Single ply flat roofing systems have become very popular in the UK owing to their light weight that suit buildings which take load and bearing into consideration. Just because it’s single ply, doesn’t mean it’s weak. It is actually the opposite. The membranes that are available in the market right now are durable, cost effective, and more sustainable than ever.
There are different kinds of membranes out there that vary in design criteria, cost and performance requirements.
There are lots of membranes and each has its own strengths and weaknesses. There’s the PVC which is very durable, has the most available number of colours and is long lived, however it’s the least environment-friendly. The EPDM is the cheapest of them all, however it cannot be recycled. The TPO is compatible with bitumen so it’s a great option for refurbishment jobs, however it is sensitive to site conditions. The TPE which is 100% recyclable, the easiest to install and it doesn’t involve solvents; however it has the shortest life span. The PIB, which is the most environment friendly of them all and thus the most sustainable of all the products, however, the most expensive.
But don’t let the acronyms intimidate you. It is not that necessary to know what they stand for because once you know that EPDM really stands for Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer. Then what? That’s what the installation experts are for. They will explain it all for you. All you need to do is tell them what you need, what you want, and your budget. Then they will give you the best advice as to which membrane suits your needs.
Many have said that flat roofs are quite unreliable, but quite frankly it just boils down to how well the membranes have been installed so it is very crucial to choose the right company to advise you.
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