PVC / TPO

Most commercial buildings have flat roofs. Although there are several types of roofing membranes, the three main varieties are EPDM, TPO and PVC. Of these three, PVC flat roofing membranes can have a lifespan of at least two decades. This is only one of their many benefits. Here’s what you need to know about PVC roofing and how you can extend its exceptional lifespan.

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) roofing is a single-ply roofing membrane that has been used on flat roofs, besides low-sloped roofs, for more than 50 years. A PVC roof consists of two layers. Polyester is added between the layers to serve as support. These layers have additives that give the roofing material flexibility and other benefits.

• Durability is a huge advantage of a PVC roof. This type of roofing membrane is remarkably strong because it has heat-welded seams that create a watertight bond that’s even stronger than the membrane itself, which gives it permanence. As a result, PVC roofing doesn’t have to depend on tapes, adhesives and caulks for sealing its seams as other types of roofing systems do.
• PVC roofs are highly wind resistant, thanks to their welded seams. In fact, often PVC roofs have held up even in Category 3 hurricanes. Therefore, if you live an area that tends to experience intense winds and hurricanes, a PVC roof is a good choice.
• Fire resistance is one of the main benefits of PVC roofing as this type of roofing system is very hard to ignite. Consider that a PVC roof is highly resistant to oxidation reactions. This makes it exceptionally safer than other types of roofs.
• The chemical resistance of PVC roofing means not having to deal with roofing issues caused by chemical exposure. Thus, your flat roof can continue to serve you even when it’s exposed to harsh chemical conditions.
• Environmental friendliness is another plus of a PVC roofing system. The PVC membrane has high solar reflectivity, so less energy is wasted. Also, this can mean paying less money to heat or cool your building.

Because PVC roofing is exceptionally strong and durable, it can last for more than 20 years. This one of the primary advantages of this type of roof. This can help you to save a considerable amount of money on expensive repairs and maintenance. Meaning that you will have more money to invest in your business. Your PVC roof can be preserved even longer by properly maintaining it. For example:

• Correct drainage is the most critical factor in preserving the life of your PVC roof. This entails stopping ponding water, which is a common issue with flat roofs.
• Failing to address ponding water, also known as standing water, can result in water seeping through your roof. This will lead to severe water damage and costly bills. Unfortunately, damage from ponding water is often not noticeable until mold and rot start to develop.
• Another important aspect of preserving your PVC roofing membrane is inspecting flashing and seams after a rainstorm.
• Look for any worn places or damage before leakage occurs so that the lifespan of the roofing membrane isn’t shortened, and there isn’t any further damage.

• The roofing membrane of a PVC roof can endure both low and high alkaline conditions.
• PVC roofing isn’t negatively affected by being exposed to fungi, bacteria and plant roofs.
• Often restaurant buildings with flat roofs can suffer from animal fat that comes from grease vents, which can damage roofs with an asphalt base, besides other types of single-ply roofing membranes. However, this isn’t a problem when you have a PVC roofing membrane.
• Because PVC membranes are usually incredibly flexible, they can easily be modified for different rooftops.
• In most cases, a PVC roof can be directly installed over an existing roofing system. This means you don’t have to tear off your old roof.

Single-Ply Membranes are sheets of rubber and other synthetics that can be ballasted, mechanically fastened, or chemically adhered to insulation creating a layer of protection on your commercial facility.

While Single-Ply Membrane Roofing is one of the most well-known types of commercial roofing material, there are several types to fit your budget and facility needs.

There are two main types of single-ply membrane commercial roofing: Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) and Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer (EPDM).

They differ in their chemical makeup, how they are installed, and their energy efficiencies.

Thermoplastic Polyolefin is a single-ply roofing membrane that is one of the fastest-growing commercial roofing systems on the market. TPO roofing systems are made up of a single layer of synthetics and reinforcing scrim that can be used to cover flat roofs.

TPO membranes are manufactured in sheets that are 10, 12, or 20 feet wide. These sheets are then rolled up and taken to the commercial facility.

TPO has gained industry acceptance with the natural reflective surface to reflect UV rays. As reported by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) TPO takes up about 40% of the commercial roofing market share.
 

If properly installed and maintained, a commercial single-ply membrane roof can last 30 years. There are quite a few other benefits of single-ply membrane roofing systems:

• Customer Choice of Insulation – Since single-ply membrane roofing does not include the insulation factor, as a customer you have more options to choose from to insulate your facility’s roof.
• Class A Fire-Rated – TPO membranes and EPDM can achieve Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Class A fire resistance listings by adding fire retardant chemicals during the manufacturing process.
• Reflective or Retentive – TPO is generally white and highly reflective. On the other side of the spectrum, EPDM is often described as “Black Roofs,” due to the natural dark color of the membrane.

The most common TPO material is bright white with highly reflective properties. This bright white roof installation can reflect UV rays and heat from the building, saving money during the summer months from decreased energy usage to cool the building interior.