PVC Roofing
The Complete guide
A Complete Guide to PVC Roofing
The PVC roof has been widely adopted by commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings for six decades.
Its prominence has been attributed to longevity, ability to withstand severe weather, and cost-effective installation and repair.
If your roof was recently damaged or is approaching its life expectancy, a PVC roof installation delivers wide-reaching benefits.
These are things to consider about PVC membrane roofing systems.
PVC Roofing Details
What is PVC Membrane Roofing?
A PVC roof employs a single-ply PVC roof membrane consisting of two layers of specially-formulated vinyl bonded to a polyester reinforcement scrim layer.
The PVC membrane roof is often white or light-colored to deflect intense UV rays and improve energy efficiency.
Everyday people typically think of PVC as the hard plastic pipes used in plumbing. Called “PVC” by industry insiders, the term refers to “polyvinyl chloride.”
This synthetic polymer can be manufactured as a rigid or flexible construction material.
A PVC roofing contractor utilizes flexible products to cover a low-slope or flat roof with layers that last upwards of 30 years.
A PVC roof installation begins by laying down a layer of insulation board over the roof deck.
The more commonly used products include ISO or EPS foam boards that possess an R-value between R4 and R6 per inch of insulation thickness.
This essential PVC roofing element minimizes energy losses and helps keep utility costs low.
- There are three basic ways a PVC membrane roofing installation can be accomplished. These involve fully-adhered materials, mechanically fastened, or an induction welded PVC roof.
- Fully Adhered PVC Roofing: The PVC membrane roofing material is essentially glued directly to the existing substrate using a strong commercial adhesive. This method usually comes into play when a structure cannot easily hold fasteners or property owners wish to minimize penetrations into the roof deck.
- Mechanically Attached PVC Roofing: This process involves employing heavy-duty screws and plates to secure the PVC membrane roofing materials in place. A preferred choice in areas prone to severe weather events such as hurricanes and tornados, an attached PVC roof withstands high winds.
- Induction Welded PVC Roofing: This process involves heating equipment deployed to the PVC membrane roofing above metal plate locations. The induction welding tool sends electric pulses that heat the metal plate, causing the materials to cling to it. An induction welded PVC roofing system requires fewer fasteners and tends to be less labor-intensive than others in its class.
In all three processes, the seams of PVC membrane roofing sheets are welded together to form a cohesive barrier against the elements.
It’s also important to understand that PVC membrane roofing materials are relatively thin compared to other systems. Manufacturers produce products that include thicknesses from 40 mil (0.04 inches) to 90 mil (0.09 inches). Common membrane thicknesses are 60, 80 or 90 mil.
A large number of PVC roofing installations use white materials to reflect the sun’s rays. However, alternative colors such as gray, tan, brown, red and green are available. Niche materials can emulate the appearance of roof shingles and certified products are fire-resistant.
Benefits of a PVC Roofing System
The PVC roof remains a popular choice for a commercial, industrial, and institutional building with a low-slope or flat roof.
That’s because a PVC roof provides property owners and stakeholders with lasting benefits, such as the following.
Cost-Effective Installation
A PVC roofing system ranks among the least labor-intensive options. Reducing the number of work hours it takes to diligently install a PVC roof lowers the cost to property owners.
PVC Roof Repair is Simple
A flat roof allows PVC repair technicians open access to areas that may have been impacted by hailstone strikes, falling debris, or an extreme weather event. Access and easy-to-apply repair materials minimize cost and maximize emergency roof repair response.
Maximize Energy Efficiency
The PVC membrane roofing materials all serve an energy-related purpose. White and light-colored surface areas reflect harsh UV rays to minimize the need for air conditioning. The insulation layer traps heating and cooling energy inside the facility.
Durable and Weather Resistant
One of the true tests of any roofing system stems from its ability to withstand temperature swings and severe weather. A PVC low-slope or flat roof provides natural resistance to high winds. When properly secured by an experienced roofing contractor, the surface area deflects high winds. Even if hail the size of baseballs makes impact, PVC roof repairs can be made quickly to prevent water seepage.
PVC Roof Lasts Decades
For a PVC roof installation to achieve its maximal life expectancy, three things are necessary. An experienced and certified roofing contractor is required to ensure the installation is conducted with precision. Loose fasteners or inadequate flashing result in unnecessary damage.
The climate where the building is situated also matters. Areas prone to hurricanes and hailstorms may require ongoing repairs.
PVC Roofing FAQs
Can you walk on a PVC roof?
The short answer is: Yes. However, hard-soled boots and equipment can negatively affect a PVC roof surface.
It’s crucial to wear soft shoes and avoid unnecessary foot traffic.
How long does a PVC roof last?
A PVC roof can last for 30 years or longer. Its life expectancy is determined by a variety of factors. However, regular roof inspections and routine repairs help maximize its longevity.
What is the difference between TPO and PVC roofing?
A TPO roof installation is made from thermoplastic polyolefin. A PVC roofing membrane melds polyvinyl chloride with other elements into materials. Both roofing systems provide substantial benefits. If you are considering a TPO or PVC roof installation, discuss your best option with an expert.
Is PVC membrane roofing chemical resistant?
A PVC membrane roof stands up to a wide range of chemicals. The PVC KEE membrane earned a reputation for excellent chemical resistance.
Is PVC membrane roofing fire-resistant?
The compounds used to make PVC membrane roofing products are inherently fire-resistant. So, Yes.
Can you repair a PVC roof?
A low-slope or flat roof provides open access for technicians to inspect and implement repairs. Because a PVC roofing system deploys layered sheets, surface cuts and dents are easily repaired. However, catastrophic damage from a hurricane, tornado, or massive hailstone strike may require PVC roof replacement.
Are PVC roofing systems considered green-friendly?
The materials used in a PVC roof installation can be recycled numerous times. They also last 30 years or longer, making them a green-friendly material that reduces carbon emissions and landfill accumulations.
re PVC roofs considered cost-effective in the long run?
A PVC roof delivers a long-term return on investment on two fronts. First, a diligent PVC roof installation can improve energy efficiency by upwards of 40 percent. The second reason is that a PVC roof lasts 30 years or longer when properly maintained. Bringing those money-saving elements together makes a PVC roof worth the initial investment.