Which Single Ply Membrane Is Right for Your Roof?
Search “single ply roofing” and you’ll find a dozen manufacturer names: Fatra, Sika, Protan, Bauder, IKO, Icopal, Renolit and others. It’s easy to assume one must be “the best”. In reality there are two more useful questions: why single ply at all, and which system suits your roof. Here’s how we think about both.
First, why single ply rather than EPDM or GRP
Before comparing manufacturers, it’s worth being clear why we fit single ply in the first place. Every quality single ply membrane, whatever the brand, is a high-performance PVC or TPO sheet whose seams are hot-air welded into one continuous, joint-free skin. That one property is what puts it ahead of the alternatives:
- EPDM rubber is joined with adhesives and tapes. Those bonds age under UV and heat, and they’re where rubber roofs leak first.
- GRP fibreglass is a rigid shell that can craze and crack as the deck expands and flexes, and it needs dry, warm weather to cure properly.
Welded single ply has neither weakness. For the full breakdown, see our EPDM vs GRP vs single ply guide.
Why we install several systems
Many roofing firms are trained on a single manufacturer, so that’s the membrane you get whatever your roof needs. We’re approved installers for several leading single ply systems instead, including Fatra, Sika, Protan, Bauder, IKO, Icopal and Renolit.
Working across manufacturers means we can specify the right membrane for your roof, its detailing and its access, rather than fitting the only one we’re certified for.
What actually makes the difference between systems
Between good welded systems, the differences are more about fit than ranking:
- Roof size and complexity. Some membranes handle intricate detailing particularly well; others shine on large, simple commercial decks.
- Building use. Chemical or grease exposure near commercial flues points towards certain systems.
- Finish and colour. Different ranges offer different colours and profiles to suit the building, including standing-seam looks.
- Guarantee. Each manufacturer backs its system, but only when fitted by an approved installer to specification.
How we choose, in Doncaster and beyond
During a free survey we look at the deck, the existing build-up, the detailing, the access and how the building is used. From that we recommend a system and explain why, in plain terms, with a clear written quote. If two systems would both do the job well, we’ll tell you that too.
We do this on homes and businesses right across Doncaster, Rotherham, Barnsley and the surrounding South Yorkshire towns. You can see the full range of work on our single ply flat roofing page, every area we cover on our areas page, and more common questions in our FAQs.
Not sure which system you need? That’s our job. Request a free quote or call 07973 436 305.
Frequently asked questions
Why choose single ply over EPDM or GRP?
Every single ply system shares one decisive advantage: hot-air welded seams that form a continuous skin. EPDM relies on adhesive joints that perish with age, and GRP is a rigid surface that cracks as the deck moves. Whichever single ply system we specify, you avoid both of those weak points.
Which single ply manufacturer is the best?
There is no single best brand. Fatra, Sika, Protan, Bauder, IKO, Icopal and Renolit are all excellent welded systems. The more useful question is which suits your roof, its detailing, its use and its access, which is exactly why we install several rather than just one.
Why do you install several single ply systems instead of one?
Many firms are trained on a single manufacturer, so that is the membrane you get whatever your roof needs. Being approved for several systems means we can specify the right membrane for your roof rather than the only one we are certified for.
Do you install single ply across Doncaster and South Yorkshire?
Yes. We fit single ply flat roofs on homes and businesses throughout Doncaster, Rotherham, Barnsley, Mexborough and the surrounding towns, choosing the system to suit each roof. See our areas we cover page for the full list.