PVC roofing is made from polyvinyl chloride, which is more commonly known as plastic. Many people are familiar with the term PVC; however, they think that it represents only the white plastic pipe that you find in irrigation systems and used for water lines. But there is also roofing made of the same durable material. PVC roofing material is a single-ply surface that offers the added benefit of being very reflective, allowing it to provide cooling properties that earned it the Energy Star and Cool Roof ratings.

When you imagine a single-layer roofing surface, you could have concerns about the durability it provides. However, consumers need to understand that when a roof is covered by PVC, it has a break strength of 350 pounds per square inch, which is well above the requirement of the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) of 200 pounds per square inch. This amazing strength is why a PVC roof can be installed with heat welded seams instead of requiring the tape or other adhesive products used to joint other roofing surfaces. The heat weld is the most durable joinery process when the roof will experience expansion and contractions due to the change in weather and temperature. Finally, PVC offers superior protection against chemicals, water leaks, UV rays, and fire.