Single Ply Roofing

Single Ply Roofing for California Commercial Roofing Projects

Single ply roofing, as the name suggests, is a roofing system composed of a single layer of material. There are several types of single ply roofing membranes, each commonly abbreviated based on its primary chemical composition. For example, one popular option is PVC, a flexible form of polyvinyl chloride. Another is EPDM, a rubber-like membrane made from ethylene propylene diene monomer.

At Stone Roofing Company, we install a wide variety of single ply commercial roofing systems for our California clients, including TPO, PVC, TPA, PIB, EPDM, and Hypalon roofing. Selecting the right single ply system is crucial to the long-term success of your roofing project. We recommend consulting with your project manager to determine the best fit for your specific building and performance requirements.

WHAT YOUR NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TPO ROOFING

TPO stands for thermoplastic polyolefin (also referred to as thermal polymer olefin). This roofing membrane is made by combining materials at the molecular level through a thermal reactor. Once fused, the molecules form a unified structure that cannot be separated—unlike other roofing materials, which are typically ground up and melted together.

TPO is one of the lightest and most recyclable roofing options on the market. With built-in ultraviolet (UV) protection, it offers excellent weather resistance. Thanks to its polymer composition, TPO is a highly effective insulator, reducing the conduction of heat, electricity, and sound.

Due to its reflective properties and thermal efficiency, TPO roofing helps keep buildings cooler during hot California summers. This makes it an excellent choice for facilities such as grocery stores and food storage centers. Its resistance to expansion and contraction in extreme weather—along with impact resilience—makes TPO an ideal material not only for roofing but also for use in automotive components like bumpers, fenders, and body panels.

TPO’s durability in the face of hail, heavy storms, and fluctuating temperatures has made it one of the most popular single ply roofing systems in today’s commercial market.

Click here to learn more about TPO Roofing.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PVC ROOFING

PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is composed of carbon, hydrogen, and chlorine (the latter derived from salt). As a thermoplastic material, PVC becomes semi-solid when heated, allowing sheets or panels to fuse together during installation. Upon cooling, this creates a single, continuous membrane. This “heat-welded seam” technology is one of PVC roofing’s most valuable features, providing long-lasting waterproofing and structural integrity.

PVC roofing was first introduced in Europe during the 1960s and holds the longest track record among thermoplastic roofing membranes. With decades of use and refinement, PVC systems offer a wide range of reliable and customizable solutions.

One major advantage of PVC roofing is its versatility in design. It is available in a wide range of colors—including white, which enhances solar reflectivity—and can be adhered or mechanically attached in multiple ways. This makes PVC a highly customizable and aesthetically flexible option.

In addition to its design benefits, PVC performs exceptionally well in both low and high temperature environments. It is flame resistant, impact-resistant, and known for its long-term durability. Many PVC roofing systems installed more than 20 years ago across the U.S. are still functioning efficiently today.

If you’d like help choosing the right single ply roofing system for your commercial property, contact Stone Roofing Company, your trusted partner in California with over 90 years of commercial roofing excellence. We’re here to help you find a durable, energy-efficient solution that fits your building’s unique needs.

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