A single-ply roof is a complete commercial roofing assembly where the primary weatherproofing component is a single-ply membrane. The system includes the structural deck, thermal insulation, cover boards, the membrane itself, and the fastening method, which can be fully adhered, mechanically attached, or ballasted.
Heard on the job
The client wants a single-ply roof on the warehouse because it installs faster and weighs less than modified bitumen.
Do not mix it up with
- Single-ply membrane: The membrane is the actual roll of material, while the single-ply roof is the entire installed assembly including insulation and fasteners.
Related terms
Single-ply membrane
A flexible sheet of compounded synthetic materials used as the primary waterproofing layer on flat roofs.
Cover board
A thin, rigid board installed over roof insulation to protect it and provide a solid substrate.
PMR
A roofing assembly where the rigid insulation is placed above the waterproofing layer.