetative roofs and are lightweight and flexible for installation on any style or shape of commercial roof.

EPDM Roof on an elementary school in Lititz, PA

Another advantage of EPDM is its long life. If properly installed, you can realistically expect an EPDM roof to last more than 20 years. This longevity is mainly due to its resistance to UV rays, wind, and hail.

If you’re looking for an attractive commercial roof, EPDM might not be the best choice. Most low-slope roofs are not visible from the ground. But if you would like your roof to contribute to the overall aesthetic of your building, it’s worth exploring specialty roofing options.

Whether EPDM or another type of commercial single-ply roofing is right for your building, always choose a roofing company that’s experienced in single-ply commercial roofing applications to avoid leaks and get the longest possible life from your roof.

EPDM Roof Installation on the Wilbur Building

This project in Lititz, PA, involved some demolition, new construction, and restoration of the historic Wilbur building. Work included installing a 30-year Platinum Firestone EPDM roof system with decorative ballast and terrace pavers as well as fabricating and installing copper beam covers on the terrace roof level, complete gutter and downspout systems, and Rheinzink wall panels both inside and out.

Get Your Single-Ply Commercial Roofing Quote from GSM Roofing

Your commercial building has unique requirements for new construction or roof replacement, and we’re here to help you weigh the pros and cons of all types of single-ply commercial roofing.

If you’re located in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, or Maryland, it’s time to get a quote from a commercial roofing contractor that’s been a local, family-owned business for three generations, that’s been installing single-ply roofing systems since 1946, and that has the credentials and the certifications to ease your mind, knowing that your roof is in the best hands.