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Comparison of Installation Methods

With a range of installation methods available, it can be a challenge to choose the option that’s right for you. There are three main installation methods for a single ply roof.

These are:

• Ballasted Roof
• Fully Adhered Roof
• Mechanically Fixed Roof

The type of installation method you should choose, can be determined by a range of external factors, and structural requirements.

These include:

• The aesthetic appeal–  A green roof can be the perfect option, and this is a form of roof ballast.

• Environmental concerns –  A green roof is a good option, as it can bring a range of environmental advantages, including reducing heat islands, improving air quality, and providing a habitat. A mechanically fixed roofing option can also be environmentally friendly, as this type of roof does not use any chemicals for fixing the roof in place. All of the components can be recycled after use, to prevent waste.

• Weight loading– Some installation methods can increase the weight on the roof, which means it won’t be suitable for all structures.

Fully Adhered Single Ply Roof Systems

A Fully Adhered Single Ply roof system is held in place with adhesive. In the past, it has been necessary to secure roof membranes with hot melt adhesive, but new technology means that they can be fully adhered, by applying cold adhesive.

It is created by bonding lots of vital layers together. This includes:

• The Single Ply Roof membrane
• Insulation board
• Vapour control layer
• Roof deck

By ensuring that each of these layers are bonded effectively, your roof will be stronger and more resistant to wind uplift. That’s why it’s important to ensure a solid bond strength between each layer.

Mechanically Fixed Roof Systems

A Mechanically Fixed Single Ply Roof system is a roof system that is held in place using mechanical fastenings. These secure the single ply membrane, over the top of the insulation and vapour control layer, and are fastened in place to the roof deck.

The number of fasteners required to secure the singly ply roofing membrane and insulation in place, is determined by calculating the size and location of wind zones.

Advantages of choosing a Mechanically Fixed System

• Secure roof-  You don’t have to worry about movement, or rips due to every detail of the roof being calculated and taken into consideration when deciding on the number of fasteners to use, and where to use them. As a result, you won’t find any areas where the single ply membrane is coming away from the roof deck.

• Recyclable-  As the Single Ply membrane doesn’t come into contact with any chemicals, or adhesive, at the end of its life span it can be recycled.

• Easy to replace- If in the unlikely event, the Single Ply membrane ever does rip or break, because it is only held in place with fasteners, it can be easily removed and replaced.

Single Ply Ballast Roofs

A Single Ply Ballasted Roof is a roof that is created using the durable, flexible and resilient single ply roofing membrane.

These membranes are held in place with a good amount of ballast to prevent any movement. As a result, the single ply membranes are not adhered or anchored in place to the roof deck or structure. They are instead weighted down with aspects such as:

• Paving flags
• Sedum roof
• Gravel

Whichever ballast material you opt for, a full wind load calculation will be performed prior to installation which will help to determine the amount of ballast needed. However it will always weigh above 80kg/m2.

Advantages of choosing a Single Ply Ballasted system

• The usability of the space – The roof can be used as a patio, a terrace, a walkway or even a garden.

• The speed of the installation – Quick to install, which could help your business keep costs down, keep your construction work on time, and on budget. It can also be installed during almost any kind of weather and temperature conditions, as long as it is safe to do so.

•  Long lasting and durable roofing system – Durable and long lasting option, which could help your company save money in the long run. The gravel stones or concrete paving slabs used as a ballast can protect the waterproofing membrane from UV rays, heavy weather conditions, and foot traffic.

• Energy efficient – The materials used can absorb the heat during the day, but they won’t pass this onto the building underneath. This means that your company can save money on heating and cooling and reduce energy consumption.

Enviroply Roofing Ltd