Does plumbing come to mind when you hear PVC?
This type of plastic is a common material for pipes, but it’s also a strong contender for roofing material.
A PVC roofing membrane is often an option on a flat or low-sloped roof like those found on commercial buildings. It offers many benefits that make it a lasting option.
Keep reading to learn five key benefits of PVC roofing.
What Is PVC Roofing Membrane?
This type of roofing material is made out of polyvinyl chloride, which is a type of plastic. The plasticizers in the roofing material make it flexible.
PVC roofing comes as a single-ply roofing membrane, which means it rolls out to cover the roof in a sheet to create a skin-like coating.
1. Durable, Waterproof Construction
The extreme durability makes PVC a popular choice as a roofing material. Because of its durability, it’s a long-lasting option, which makes it cost-effective. This type of roof often lasts 20 years or longer.
Since it’s rolled onto the roof, PVC roofing needs to be sealed at the seams. That’s done using a heat welding method, unlike other roofs, which often use tape, adhesive, or caulk on the seams. Those materials don’t create permanent seams and may lead to leaking.
The welding process of PVC roofs makes the seams watertight and permanent. You won’t have to worry about roof leaks with the secure seams. On other types of flat roof materials, the seams are often the main source of damaging leaks.
The watertight design is especially beneficial on roofs with low or no slopes. Those types of roofs tend to collect water. The pooling water isn’t a problem with a PVC roof when it’s properly installed.
PVC membranes resist tearing and punctures, which is often a problem with flat roof material.
2. Environmentally Friendly
PVC roofing is environmentally friendly in a few different ways. Many types qualify for the Energy Star Roof Products Program to show their energy efficiency.
The installation process involves very little scrap material. That minimizes the waste you produce during the production and installation. The production process also takes less energy than other roofing materials.
It’s highly effective at reflecting light, which cuts your energy consumption. It helps keep your house cooler and reduces cooling costs. The solar reflectivity also allows your insulation to work more effectively, which can improve your building’s energy efficiency even more.
You can make your roof even more eco-friendly by turning it into a living roof or rooftop garden. The watertight design makes it a good candidate for this purpose.
The long-life compared to other roofing materials also makes it energy efficient. Since you don’t need to replace it as often, you’re not contributing to waste and you’re not consuming more materials. Fewer materials used cuts down on manufacturing demands, which helps to protect the environment.
When it’s finally time to replace the roof, the material can be recycled. That’s not the case with other roofing materials. That means you can minimize the waste you produce when you renovate your building.
3. Resistance to Various Damage
A PVC roof resists many types of damage that might cause damage to other roof types. The material isn’t susceptible to rotting, rust, or corrosion like some other materials. That keeps them looking great and in exceptional condition to ensure protection for your roof.
When exposed to bacteria, fungi, or plant roots, the roofing isn’t affected.
It’s wind-resistant due to the welded seams. In fact, PVC roofs can withstand the winds of a category 3 hurricane, which can reach speeds of 111 to 129 miles per hour.
If the seams were taped down or held by another method, strong winds might be able to loosen them and cause issues. PVC doesn’t have that issue.
PVC also resists grease damage. This makes it a good option for restaurants and manufacturers that use grease in the cooking or production process.
Another benefit is its resistance to fire. This can prevent your building from catching on fire if something lands on the roof that might ignite other materials.
The PVC material is very difficult to ignite. If it does catch on fire, it burns slowly, which can minimize damage to the building.
When the source of the fire is removed, the roof self-extinguishes. Other materials continue burning. This can also help cut down on the extent of the fire damage.
It also offers chemical resistance. That means you don’t have to worry about damage to your roof if it’s exposed to harsh chemicals. This can be particularly beneficial for commercial roofs.
4. Versatile Installation Options
PVC membrane roofing has two installation options: fully adhered with glue or mechanically fastened by being screwed down. This offers more flexibility in how it’s installed.
It’s a lightweight material, which means it won’t add lots of extra weight to your roof. Heavy roofing materials sometimes require extra reinforcements or put more strain on your roofing structure.
Since PVC is a pliable material, it works well for fitting to the roof exactly. That means it’s an option for oddly shaped roofs.
It comes in large sheets, which results in fewer seams. That can make installation faster and easier with fewer seams to worry about protecting.
Another perk is the ability to put the PVC roofing over existing roofing in many cases. That cut down on the installation costs and time because the old roofing material doesn’t need to be removed first.
5. Low Maintenance
Unlike other flat roof options, PVC membrane roofing is low maintenance. This makes it an easier option with one less worry for maintaining your building.
The low maintenance demands also add to the cost-effectiveness of a PVC roof. You don’t have to hire a roofing company frequently to address common commercial roofing problems. You also don’t have to invest in more materials to repair frequent damage to the roof.
Consider Roofing Options
If you’re looking for a solution for your flat room, PVC roofing membrane is an option to consider. It’s durable, resistant to damage, and long-lasting. Plus, it’s low maintenance demands make it an easy roofing option, which is a definite perk for a business owner.
Are you interested in a PVC membrane roof for your commercial building? Contact us to get more information.
