Matching single-ply systems to roofing demands

By Jesse Sanchez. 

IB Roof Systems representatives explain how building use, climate and performance expectations should guide membrane selection. 

During a live Coffee Conversations® at the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA), IB Roof Systems™ representatives Jamie Treglio and Rob Dehaan discussed the growing role of single-ply roofing. Jamie, director of brand and marketing, and Rob, the company’s Florida representative, emphasized that successful specifications begin with understanding the building rather than defaulting to one membrane. 

Why are single-ply systems gaining ground in Florida? 

Florida’s population growth has increased demand for hospitals, restaurants, entertainment facilities, retail centers and other infrastructure. Rob said single-ply systems can support these projects by offering installation efficiency, reflectivity and tested performance. 

“You can cover a lot of ground and it’s a clean product to put down, too. That’s what people really like. [It’s] highly reflective, so it checks a lot of the boxes they’re looking for in many situations.”  

Those advantages can make single-ply roofing an effective option for projects where contractors and building owners must balance installation speed, energy considerations, code requirements and long-term performance. 

How should contractors choose between TPO and PVC? 

Although thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are both single-ply membranes, Jamie explained that they should not be treated as interchangeable solutions. The building’s use, operating conditions and expected service life should guide the selection. 

“Just knowing how to move between those thermoplastics and which one works where is super important. And then, while we love single ply, there’s a need for it all.”  

TPO can provide an economical option when budgets are constrained, while certain buildings may require a thicker or more robust PVC system. Contractors should evaluate the conditions of each project before recommending a membrane. 

Why must the entire assembly be considered? 

Membrane selection is only one part of designing an energy-efficient and durable roof. Rob said contractors must consider how every component contributes to the performance of the complete assembly. Rob noted, “I think the big thing with energy savings is you have to look through the whole roof system. I think sometimes we focus on one component and it’s like, if all the other components are fighting against that component, what’s the point?”  

Jamie reinforced that system-based approach by pointing to components that can be overlooked during design and value engineering. Jamie shared, “The key word in all of that, to me, was system. It’s going to include the membrane, the cover board and often-overlooked components like vapor barriers.” Membrane type, insulation, cover boards, vapor control and reflectivity must work together. Building use, expected service life, rooftop conditions and warranty goals also influence membrane thickness and system design. 

Selecting the right single-ply assembly requires collaboration among the building owner, contractor, manufacturer, consultant and design professional. That system-based approach becomes even more important when Florida’s wind requirements and severe weather are added to the specification. 

Listen to the entire podcast or Watch the conversation to learn more about selecting single-ply roofing systems!