Choosing the right material for your roof can be a confusing process. From metal and asphalt to wood shakes and slate tiles, there are all sorts of available options. But what about corrugated plastic? Made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), this compelling roofing material offers several benefits and a few important drawbacks.
Corrugated Plastic Roofing Advantages
There are a lot of reasons to choose plastic roofing for your home. Among the most compelling benefits include:
It Comes in Diverse Colors
Plastic roofing comes in a wide array of shades that can significantly transform a property. It’s a great choice for people who want to deviate from traditional reds, browns and common neutral hues. Available in vivid shades, plastic sheets also come in muted tones that match classic roofing styles.
Fire-Resistant
When selecting a new roof, you want a sturdy material with Class A fire resistance. Most plastic roofs will have a Class A rating. While many types of plastics will melt in extreme heat, plastic roofing contains PVC which resists fire and extreme heat to achieve that top rating.
Pest and Water-Resistant
With water-resistant properties, plastic roofing isn’t susceptible to rot, fungus, decay or mildew, which can all lead to degradation and leaks. Since it won’t rot in response to water and harsh weather, a plastic roof provides fewer access points for rodents, wasps, birds and other pests that might otherwise damage your home.
Impact-Resistant
Despite being lighter than many other types of roofing materials, plastic roofs are surprisingly impact-resistant. A high-quality plastic roof product can withstand falling limbs, hailstorms and heavy winds. A properly installed plastic roof can also hold up to foot traffic from roofers or homeowners doing maintenance, cleaning gutters or installing holiday lighting.
Corrugated Plastic Roofing Disadvantages
As with any type of roofing material, plastic isn’t perfect. Before choosing a plastic material for your roof, you should be aware of the following disadvantages:
They Aren’t Especially “Green”
Given the concerns about the overuse of plastics—from water bottles to straws—plastic roofing isn’t the greenest option for your roof. While PVC can provide impressive insulation to a home and limit energy consumption; there are disposal concerns when it comes time to replace your roof. Depending on the specific plastics used, these materials can take a long time to break down in landfills. If you desire a greener roofing option, choose metal, wood, recycled or slate roofing materials.
They Can Get Pricey
Depending on the roof, plastic panels can be costlier than traditional asphalt shingle roofs. That said, because they have a good lifespan, you can often recoup some of these costs. To determine the most cost-effective material for your unique roofing needs, it’s best to get input from the professional local roofing contractors at A-to-Z Roofing and Exteriors.
They’re Relatively New
Plastic roofs have not been around as long as traditional materials, such as asphalt or composite shingles, metal or tiles. Although some of the advantages of plastic roofing seem like a smart idea, we don’t know for sure how long corrugated plastic roofing can sustain those perks.
They May Stand Out
Depending on your specific neighborhood and the other houses in the area, plastic roofing may not always blend in. If you have a homeowners association, you might even have guidelines or restrictions about roof materials and colors. While it’s true that plastic roofing is available in diverse styles and colors; it can sometimes be challenging to make synthetic materials that look like the real thing.
Do Your Research
Before choosing any material for your roof, it pays to do some research. There are plenty of options available, and each one offers specific benefits and drawbacks you should know about. It helps to work with a reputable local roofing contractor who can help you make a smart decision based on your unique needs.
Whether you need a plastic roof, traditional asphalt roof, energy-efficient shingles or alternative roofing materials, A to Z is here to help. For decades, our knowledgeable professionals have served countless satisfied customers throughout Colorado. For nearly a quarter of a century, we have been the premier choice for expert commercial and residential roofing, repair and restoration. During this period, we’ve provided comprehensive service using only high-quality materials. Contact our attentive team to learn how we can replace, restore or repair your damaged or aging roof.