Systems. Thermoplastic Single-Ply
Overview
Thermoplastic Single-Ply Roofing has been growing rapidly in popularity and market share over the past decade as it provides an excellent lightweight system that is in tune with the push towards "green buildings". Thermoplastics single ply roofs are typically either “PVC” or “TPO”, and are known as Cool (White) Roofs due to their unique energy efficient design. Also, being a true “single-ply” system, these roofing systems can cost substantially less than any type of conventional built-up system.
TPO and PVC are “Cool Roofs”
To understand the concept of a cool roof, there are two factors that need to be explained; reflectivity and emissivity. Reflectivity describes the amount of solar energy that is reflected back by the roofing membrane into the sky. A white membrane would reflect the most while a dark membrane would reflect much less. Emissivity is basically a measure of how well the membrane can shed heat. For example, a white surface will repel the most heat while a black surface will absorb the most.
The higher the emissivity and the higher the reflectivity of the membrane, the more energy efficient the design. Thermoplastic roofs have the highest reflectivity and emissivity values, explaining why they have increased in market share so substantially in recent years and are becoming great alternatives for Chicago buildings.
System Types / Design
There are three methods to install a thermoplastic single ply membrane: loosely laid and ballasted with washed river rock which holds all components in place on the structure, mechanically fastened where the long rolls are affixed directly to an underlying metal roof deck with screws and plates in the lap seam area, or fully adhered wherethe membrane is bonded to insulation boards which are independently attached to the roof deck.
All of the lap and flashing seams in a thermoplastic single-ply system are accomplished through hot-air welds. A welding “robot” is used in the field of the roof while handheld hot-air welders are used for flashings and detail work.
A thermoplastic single-ply system from Roofing Solutions can come with a 20-year workmanship and material guarantee and provide an alternative to building owners looking to put a high-quality roof on their building with significant initial savings versus conventional or modified systems.
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