Quick Reference: Types of Single-Ply Roof Membranes
1. CPE (Chlorinated Polyethylene) Roof Membrane
Colors: White, Gray
Attachment Method: Fully-Adhered, Mechanically Fastened, Ballasted
Seaming or Patching Method: Hot Air Welded
Asphalt Compatibility: Good
Resistance to Oils, Coolants, and Grease: Excellent
In Use Since: Late 1960’s
2. CSPE or “Hypalon” (Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene) Roof Membrane
Colors: White (typical), Various Others
Attachment Method: Fully-Adhered, Mechanically Fastened, Ballasted
Seaming or Patching Method: Hot Air Welded (typical), Adhesive
Asphalt Compatibility: Good
Resistance to Oils, Coolants, and Grease: Animal Fats – Excellent; Petroleum - Fair
In Use Since: Mid-1960’s, US production stopped in 2010
To learn more about Hypalon, see our Hypalon (CSPE) Roofing page.
3. EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) Roof Membrane
Colors: Black (typical), White
Attachment Method: Fully-Adhered, Mechanically Fastened, Ballasted
Seaming or Patching Method: Adhesive or Adhesive Tape
Asphalt Compatibility: Fair
Resistance to Oils, Coolants, and Grease: Poor
In Use Since: 1970’s
To learn more about EPDM, see our EPDM Roofing page.
4. KEE/PVC (Ketone Ethylene Ester, Polyvinyl Chloride) Roof Membrane
Colors: White, Gray, Tan, (custom colors available)
Attachment Method: Fully-Adhered, Mechanically-Fastened, Ballasted
Seaming or Patching Method: Hot Air Welded
Asphalt Compatibility: Good
Resistance to Oils, Coolants, and Grease: Fair
In Use Since: 1980’s
5. PIB (Polyisobutylene) Roof Membrane
Colors: Black, Gray, White
Attachment Method: Fully-Adhered, Mechanically-Fastened, Ballasted
Seaming or Patching Method: Adhesive or Hot Air Welded
Asphalt Compatibility: Good
Resistance to Oils, Coolants, and Grease: Poor
In Use Since: Late 1920’s
6. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Roof Membrane
Colors: White, Gray, Tan, (custom colors available)
Attachment Method: Fully-Adhered, Mechanically-Fastened
Seaming or Patching Method: Hot Air Welded
Asphalt Compatibility: Poor
Resistance to Oils, Coolants, and Grease: Fair
In Use Since: Late 1960’s
To learn more about PVC, see our PVC Roofing page.
7. TPE (Thermoplastic Polyolefin Elastomer) Roof Membrane
Colors: Gray
Attachment Method: Fully-Adhered, Mechanically-Fastened, Ballasted
Seaming or Patching Method: Hot Air Welded
Asphalt Compatibility: Good
Resistance to Oils, Coolants, and Grease: Animal Fats – Excellent; Petroleum - Poor
In Use Since: 1990’s
8. TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) Roof Membrane
Color Availability: White, Gray
Attachment Method: Fully-Adhered, Mechanically-Fastened, Ballasted
Seaming or Patching Method: Hot Air Welded
Asphalt Compatibility: Good
Resistance to Oils, Coolants, and Grease: Animal Fats – Excellent; Petroleum - Poor
In Use Since: 1980’s
To learn more about TPO, see our TPO Roofing page.