Single ply roofing systems are frequently mentioned by their acronyms. The most common single-ply membranes are ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM),thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). These systems usually last between eight and 20 years, depending on factors such as the type of attachment or the thickness of the membrane sheet.
The joints on thermoplastic materials form one membrane, if they were welded properly with hot air. Afterwards, the whole membrane will become slightly softer in hot weather, or harder in colder times.
Single ply TPO roofing Dallas specialists affirm that these types of roofs are very reflective of ultraviolet rays – if they are designed in white – they rarely show joint damage and are flexible enough to comply with the roof’s various movements. However, over time, the same UV rays they are designed to reflect will make the system fragile due to plasticizer migration, thus increasing the likelihood of cracking.
Thermoset materials (EPDM) include major polymers that are cross-linked; once the curing agent is applied to a thermoset polymer, it can stick to similar materials only with the help of various adhesives. Thermoset systems are flexible in nature, can be installed quickly, and they have a quite a low initial cost.