Single Ply Membrane
Introduced into the United Kingdom some 30 years ago, single ply membranes have been increasing in popularity as an alternative to traditional flat roof coverings. The reason for this is that it has proven over the last 30 years to the industry, professionals and clients that it is a viable alternative. Single ply membranes are the most widely used flat roofing material in the new build commercial sector today, only recently have they become more available to the domestic and refurbishment market. Single ply’s have proven to architects, surveyors, engineers and builders that there are many benefits to using product.
Single ply roofing consists of an impervious membrane formed by laying and joining strong, flexible sheets between 1 and 2 meters wide to create a continuous waterproof barrier across the entire surface of the flat roof. The sheets are joined together by using heat gun to form a watertight weld, they do not require any naked flames or hot melt adhesives on site, which reduces the health and safety risks. The membrane is often retained in place by special mechanical fixings that eliminate the effect of thermal bridging, or adhesives, ballast, depending upon application.
It allows clients to choose from a selection of colours and finishes, it can also simulate the appearance of standing seam and lead roll roofs without the weight and expense of aluminium, zinc, copper or lead, and the heavy duty roof structure required to support them. Single Ply Flat Roofing installations do not require post-installation maintenance applications such as paints or re-saturants to keep them in good condition. They are easy to keep clean and maintain, and require minimal attention.
Our Single ply flat roof systems are compatible with most Mansafe roof systems which we recommend to be fitted to any roof where access to the roof is needed to maintain to equipment. All membranes supplied are covered by product warranty periods, offering clients peace of mind.
The British Board of Agrément certificates identify that single ply membranes having life expectancy of 'in excess of 30 years'.
Our Real-World Experience with Single Ply Membranes
After installing single ply systems across the Midlands for over fifteen years, we've learned what works and what doesn't. The technology's come a long way since we first started using it on small commercial jobs in Northampton. Back then, we were sceptical – seemed too simple compared to the built-up systems we'd been fitting for years. How wrong we were.
We've now covered everything from tiny domestic extensions to massive supermarket roofs with single ply, and the performance has been exceptional. The school in Market Harborough we re-roofed in 2008 still looks pristine today. The warehouse in Bedford from 2012 hasn't had a single callback. That's not luck – that's proven technology.
Why Single Ply Makes Sense for Midlands Properties
The weather here throws everything at flat roofs – scorching summers that crack traditional felt, wintery conditions that destroy joints, and those sudden downpours that find every weakness. Single ply membranes handle it all without breaking sweat.
Maurice has watched felt roofs fail within five years on the 1980s housing estates around Kettering, while single ply installations from the same period are still going strong. The membrane's flexibility means it moves with the building rather than fighting against it. No cracking, no splitting, no expensive repairs every few years.
For commercial properties, the speed of installation matters. We can cover a typical warehouse roof in a fraction of the time it takes for traditional systems, meaning less disruption to business operations. The facilities manager at that distribution centre in Wellingborough was amazed – we had them fully watertight in two days, not two weeks.
What We've Learned About Installation
The quality of single ply installation makes all the difference. We've seen botched jobs by cowboys who think it's just "plastic sheeting" – those roofs fail fast and give the whole system a bad name. Proper welding equipment, correct detailing around penetrations, and understanding thermal movement are crucial.
Paul's particularly good with the complex details – skylights, plant rooms, awkward upstands. Single ply allows us to create seamless details that would be nightmare with other systems. We've solved leaking problems on roofs where three other contractors had failed, simply by applying single ply properly.
The mechanical fixing systems we use now are light years ahead of what was available ten years ago. No thermal bridging, no wind uplift issues, and they work brilliantly with existing insulation upgrades. Perfect for bringing older buildings up to current energy standards without massive structural work.
Cost Reality for Property Owners
Yes, single ply costs more upfront than basic felt systems. But we've done the sums with customers many times – over twenty years, it's significantly cheaper. No re-coating every five years, no patch repairs, no emergency callouts. Just decades of reliable protection.
We installed single ply on our own workshop roof in 2009. Fourteen years later, it still looks like new. That's not sales talk – that's what we stake our own property on.
The insurance benefits matter too. Many insurers now prefer single ply systems because of their fire resistance and proven longevity. Lower premiums often offset much of the initial cost difference.
SYSTEM BENEFITS
- Economical covering for large areas
- Variety of colour and finishes
- Expansion rates in excess of 350% good for constant temperature changes
- Lightweight in construction and quickly installed
- Life expectancy `in excess of 30 years'.
- Maintenance free, strong and durable
- Can incorporate Mansafe safety system
- Can incorporate insulation
- BBA certified
- Up to 20 year guarantees
