Samui Phangan Real Estate Magazine April-May

SINGLE-PLY THERMOSET
Basically, a single-ply thermoset roof consists of a
roof membrane derived from oil and natural gas that's
cured and bonded to roofing materials. These roofs
are well-sealed and insulate the buildings they cover.
They're constructed in the factory as opposed to roofs
that are constructed and sealed at the site. According
to the Single Ply Roofing Association, they have a more
consistent quality because they're not constructed
on site.
According to the association, thermoset membranes
are good at withstanding the damaging effects of
sunlight. Usually the membranes are black, but
manufacturers also make them in white, which is the
best colour for a cool roof.
SINGLE-PLY THERMOPLASTIC
Thermoplastic membranes have a different chemical
composition from thermoset, which means that they
don't necessarily have to be bound to the same type
of material. They're welded shut and can contain fire
retardants and materials to absorb ultraviolet light.
According to manufacturers, this type of roof is a
good choice for restaurants and businesses that
push oils out through ventilation systems because the
membranes are highly resistant to oils, animal fats and
bacterial growth. The membranes can also be installed
over older types of roofs when a full tear-down isn't
practical.
Typically, these rolls of plastic come in the cool colours
grey or white, and that slick single surface improves the
roof's ability to reflect light.
FACTORY-APPLIED OR FIELD-APPLIED
COATING
This is a material that can be applied to virtually any
type of existing roof -- even metal. It's either applied at
the factory or on site. Generally, the products are bright
white or contain reflective pigment.
The National Roof Coatings Institute reported that
after the roofs on an entire city block in Philadelphia
were coated with "highly reflective white coatings," the
surrounding air temperature dropped by 1 degree in
summer heat.
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