What Is PVC Roof Membrane?
PVC roofing is a reinforced thermoplastic sheet whose seams are joined by hot-air welding, so the seam becomes as strong as the sheet. It is commonly specified where a roof sees kitchen exhaust grease, chemical exposure or repeated foot traffic, because the material resists those better than EPDM. It is usually white or light-colored, which reflects heat. PVC and TPO look alike from the ground and are both heat-welded, but they are different chemistries and do not weld to each other; a repair must use matching material. As with all single-ply roofs, the seams, the flashing at curbs and walls, and the drains are where problems begin, and plasticizer loss over time can make an old PVC sheet brittle.
Important Distinction
Note: This describes the component in general. Which product, gauge or detail a specific roof needs is a job-by-job determination made after an inspection, and the building code and the manufacturer's installation instructions govern over any general description.
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Also Known As
These are the search terms and phrases that commonly refer to this topic, so you can find it however you describe it.
How PVC Roof Membrane Relates to Other Topics
PVC is one of the three single-ply membrane families.
PVC and TPO are both heat-welded but are different chemistries and do not weld to each other.
PVC is the single-ply a flat roofing service specifies where grease, chemicals or restaurant exhaust would degrade TPO.
Questions about PVC Roof Membrane?
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