Single-Ply Membrane vs Built-Up Roofing [Infographic]

Here at West Roofing Systems, we’ve been installing Single-Ply Membrane Roofing for over 38 years.  We have helped many customers decide which roofing systems is best for them.

At West Roofing Systems, we want to make sure that our future clients have the best information available. For this reason, we created an article that explores the differences between single-ply membrane and built-up roofing systems to give you all the information you need in choosing which roof for your facility.

Single-Ply Membrane Roofing

Single-Ply Membranes are sheets of rubber and other synthetics that can be chemically adhered to insulation or ballasted creating a layer of protection on your commercial facility.

There are two main types of single-ply membrane commercial roofing: Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) and Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer (EPDM). They differ in their chemical makeup, how they are installed and the energy efficiency.

For an average 20,000 sq. foot commercial roof, it will usually cost between $3.50 to $7.50 per square foot for EPDM and $3.50 to $6.50 per square foot for TPO, including materials and labor warranty.

Built-Up Roofing

Built-Up Roofing Systems have been in use in the U.S. for over 100 years. These roof systems are commonly referred to as “tar and gravel” roofs. Built-up systems are installed by alternating layers of asphalt or tar and supporting fabrics directly onto the roof. You can choose the number of layers (or plies) that are installed. The final layer of a built-up roofing system consists of stone or gravel.

For an average commercial roof, it will usually cost between per $5.50 – $8.50 square foot in materials and labor to install a typical built-up roofing system. This price range can change depending on the materials you choose.

Here is an infographic to compare Single-Ply Membrane and Built-Up Roofing Systems:

Single-Ply Membrane Roofing Systems have been the go-to roofing for commercial, industrial, and manufacturing facilities for decades. Contact West Roofing Systems today to talk to our expert staff about your future Single-Ply Membrane Roofing System.