SpecTips - The Flexibility of a TPO or PVC Single-Ply Roof with the Look of Standing Seam Metal
Using Carlisle’s Contour Rib Profile to Achieve the Look of a Standing Seam Metal Roof
TPO and PVC roof membranes are most often used in low-slope roof applications where the membrane is not visible from the ground. For steeper slope applications where aesthetics is important, architects and designers tend to favor standing seam metal roofs. While standing seam metal delivers excellent performance, these systems can be much more costly, difficult, and time-consuming to install than a single-ply membrane.
When an existing standing seam metal roof needs to be replaced, doing so can also be difficult and costly. For this scenario, it can be beneficial to install additional insulation over the existing metal and re-cover using a single-ply membrane system such as TPO or PVC.
Although a TPO or PVC roof membrane can be less costly and easier to install for mansard and steep-slope applications, designers have often shied away from them due to their inability to provide the architectural look that is desired for highly visible roofs.
Carlisle’s Contour Rib™ Profiles can provide the look of standing seam metal with the performance and flexibility of a TPO or PVC roof. Carlisle’s Contour Rib Profiles are available for both Sure-Weld® TPO and Sure-Flex™ PVC membranes in 10’ lengths that can be joined together to create longer runs. They are extruded from the same heat- and UV-resistant material as the roof itself and are available in the standard colors of each respective membrane type. The rectangular profile of Carlisle’s Contour Ribs provides exceptional shadow lines for aesthetic appeal, and each section is reinforced with fiberglass to enhance dimensional stability.
Carlisle’s Contour Rib Profiles are compatible with any Sure-Weld TPO or Sure-Flex PVC membrane; however, using a FleeceBACK® TPO or PVC and an adhered cover board is recommended to provide the best possible aesthetics. The ribs can be aligned and spaced to achieve the desired look and to closely mimic a standing seam metal roof. Contour Rib Profiles are flexible enough to be used on many concave and convex roofs, including large barrel or eyebrow shapes.
SPEC TIP
Carlisle Contour Rib Profiles are an accessory item that must be used in an adhered bareback or FleeceBACK TPO or PVC roof system. As such, Contour Rib Profiles should be included in Division 7 of 3-part CSI specifications as an accessory item under Part II “Products.”
For more information, view the Sure-Weld Contour Rib Product Data Sheet, the Sure-Flex PVC Contour Rib Product Data Sheet, and PVC Contour Rib Installation Voice of the Customer video.
TPO and PVC roof membranes are most often used in low-slope roof applications where the membrane is not visible from the ground. For steeper slope applications where aesthetics is important, architects and designers tend to favor standing seam metal roofs. While standing seam metal delivers excellent performance, these systems can be much more costly, difficult, and time-consuming to install than a single-ply membrane.
When an existing standing seam metal roof needs to be replaced, doing so can also be difficult and costly. For this scenario, it can be beneficial to install additional insulation over the existing metal and re-cover using a single-ply membrane system such as TPO or PVC.
Although a TPO or PVC roof membrane can be less costly and easier to install for mansard and steep-slope applications, designers have often shied away from them due to their inability to provide the architectural look that is desired for highly visible roofs.
Carlisle’s Contour Rib™ Profiles can provide the look of standing seam metal with the performance and flexibility of a TPO or PVC roof. Carlisle’s Contour Rib Profiles are available for both Sure-Weld® TPO and Sure-Flex™ PVC membranes in 10’ lengths that can be joined together to create longer runs. They are extruded from the same heat- and UV-resistant material as the roof itself and are available in the standard colors of each respective membrane type. The rectangular profile of Carlisle’s Contour Ribs provides exceptional shadow lines for aesthetic appeal, and each section is reinforced with fiberglass to enhance dimensional stability.
Carlisle’s Contour Rib Profiles are compatible with any Sure-Weld TPO or Sure-Flex PVC membrane; however, using a FleeceBACK® TPO or PVC and an adhered cover board is recommended to provide the best possible aesthetics. The ribs can be aligned and spaced to achieve the desired look and to closely mimic a standing seam metal roof. Contour Rib Profiles are flexible enough to be used on many concave and convex roofs, including large barrel or eyebrow shapes.
SPEC TIP
Carlisle Contour Rib Profiles are an accessory item that must be used in an adhered bareback or FleeceBACK TPO or PVC roof system. As such, Contour Rib Profiles should be included in Division 7 of 3-part CSI specifications as an accessory item under Part II “Products.”
- When specifying Carlisle Contour Rib Profiles, make sure the specifications or project drawings call out the desired rib spacing.
- Carlisle EPS Flute Fill (standard and custom profiles available)
- Adhered Cover Board
- Adhered Carlisle bareback or FleeceBACK Sure-Weld TPO or Sure-Flex PVC roof membrane
- Carlisle Contour Rib Profiles
For more information, view the Sure-Weld Contour Rib Product Data Sheet, the Sure-Flex PVC Contour Rib Product Data Sheet, and PVC Contour Rib Installation Voice of the Customer video.
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