Retrofit Single-Ply Roof Systems: An Assessment of Wind Resistance - March 2020
James R. Kirby, AIA, Building and Roofing Science Architect, GAF
Metal buildings with metal panel roof systems are commonly used across the United States for storage and commercial office space. A retrofit single-ply roof system (RSPRS) is often installed on top of the metal panel roof after it has been determined that the metal roof no longer provides useful service.
Before jumping into the discussion about retrofit single-ply installations, it’s necessary to mention that there are generally four ways to replace or re-cover an existing metal panel roof system.
■ Metal roof panels can replace the existing metal panels, or they can be installed as a re-cover roof system.
■ Single-ply roof systems can be installed as a re-cover roof system.
■ Roof coatings can be applied to the existing metal roof.
■ Spray polyurethane foam can be installed over the existing metal roof.
The focus of this article is the use of single-ply roof systems as re-covers over existing metal panel roofs. Read more.