Lansing commercial property owners installing a TPO, EPDM, or PVC roof face a decision that matters as much as the membrane itself: who actually installs it. Single-ply roofers without deep experience in these specific systems can introduce problems that surface months or years after the work is finished, often at significant cost to the building owner.
Call Core Values Construction at (517) 260-3957 for single-ply roofers in Lansing, MI.
Common Failures From Inexperienced Installation
Seam failures rank among the most common problems tied to inexperienced installation. Heat-welded seams, the joints where membrane sheets are fused together, require a specific combination of temperature and welding speed to bond correctly. A crew unfamiliar with a given membrane’s exact welding parameters can produce a seam that looks intact but separates under thermal stress within the first few years.
Flashing defects present another common failure point. Membrane terminations at curbs and parapet walls require specific detailing that differs from the flat field of the roof, and a crew without single-ply experience often defaults to generic flashing approaches that do not account for a given system’s specific requirements. Adhesion failures round out the pattern, particularly on re-roof applications where inadequate surface preparation prevents a new membrane from properly bonding to the substrate beneath it.
How Qualified Single-Ply Roofers Prevent These Problems
Properly executed seam welding involves testing, not just visual inspection. Qualified single-ply roofers use a probe test on completed seams to confirm the weld has actually fused the membrane layers together rather than simply appearing bonded on the surface. This verification step catches weak seams before they become active leak points.
Correctly detailed flashing terminations account for the specific membrane system in use, with proper overlap, adhesive or heat-welded bonding matched to the material, and attention to how the flashing transitions from vertical to horizontal surfaces. Experienced single-ply roofers also prepare a re-roof substrate thoroughly before installation, addressing moisture, debris, and surface irregularities that would otherwise compromise adhesion.
Documentation That Reflects Proper Installation
A reputable contractor provides documentation that goes beyond a simple invoice. This typically includes photographs of completed seam welds and flashing details, a record of any substrate preparation performed, and manufacturer certification confirming the installation meets requirements for full warranty coverage.
This documentation matters because non-compliant installation practices can void a warranty even when the membrane material itself is not at fault. A building owner who receives thorough documentation has both a record of quality workmanship and protection if a warranty claim becomes necessary later.
What to Ask Single-Ply Roofers Before You Hire
Before hiring single-ply roofers, property owners should ask directly about seam testing procedures, request examples of completed flashing details on similar projects, and confirm what documentation will be provided at project completion. A contractor who answers these questions specifically, rather than with vague assurances, is more likely to deliver the kind of installation quality that avoids the problems described above.
For single-ply roofers in Lansing, MI contact Core Values Construction at (517) 260-3957 today.
FAQ
How can I tell if a single-ply roof was installed correctly after the work is complete?
Ask for the seam probe testing results and any photographic documentation taken during installation, since these records reveal whether seams were properly verified rather than simply assumed sound. A visual inspection alone cannot confirm seam integrity, so documentation from the installation itself is the more reliable indicator.
What causes most single-ply roofing failures, and are they preventable?
Most failures trace back to installation issues rather than material defects, specifically improper seam welding, inadequate flashing detail, or insufficient substrate preparation on re-roof projects. These issues are preventable when a contractor follows manufacturer-specified procedures and verifies work through appropriate testing rather than relying on visual assessment alone.
What should a qualified single-ply roofer provide at the end of a project in terms of documentation or warranty?
Expect a written record of seam testing, photographs of flashing details and any substrate preparation, and manufacturer certification confirming the installation qualifies for full warranty coverage. This documentation protects the building owner if a warranty claim is needed and provides a clear record of how the roof was actually installed.