PVC
Thermoplastic PVC roofing is a polyvinyl chloride, single-ply, roofing membrane that is trusted and has been performing admirably for decades in the European market and in North America. This membrane ranges from 45 mil to 80 mil strengths, with availability varying somewhat among the many manufacturers. PVC roofing is extremely strong as its heat-welded seams form a permanent, watertight bond that is stronger than the membrane itself. PVC roofs provide an energy-efficient option due to their light, reflective coloring. The PVC membrane is also considered “green” due to the ability for membrane removed in a tear-off to be recycled. Installation of the PVC system is generally mechanically attached or fully-adhered, however, the innovative wind-vented system by 2001 Company offers building owners a cost-effective installation method that also saves our landfills.
For more information on the wind vented system Click here
PVC Roof Systems have various warranty options from 10 – 25 years. Depending on the type of installation, special riders are also available such as the 2001 Wind Rider.
TPO
Thermoplastic Polyolefin single-ply roofing. This roofing material can be fully adhered, mechanically fastened, or ballasted. TPO seam strengths are reported to be three to four times higher than EPDM roofing systems. This is a popular choice for “Green” building. It is available in a variety of colors including white, tan, grey and black. Using white roof material helps reduce the “heat island effect” and solar heat gain in the building. However, TPO has changed formulations over the years and each manufacturer has its own mix of “polyolefins” (plastics.)
TPO is highly resistant to tears, impacts, and punctures with good flexibility to allow for building movement. TPO’s are available in white, light gray, and black with thicknesses of either 45 mils (.045″) or 60 mils (.060″). The width of the membrane depends on the manufacturer but they usually come in widths of six to six-and-a-half feet and are one-hundred feet in length.
Another benefit that TPO membranes brought to the roofing community were wide width sheets. Currently, TPO membrane is available in the market in widths up to 3.66 m (12 ft). These wider sheets provide installed cost savings by reducing the total number of seams to be completed in the field and the labor associated with the seaming/welding process. Wider sheets also require fewer fasteners and plates for membrane securement, fewer rolls for the roofing applicator to handle on the roof, and less membrane being utilized in the seam overlaps.
Properly installed TPO roof systems have service lives ranging from about 10 to 20 years, depending on the type of installation. Full removal of the existing roof, the amount of slope the roof has, weather conditions, as well as several other criteria contribute to the longevity of a roof’s service life.
EPDM
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (or Terpolymer which is simply a product consisting of three distinct monomers). EPDM is classified as a Thermoset material which means it is either fully-cured prior to being installed or that it cures during natural weathering after installation. EPDM roofs are single-ply membranes meaning there is only one ply of roofing material, not multiple plies laminated together.
EPDM membrane thickness ranges from thirty mils (0.030″ – which I’ve never seen used for roofing) to one-hundred mils (0.100″) with the most common thicknesses being forty-five mils (0.045″) and sixty mils (0.060″). There are three standard application procedures: (1) fully-adhered; (2) mechanically-fastened; (3) loose-laid. Fully-adhered EPDM uses water-based or solvent-based adhesives to adhere the rubber to the substrate. Mechanically-fastened EPDM is attached by manufacturer-approved mechanical means to the substrate, and loose-laid membranes are secured only at the perimeters and any penetrations, then a ballast of round river rock or concrete pavers is used to hold the materials in place. River rock is usually installed at a rate of 1000 – 1200 pounds per roof square (100 square feet) and the pavers generally weigh approximately 20 pounds per square foot. Structural integrity is important with loose-laid ballasted roof systems. The seams of all systems are sealed using either an adhesive or a splice tape. Splice tapes have tested with a higher tear-strength.
As with most roofs, EPDM rubber roofs have varying lifespans that depend on numerous criteria. These include environmental conditions such as what type of building (factory or church), how much foot traffic the roof gets, how much water remains on the roof after a rain, and how long it take that water to evaporate. Not to mention geographical location. Roofs in mild climates will outlast roofs in harsher climates. Common warranties are for 10, 15 or 20 years.
FiberTite Membrane
FiberTite roofing membranes are unmatched by any other membrane. The secret to our superior performance lies in our unique product construction. With more than 30 years in development and more than 25 years on the roof, you can trust FiberTite roofing membranes to deliver long-term reliability and cost efficiency.
The FiberTite product benefits from Seaman Corporation’s 60-year history of developing high performance fabric technology. The 4-Layer FiberTite Technology synthesizes nearly twice as much fiber, a unique adhesive coat and a proprietary DuPont Elvaloy KEE based formula to yield a tougher, lighter, more flexible, durable and longer lasting roofing membrane.
The FiberTite roofing membrane warranty measures up favorably with any in the industry. Warranty length varies depending on the material and installation method.
