What Makes PVC Single-Ply the Top Pick for Commercial Flat Roofs?
Whether you own a single commercial property, have several shops across your local county or manage hundreds of warehouses across the UK, choosing the right materials for low-pitch roofs or flat roofs is crucial – especially where durability, energy efficiency and price are concerned!
At High Tech Roofing, we’ve been focused on helping small businesses, SMEs, large enterprises, education institutions, and charities get long-lasting flat roofing solutions they can count on. We specialise in PVC single-ply membranes, and we have since our story began – a material that offers exceptional performance for a range of applications.
While our focus has always been on PVC, we’re here to provide an unbiased overview of the most popular materials used for commercial flat roofs. We’ll consider the advantages and challenges of each before outlining exactly why PVC single-ply membranes, backed by our 20-year guarantee, continue to be one of the top choices for large-scale commercial properties.
The Need for Reliable Flat Roofing Materials
Every employee, customer and visitor will want to walk into a well-maintained building with a durable roof, right? It’s a necessity. But you can take this basic need and amplify it, bringing in other components, such as energy efficiency, low maintenance, weather resistance and a seamless installation. Ultimately, you first need to think about reliability and safety, but there are obviously plenty of big wins depending on the material you choose.
With large commercial roofs, expansion and contraction are common due to temperature changes, which makes selecting a flexible material critical to prevent cracking or leaks over time. Commercial flat roofs across the UK are often constructed using one of the following materials, each with unique benefits suited to various applications:
Single-Ply Membranes
Single-ply roofing membranes are lightweight, flexible, and ideal for covering large areas with minimal seams. These membranes come in several varieties, including:
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): PVC has been a cornerstone of our installations at High Tech Roofing due to its durability, waterproofing capabilities, and resistance to chemicals and UV exposure. PVC membranes are heat-welded, creating seams that provide excellent leak resistance. Additionally, our PVC installations come with a 20-year guarantee, making them a reliable choice for long-term performance.
TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin): With around 41% of contractors using TPO, this material is gaining popularity due to its reflective properties, which help reduce cooling costs. TPO is also durable and has strong seam strength due to its heat-weldable nature.
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer): A rubber-based membrane known for its resilience and flexibility, EPDM covers approximately 30% of the single-ply market. It provides reliable weather resistance, although it lacks the heat-welded seams that characterise TPO and PVC. According to Roofing Contractor and Clear Seas Research, single-ply membranes are some of the most frequently chosen materials. PVC, though at 17 per cent of the market share, is valued for its robustness, particularly in environments where chemical and weather resistance are critical.
Liquid-applied systems involve applying a waterproof coating that cures into a seamless membrane. These are flexible and can adapt to large surface areas. While ideal for roofs with unusual shapes or high traffic, liquid systems can be labour-intensive and require specific weather conditions for proper application.
Modified bitumen is a durable material that offers good weather and puncture resistance. It’s composed of layers of bitumen reinforced with fibreglass or polyester. Although this form of flat roofing is often used in smaller commercial settings, modified bitumen may require more maintenance over time compared to single-ply systems.
Metal roofing (commonly made of aluminium or steel) provides exceptional durability and longevity. However, it is less suited for large flat roofs that undergo expansion and contraction. Metal roofing is also a more expensive option, primarily used in smaller commercial applications.
Green roofs have gained some traction in certain commercial applications, especially for environmentally-conscious businesses. These roofs feature layers that support plant life, providing natural insulation and promoting biodiversity. While green roofing offers aesthetic and environmental benefits, these do require significant structural support and regular maintenance.
The Advantages of Single-Ply PVC Membranes
Single-ply membranes, particularly PVC, stand out for their flexibility, ease of installation and longevity. Let’s taker a closer look at the advantages in more detail:
Flexibility for Expansion and Contraction
Large commercial roofs experience considerable thermal expansion and contraction. PVC membranes can handle these movements, preventing cracks and leaks that can arise from temperature fluctuations. Rigid materials, such as fibreglass, lack this flexibility and are often more labour-intensive to install, especially on expansive surfaces.
Cost-Effectiveness and Low Maintenance
PVC membranes offer a cost-effective solution with a straightforward installation process. They require minimal maintenance, reducing lifetime costs and providing peace of mind for property owners. We also find that many clients in retail, healthcare and government sectors choose PVC due to its reliable performance and long-term value.
Energy Efficiency
We’ve touched on this one, but it’s worth reiterating tha single-ply membranes like PVC and TPO often come with reflective surfaces that help mitigate cooling costs. This makes them particularly valuable for commercial properties, such as office buildings where temperature control is essential. Energy efficiency is an added benefit that appeals to developers seeking sustainable solutions.
Durability and Weather Resistance
PVC membranes offer excellent protection against chemicals, fire and high winds, making them suitable for various commercial settings. For healthcare facilities, where uninterrupted service is crucial – and retail spaces requiring secure, leak-proof roofs – PVC provides reliable, long-lasting performance.
Experts in Single-Ply PVC Waterproofing
At High Tech Roofing, our commercial team specialises in single-ply PVC waterproofing membranes, providing customised solutions for various industries. We are certified and licensed to install the highly regarded Sarnafil, Danosa and Protan single-ply PVC membranes. These top-quality membranes give our clients freedom in flat roof design, suitable for both new builds and refurbishment projects. Backed by our 20-year guarantee, these materials not only ensure long-lasting protection but also offer flexibility in design.
Sectors Benefiting from PVC Single-Ply Roofing
Our expertise in single-ply PVC roofing spans several sectors, allowing us to address unique needs and deliver tailored solutions:
Schools and Academies: We install safe, durable roofs that ensure minimal disruption for students and staff.
Leisure Centres and Gyms: Our PVC membranes resist mould and moisture, which is essential in high-humidity environments like swimming pools and gyms.
Retail Premises: Our roofing systems provide secure, energy-efficient protection that enhances the shopping experience.
Healthcare and Medical Facilities: PVC’s durability makes it ideal for clinics and hospitals where reliability and low maintenance are crucial.
Government and Public Sector: We offer cost-effective roofing solutions that meet the requirements of public sector projects.
Industrial and Warehousing: For large-scale facilities, our PVC systems accommodate expansive areas while offering strong weather resistance.
Churches and Places Of Worship: From historic churches to listed buildings, cathedrals and architectural constructions, PVC single-ply membranes are ideal, offering freedom of choice in flat roof design.
Why Choose High-Tech Roofing?
For over 20 years, High Tech Roofing has provided high-quality commercial roofing solutions with a focus on single-ply PVC membranes. Our team brings experience, certification and dedication to each project, ensuring that our clients receive durable, reliable roofing systems tailored to their specific needs. Whether you’re managing a retail property, healthcare facility, or educational institution, our single-ply commercial flat roofing solutions provide peace of mind with long-lasting performance and industry-leading quality.
