Explore the possibilities of single-ply roofing
There are three common types of single-ply roofing: EPDM, PVC, and TPO.
Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks.
Single-ply roofs typically cost $7,500 to cover 1,500 square feet.
The average cost of single-ply roofing is $5 per square foot.
DIY installation is possible but not common.
Low-sloped roofs provide a clean, modern look for your home, but can pose a challenge when it comes to keeping precipitation outside where it belongs. There was a time when there were only a couple of labor-intensive ways to keep water and snow from penetrating a low-sloped roof. Single-ply roofing or rubber roofing has changed all that and now offers several solutions for homes with a minimal roof pitch. Read on to learn everything you need to know about single-ply membrane roofs, including the different types and their costs.
Regardless of the type of roof on your house, its primary purpose is to protect your home from the elements by keeping precipitation out of the home. Most roof types can utilize numerous types and styles of roofing material, the most common being asphalt shingles. Flat roofs, or ones with a slope below three feet of rise over 12 linear feet, can’t use typical shingles and have limited other materials to choose from to keep the elements out.
A single-ply membrane roofing system replaces the old methods of built-up asphalt and felt roofing or rolled asphalt roof materials. Single-ply roofs consist of a single layer of thermoplastic or thermoset membrane held in place by mechanical fasteners, adhesives, or ballast.
Single-ply rubber roof materials come in two primary forms that have varying qualities. Thermoplastics are flexible sheets of membrane that can be heated numerous times to shape, stretch, and mold them into shape.
As a roofing material, thermoplastic types include PVC and TPO. Both are relatively easy to install, are heat-weldable for strong seams, and come in wide sheets to minimize the number of seams.
Thermoset plastic single-ply roofing systems are also known as EPDM. The material is also easy to install due to its initial flexibility and comes in very wide sheets to minimize seams. Adhesives, instead of heat, are required for sealing the seams. EPDM is a lower-cost option that works well in cold climates but can suffer from shrinking or cracking in hot environments.
There are many impressive benefits to installing single-ply roofing. For one, the material is lightweight and flexible, which makes installing single-ply roofing simple and quick. It’s also easy to maintain and repair.
Also, single-ply roofing offers good insulation, which can lower your electric bills year-round, and it’s durable against weather, UV rays, chemicals, and fires. And if eco-friendly options appeal to you, look no further. This recyclable material can be reused to make flooring, composite plastics, and more.
EPDM roofing is a thermoset plastic that you’re more likely to find on a large commercial flat roof than a residential one. That’s not to say that residential use doesn’t exist. EPDM roofing comes in large, wide sheets that reduce the number of seams.
Seaming requires using an adhesive and allowing it to cure. The roofing is repairable and is the least expensive of the three types. However, the material also has the shortest expected lifespan of around 15 years. Expect prices ranging from $4.25 to $12 per square foot with variables including the project’s scope and structural requirements of the roof.
Most budget-friendly
Excellent in cold climates
Minimal seams
UV resistant
Not heat weldable
Not as durable as other types
Unwieldy material size
PVC roofing is common in residential flat-roof construction due to its durability and puncture resistance. You can even walk on PVC roofing without worrying about tearing the material. PVC comes in rolls that are less wide than EPDM, making it easy to install due to maneuverability. PVC roofing seams can be heat welded for superior strength.
On average, it’s the most costly option of the three, with prices ranging from $5.25 to $12.50 per square foot. Labor costs can affect the overall price due to potentially more frequent seaming than the other types. EPDM roofing can suffer damage under UV exposure, but it has a longer lifespan than the others, commonly exceeding 20 years.
Smaller material size
Heat weldable seams
Highly durable
Priciest option
Can crack in cold climates
Multiple seams necessary
Not highly resistant to UV rays
TPO roofing combines the best features of PVC and EPDM. Its seams are heat-weldable, and it's resistant to UV rays. The material is available in narrow and wide widths of up to 20 feet, making it ideal for residential and commercial applications. Another bonus is that it’s one of the more energy-efficient roofing options available.
The cost of TPO roofing typically falls mid-way between the two other types. Still, it can cost significantly more or less than PVC, depending on the material composition and the project’s scope. Pricing ranges from $4.50 to $14 per square foot. The expected lifespan also lies between the other two, averaging around 20 years.
Range of material sizes
Heat weldable seams
UV resistant
Shorter average lifespan
Somewhat more difficult to install
Cost may not justify the benefits
The cost to install rubber roofing or single-ply is initially slightly higher than the costs of more traditional materials on a sloping roof. However, rubber roofing is substantially more costly than the rolled asphalt roofing that it replaces. Depending on the condition of your existing roof and the membrane type you choose, expect the cost of materials and labor to be around $5 per square foot.
Although rolled asphalt roofing is the less costly alternative for protecting flat roofs, in most cases, the cost evens out in the end due to rubber roofing’s longevity and superior protection.
Rolled asphalt roofing is more DIY-friendly to install but can last as little as five years before needing significant maintenance attention. Single-ply DIY installation is possible but uncommon and holds up for many years, even in damp environments.
When deciding between single-ply and rolled roofing, consider factors like UV exposure, lingering moisture conditions, climate, and maintenance needs.
Here are the different installation methods you can choose from for your single-ply roof.
Mechanically attaching the materials is the most common way to install this roofing because it’s easy, quick, and cost-effective. Pros install insulation before placing the single-ply roofing on top. They’ll use fasteners and seam plates to secure the roofing materials.
Pros install fully adhered single-ply roofs with adhesives rather than with fasteners. This requires first securing the insulation with plenty of fasteners. Then, your pro will use adhesive and seam tape to glue the single-ply material to the insulation.
This installation process takes longer and is more costly than mechanically attaching the roof. The glue also requires specific temperatures and waiting periods.
The upside is that fully adhered roofs have higher Factory Mutual wind-uplift ratings, which means the roof can withstand higher winds. This is usually only a factor if you live in an area with high winds, like mountainous or coastal areas.
Ballasted single-ply roofs aren’t attached with fasteners or adhesives. Instead, pros lay down the insulation and roofing materials and weigh them down with river-washed gravel or concrete pavers. The ballasted method is only possible on flat roofs that can handle at least 10 pounds per square foot. This installation is quick, easy, and economical, with simple maintenance requirements.
Metal retrofitted roofs are a great option if your current metal roof is old and needs replacing. Instead of going through the hassle of removing your roof, you can use it as the base for your new, single-ply roof. Workers add insulation and install single-ply on top. They can either mechanically adhere or fully adhere the roof materials.
Installing single-ply roofing as a DIY project is a significant challenge. Besides the danger of working on a roof, effectively sealing the roof seams and adequately anchoring the material requires a healthy amount of knowledge and specific tools. However, it’s possible if you have the time and skills necessary, and doing it yourself can save you up to $3 per square foot over hiring a roofing company near you to do the work.
If you’d instead simply enjoy your weekend while someone else ensures that the seams have adhered correctly and the building permit is in order, give a shout-out to your local rubber-roofing installation company.
Deane Biermeier contributed to this piece.
