CommercialOne Central Boulevard
Solihull, West MidlandsSingle Ply
02Waterproofing system
Single Ply Roofing
Single ply is a lightweight synthetic membrane laid in wide sheets and welded at the laps. It covers large roof areas quickly, adds minimal load to the structure and needs no hot works, which makes it the default choice for new build industrial, distribution and commercial roofs.
- Membrane types
- PVC, TPO and FPO
- Jointing
- Hot air welded, no naked flame
- Typical guarantee
- 20 to 25 years
- Weight
- Low, suits lightweight metal decks
About Single Ply Roofing
Single ply is installed in rolls up to two metres wide, so a large roof closes far faster than with a built-up system. The laps are hot air welded rather than torched, which removes hot work permits from the site entirely and makes it viable on occupied and high-risk buildings.
The membrane can be mechanically fastened, adhered or ballasted. The choice is driven by the wind uplift calculation for the specific building height and location, not by preference. We calculate the fixing pattern for every project and issue it with the technical submittal.
Where a single ply roof fails it is almost always at a detail rather than in the field of the roof. Our operatives are manufacturer trained and assessed on detailing specifically, and every penetration, upstand and outlet is inspected before sign-off.
Best suited to
- Large-format new build roofs
- Distribution, logistics and manufacturing units
- Buildings where hot works are prohibited
- Roofs with limited structural load capacity
Sectors we install it in
Typical build-up
Section / outside in- 01
Single ply membrane
Hot air welded laps, typically 1.2 to 1.5 mm
- 02
Separation layer
Where required for chemical compatibility
- 03
Thermal insulation
PIR or mineral wool to the specified U-value
- 04
Vapour control layer
Sealed and dressed to all perimeters
- 05
Structural deck
Most commonly profiled metal or concrete
Specifying this system?
We issue technical submittals, U-value calculations, wind uplift calculations and detail drawings as part of the tender return.
Send us the specificationDelivered
All case studiesProjects using this system
Common questions
Single Ply, answered
Is single ply suitable for a refurbishment?
Yes, provided the existing deck and insulation are sound and dry. We carry out core sampling and moisture testing first. Where the existing build-up is wet, it has to come out, and we will say so before you commit to a price.
How is wind uplift accounted for?
A site-specific calculation to BS EN 1991-1-4 determines the fastener pattern, with increased density at the perimeters and corners where uplift is highest. We issue the calculation with the technical submittal.
Tender & project enquiries
Have a project for us?
Send Absolute Waterproofing your roofing enquiry or tender. Drawings, specifications and a link to the tender information can all go with it, and our estimating team will come back to you with a considered price rather than a holding email.
