Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) roofing material has been used for decades to help protect Colorado homes and businesses from our harsh climate here among the Rockies.
The roofing professionals at A-to-Z Roofing & Exteriors have been repairing, restoring, and replacing roofs of all shapes and sizes since 1993, and we’re proud to be experts in this specific kind of roofing system.
In this article, we’re exploring the top advantages of PVC roofing. While this type of roofing material may not be feasible for some roof types, it is an excellent choice for virtually any low-slope or flat roof on both residential and commercial buildings.
What Are Plastic Polymers?
Plastic polymers is a category of synthetic organic polymers that are found in common household items and materials. If you own or use anything made with a plastic material, chances are high it’s a plastic polymer.
PVC is just one of many plastic polymers. Some others include:
- Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
- Polystyrene
- Polypropylene
- Thermoplastic polyurethane
- Nylon
Due to the resilient, malleable, and low-cost features of PVC, it is a prime choice for use as a roofing material. Let’s look at the top reasons why.
Flexibility Meets Durability
PVC roofing membranes come in large, single-ply rolls that can be cut to size on the job site. And, because of the flexible, form-fitting nature of PVC material, it can be easily installed over existing roofing systems. This can reduce overall project costs, and the old roofing system can often be left in place instead of having to pay to have it removed and disposed of.
PVC is also renowned for its incredible strength. The American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) has mandated that all single-ply roofing materials carry at least a 200 pounds-per-inch breaking threshold. PVC outperforms this specification, coming in at an impressive 350 pounds-per-inch breaking threshold. This translates into powerful protection against hail, heavy rain, and falling debris.
So, not only is PVC incredibly flexible, it has amazing inherent strength that doesn’t significantly diminish over time with ongoing exposure to the elements, especially when compared with other traditional roofing materials (i.e., asphalt shingles).
Leak Protection
Another widely touted benefit of PVC membranes is their ability to protect the building from water leaks.
This is due not only to the molecular composition of PVC, but it also has to do with something called Hot Air Welding.
When a PVC membrane is installed, the seams between sheets are bonded together using hot air. Interestingly, the strength of this welded seam is actually stronger than the membrane itself! This results in a 100% waterproof overall roofing system that requires no exposed fasteners or metal parts that would otherwise rust and corrode over time.
We don’t need to tell you how unpredictable the weather in Colorado can be! To help protect low-slope and flat roofs from water damage after heavy rain or hail events, a PVC roof is the perfect choice.
Energy Efficiency
When you think of commercial roofing materials, you may not think of energy efficiency. The reality is that a PVC roof can help reduce cooling costs in the summer by as much as 15%. With the year-over-year trend we’re seeing with warmer and warmer summers here in Colorado, this is a big deal.
PVC that comes in white, beige, grey, or tan does a fantastic job of reflecting solar radiation. This is a significant improvement on traditional, tar-and-gravel based roofing materials that absorb heat and contribute to the after-hours warming of commercial buildings.
The best part of having a new PVC roof installed is that energy savings begin on day one after installation!
Easy, Low-Cost Installation
Lastly, PVC membranes are comparably inexpensive. For the strength, reliability, and energy efficiency they provide, these roofing systems are worth every penny of their $6-$12 per-square-foot cost.
And, because PVC membranes are fairly quick and easy to install, you pay less for the labor required to do so. When you consider the fact that a professionally installed PVC roof can last for 20 years or more, the return on investment is quite impressive.
Choosing a PVC Roof Installer
PVC membranes are an easy to choice to make when commercial roof restorations, replacements, or repairs are needed. The not-so-easy choice is who to select as your roofing system installer.
Let A-to-Z Roofing & Exteriors show you why we are Colorado’s #1 trusted PVC membrane installer. We have a long list of completed projects and satisfied customers, and every PVC roof we installed is guaranteed!
Contact us to obtain a quote or to learn more.