Single-ply roofing solutions
For durability, reflectivity, and ease of installation, count on single-ply roofing solutions from GAF.
What is single-ply roofing?
Single-ply roofing typically refers to lightweight, easy-to-install membranes, manufactured in efficiency-driving wide sheets, that are either mechanically attached or adhered to the roof. The most common types are thermoplastic TPO, PVC, and PVC KEE and thermoset EPDM. Seams between single-ply sheets can be sealed via heat welding (thermoplastic only) to create a true monolithic membrane, or taped/glued (thermoset). Single-ply technologies offer a variety of benefits and characteristics to suit the demands of specific structures. GAF manufactures a full line of smooth and fleece-back EverGuard® TPO, PVC, and PVC KEE membranes in multiple thicknesses, as well as prefabricated accessories, fasteners, adhesives and more.
Benefits of thermoplastic single-ply roof systems
Potential energy savings
By reflecting sunlight, white roofs stay cooler in hot summer months, helping to reduce energy demand and cooling costs.* Highly reflective and emissive, GAF white TPO, PVC and PVC KEE membrane roofs can also help reduce the urban heat island effects.
Heat-welded seams
Unlike thermoset EPDM, thermoplastic TPO, PVC and PVC KEE can be reheated and fused when exposed to high heat. This allows for welding of seams and detailing membranes. A properly applied weld can be stronger than the membrane itself.
Cost-effectiveness
TPO and PVC are among the most cost-effective roofing materials, available in large rolls to reduce the number of seams to be welded. They can be installed with mechanical fasteners, adhesives, or induction welding to suit the scale and needs of the project.
Longevity
PVC and TPO were introduced to the American roofing market in the 1970s and 1980, respectively and have earned reputations for durability, UV resistance, puncture resistance and ease of repair. Guarantees up to 35 years are available for EverGuard® PVC and TPO membrane roofing systems.**
*Energy cost savings are not guaranteed and the amount of savings may vary based on climate zone, utility rates, radiative properties of roofing products, insulation levels, HVAC equipment efficiency, and other factors.
**For eligible products/systems only. Additional requirements may apply. Contact GAF for more information.
**For eligible products/systems only. Additional requirements may apply. Contact GAF for more information.
Partner with GAF for your single-ply roofing project
In addition to high-quality materials with proven longevity, GAF provides a broad range of professional support to ensure your project goes as planned and performs as expected. Count on GAF for hands-on, online, and on-demand GAF CARE training; Design Services expertise, ISO Installation Tapered Design assistance, and much more.
Choosing the right single-ply system for your project
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EverGuard® TPO
Short for thermoplastic polyolefin, TPO membrane offers excellent performance and has been the most popular roofing membrane for many years. GAF EverGuard® TPO products offer a balance of long-term performance and state-of-the-art innovation designed to help tackle your specific roofing challenge. Choose TPO roof if:
- Budget is a primary constraint
- The building hosts general commercial use
- You want maximized puncture resistance
- Environmental sustainability is a priority
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EverGuard® PVC & PVC KEE
EverGuard® PVC (polyvinyl chloride) single-ply roofing membranes offer excellent performance, including increased protection against chemicals*, excellent seam strength, and long-term weathering and UV resistance. Choose PVC roof if:
- The building's roof is exposed to grease, jet fuel, lard, compressor oils or other harsh chemical elements*
- A high-performance membrane against fire resistance is required
- The building houses mission-critical equipment and/or processes
*GAF warranties and guarantees do not provide coverage against chemical exposure or exposure to grease, animal fats, and jet fuel. Refer to gaf.com for more information on warranty and guarantee coverage and restrictions
Installation and maintenance of single-ply roofing
Reroof Project Kick-Off | Roofing it Right with Dave & Wally by GAF
Dave & Wally provide an overview of the series and what you will learn as they tackle some of the typical project challenges along the way. GAF's Roofing It Right series "Reroof Project from Start to Finish" features Dave & Wally walking us through the stages of a commercial reroofing project.
Reroof Project Kick-Off | Roofing it Right with Dave & Wally by GAF
Dave & Wally provide an overview of the series and what you will learn as they tackle some of the typical project challenges along the way. GAF's Roofing It Right series "Reroof Project from Start to Finish" features Dave & Wally walking us through the stages of a commercial reroofing project.
What to Look for When Inspecting a Commercial Roof | Roofing it Right with Dave & Wally by GAF
Dave & Wally show how to get started with an initial roof walk. They share the typical things they will look for in assessing the condition of a roof to help determine whether it can be repaired or should be replaced.
How to Perform Core Cuts to Assess Existing Roof | Roofing it Right with Dave & Wally by GAF
Dave & Wally talk about the purpose of taking core cuts to properly assess the underlying structure and condition of the existing roof. They perform and analyze the core cut and show you how to properly patch the cuts you've made in the process.
How To Take Proper Roof Measurements | Roofing it Right with Dave & Wally by GAF
Dave & Wally walk you through the details of taking accurate measurements of the length and width of the roof deck, as well as the location of drains. These measurements become the basis for tapered insulation plans and calculating the insulation, TPO membranes and other materials that will be needed for the project.
Understanding Tapered Design Roof Plans | Roofing it Right with Dave & Wally by GAF
Dave & Wally discuss the tapered design plan the GAF Tapered Design Group has prepared for the project. They walk through the details of the plan and show you how to apply these plans to the roof deck and installation.
