A single-ply membrane installation on a low-slope roof with cover board below and three roofers preparing material.

Single-Ply Membrane

Material - A single-ply membrane is a roof covering that uses one continuous layer of material to waterproof low-slope roofs.

Why Single-Ply Membranes Are Used on Low-Slope Roofs

Low-slope roofs drain water much more slowly than steep-slope roofs, so their coverings must be waterproof rather than water-shedding. Single-ply membranes create this waterproof layer by sealing reinforced sheets together at their seams, creating a continuous sheet over the roof.

Single-ply membranes are the most common type of roof covering for low-slope commercial buildings. Unlike traditional low-slope systems such as built-up roofing or modified bitumen, which rely on multiple layers, single-ply systems use one reinforced membrane layer as the primary waterproofing surface.

These membranes are widely used on commercial buildings because they are lighter and faster to install than many multi-layer roof systems.

Common types of single-ply membranes include TPO, PVC, and EPDM.

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Further Reading

EPDM vs TPO vs PVC Roofing: Key Differences Explained
Learn the key differences between the most common single-ply membranes.

Fleeceback vs. Standard Membranes for Low-Slope Roofs
Fleecebacking potentially enhances the durability and warranty eligibility of single-ply membranes.

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