When choosing a roofing material for your home or business, you want something that will last for a long time and will protect your building from storms and fires. There are so many roofing options available that it may be challenging to know which one is the most cost-effective while meeting your particular needs. Further complicating the matter, flat or low-slope roofs will have different requirements than high-slope residential roofs, and the materials for commercial and residential roofs also differ significantly. So, which one should you choose?
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What is PVC Roofing?
Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, is a material quite familiar to most people. It’s used in everything, from construction to electronics and even healthcare. It’s a type of plastic that can be either rigid or flexible and is durable and cheap to manufacture. When used as a roofing material, PVC comes in a single layer and is one of the lightest options around, making installation more straightforward than traditional flat roofing supplies.
Pros of PVC Roofing
When a PVC roof is installed, the seams are welded together with hot air, creating a bond that can compress and contract much better than the original PVC. This makes the roof structure resistant to rapid changes in temperature that would otherwise result in cracks. A hot air-welded PVC roof is more flexible and able to handle changes in building conformation, ensuring that the entire roof remains watertight and intact for decades.
PVC is remarkably resistant to most chemicals that would damage rubber or asphalt membranes, making PVC roofing the ideal choice for factories or warehouses that handle or store harsh chemicals. As a bonus, it is fire-resistant, providing an extra layer of safety in case of an external fire.
In its natural form, PVC is a bright white color, which makes it an ideal roofing material since it reflects up to 78% of heat and UV rays from the sun, resulting in a cooler interior. It is also incredibly resistant to rain and strong winds. This durability is what makes PVC roofs last so long, with a lifespan of up to 20 years, and with maintenance and check-ups every couple of years.
A PVC roof is an eco-friendly choice as it reduces the energy consumption of a building due to its heat reflective properties. It can be recycled when it reaches the end of its lifespan.
Cons of PVC Roofing
PVC roofing is one of the more costly options when it comes to flat or low-slope roofing. However, while the material itself may be expensive, installation can be cheaper, due to the relative lightness of the product and the ease of labor when done by professionals, such as those at Polaris Roofing Systems.
PVC Roofing Installation and Repair
If you’re looking to install a PVC roof due to all its advantages, Polaris Roofing Systems can advise you on the right thickness and oversee the installation. Our experts know the local building codes and will ensure that your new roof is installed according to regulations, giving you a watertight, durable roof that will last for decades.
If you have an older PVC installation, you may find yourself in need of repair. All roofing materials deteriorate, including PVC, which shrinks as it ages, resulting in lifting corners that may end up causing leaks in the building. PVC roof repair is also difficult, due to the nature of the welds and the resistance to sealants and adhesives. Luckily, Polaris Roofing Systems has plenty of experience with PVC and knows how to handle the material properly. We will also advise you on whether a roof can be repaired or whether it’s better to move onto a fresh installation.