How to Tear Off a Low Slope Commercial Roof | Roofing it Right with Dave & Wally by GAF
Dave & Wally walk through the steps of tearing off the existing roof on our project building. It can be a dirty process but there are tips and techniques for helping the tear off go more smoothly.
Assessing the Roof after Tear-Off | Roofing it Right with Dave & Wally by GAF
Dave & Wally will inspect the newly exposed original deck of the building to identify any areas which may need to be addressed prior to the new roof being installed.
Roofing It Wrong: HVAC Mishap | Roofing it Right with Dave & Wally by GAF
Dave & Wally highlight one of the many unexpected issues that encountered in a reroof project. This example includes finding that an HVAC unit has been installed directly on top of the previous roof insulation, without the proper supports. Dave and Wally work with the roofing contractor to remedy the proper support for this rooftop unit, prior to the new roof being installed.
How to Correctly Install Tapered Roof Insulation | Roofing it Right with Dave & Wally by GAF
Dave & Wally talk through the tapered plan created by GAF's Tapered Design Group, and show the considerations and steps for how the tapered plan gets installed across the roof deck of our project building.
How to Intersect Tapered Roof Panels For Proper Slope | Roofing it Right with Dave & Wally by GAF
Dave & Wally show us how to plan and install the right tapered panels to ensure an even transition and proper slope toward one of our project building's two roof drains.
Planning and Installation of TPO Membrane | Roofing it Right with Dave & Wally by GAF
Dave & Wally talk through the final stage of the process to install TPO membrane on our project building. They discuss planning the options for sheet layout, specific to the design, scale and orientation of the deck. As an alternative to traditional half sheets, they show how an installation technique called" fingers" provides the most effective and efficient approach for this job.
Principles and Options for TPO Sheet Layout | Roofing it Right with Dave & Wally by GAF
Dave talks through the importance of sheet layout on a building, emphasizing that because each building is often unique from the next, there is no "one solution fits all" option. In this illustrative example, Dave shows several options for the TPO sheet layout on our project building.
Real world solutions and studies
Stanley Center for Peace and Security
TPO
A center for all humankind meets Living Building Challenge objectives with EverGuard® Extreme TPO and EnergyGuard™ NH Polyiso insulation.
GAF World Headquarters
TPO
Our world headquarters must be a leading example of our own roof systems technology
The Getty Bagel Shop
PVC
Built inside the landmark shell of a classic 1952 Getty gas station, Getty Bagel is a model for creative re-use and renovation featuring EverGuard® PVC.
Savannah Convention Center
PVC
Much needed expansion of the colossal Savannah Convention Center required 1,800 new construction squares, and 2.500 re-roof squares, of EverGuard® PVC.
Cool Weather Application of Single-Ply Roofing Systems
Installing single-ply roofing in cool weather requires specific adjustments to ensure adhesive performance and seam integrity. From managing "flash-off" times to storing materials in heated environments, understanding how temperature affects membranes and bonding agents is crucial. Following these seasonal best practices prevents installation failures and maintains high-quality results during colder months.
Frequently asked questions
TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) is one of the three most common types of single-ply roofing membrane. The others are PVC (and PVC KEE) and EPDM. TPO has been the market leader in single-ply for many years, currently accounting for more than 50% of the single-ply roofing marketplace.
Single-ply roofs are known for their durability and longevity, with typical guarantees in the range of 20 to 35 years when installed and maintained according to manufacturer requirements. To maximize your single-ply roof, consider a contractor maintenance and inspection program. Regular inspection and maintenance will help identify small problems like standing water, biologic growth, hail damage and so on, before they become expensive repair or replacement issues.
Both TPO and PVC roofing membranes are trusted for their durability, energy efficiency, reflective properties and ease of installation. Despite these obvious similarities, their distinct chemical compositions make them suited for different environments and structural needs, and choosing the right one is crucial to your long-term success. Use this guide to help identify the right single-ply for your next project.
*GAF warranties and guarantees do not provide coverage against chemical exposure or exposure to grease, animal fats, and jet fuel. Refer to sample warranties and guarantees for more information on warranty and guarantee coverage and restrictions.
| Priorities | TPO | PVC |
| Chemical & Grease Resistance* |  PVC is highly resistant to animal fats, greases, oils, and many industrial chemicals. For added resistance, consider PVC KEE. |
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| Fire Resistance | PVC is inherently fire-resistant. When tested in accordance with Class A E108, specific EverGuard® PVC roofing assemblies demonstrated the capability to self-extinguish even when the flame source remains applied to the assembly. |
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| Flexibility | PVC and PVC KEE roofing membranes are formulated for high inherent flexibility, making them ideal for complex geometries and ease of use by the installation contractor. |
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| Puncture Resistance | TPO offers high puncture resistance and tear strength. |
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| Energy Efficiency | |
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| Environmental Sustainability | TPO is 100% recyclable during production and at the end of its life cycle, with no chlorine content. |
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| Cost | TPO is generally the more budget- friendly option upfront. Material and installation costs are generally lower than PVC. |
*GAF warranties and guarantees do not provide coverage against chemical exposure or exposure to grease, animal fats, and jet fuel. Refer to sample warranties and guarantees for more information on warranty and guarantee coverage and restrictions.