Single-ply membranes, along with their installation methodologies, have evolved to best meet the roofing needs of today’s low-slope commercial buildings. Past and present systems will be presented with a focus on today’s most prevalent membranes. Discussion will include the challenges surrounding single ply usage from a building science perspective — particularly the relationship between white membranes and condensation. Recent arguments regarding a white membrane’s effect on overall building energy efficiency will also be challenged. Finally, future trends will be outlined emphasizing the roof system as part of an integrated building envelope, not a discrete component as traditional perspectives have suggested.

Presented by various experts on behalf of GAF.