Do you have a flat roof? Have you heard of the popular roofing membrane PVC?
PVC roofing has been around a long time in the roofing industry, mainly on commercial projects. While it may be popular for commercial buildings, it's becoming more common on residential homes.
However, most homeowners don't know much about PVC because it's only used in specific circumstances. So, if your roof calls for a membrane, there are some key things to know about PVC roofing to help you determine if it’s the right flat roofing solution for you.
For over 35 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has educated homeowners on all the different types of roofing materials, even those used for certain situations. That's why I'll help you decide if a PVC roofing membrane is the right choice for you.
By the end of this article, you'll learn:
- What is a PVC roofing membrane? (plus the pros and cons)
- How long does a PVC roofing membrane last?
- How much does a PVC roofing membrane cost?
- Why do you need a PVC roofing membrane instead of asphalt shingles?
What is a PVC roofing membrane?
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a single-ply white or gray membrane used in both commercial and residential roofing. It's a great choice for any flat roof over a living space or bedroom because it won't absorb heat like a black membrane.
PVC roofing pros:
- Durability
- Resistant to chemicals and grease
- Energy efficient
- Fire resistant
- Flexibility in cold and hot climates
PVC roofing cons:
- Expensive
- Gets dirty easily
- Not very eco-friendly
- Heavier than other membranes
- Shrinks in areas with extreme temperature changes
- Specialized installation
The white or gray membrane gives PVC has great reflective properties. However, the chemical and grease resistance makes it a more popular choice for commercial than residential.
How long does a PVC roofing membrane last?
A PVC roofing membrane should last up to 25 years as long as it’s installed properly. However, the lifespan ultimately depends on multiple factors.
These factors include the foot traffic, overhanging trees, weather, the amount of direct sunlight it's exposed to, and installation quality. But as long as your PVC membrane roof is installed correctly, it’ll get as close as possible to its maximum lifespan.
How much does a PVC roofing membrane cost?
A PVC membrane flat roof costs $12.00 to $17.00 per square foot. But like everything else, there are a number of factors that determine the cost of a PVC membrane roof.
But when it comes to membranes, the type of insulation used underneath has a big impact. Installing insulation boards thick enough to insulate the entire structure will cost more than fabric insulation.
Another huge factor is the size of the roof that’s getting the membrane. This may seem backward, but the cost per square foot will trend towards the higher end of the price range on smaller projects.
On the other hand, the cost per square foot drastically decreases when you get into larger commercial projects. This is mainly because PVC membranes come on rolls, which means smaller flat roofs require more cutting and fitting tighter areas.
Why do you need a PVC roofing membrane instead of asphalt shingles?
When a homeowner learns how much a PVC roofing membrane costs, one of the first things asked is why asphalt shingles can't be used instead. This isn't a roofer's choice, though.
It's actually following both shingle manufacturer’s installation instructions and building codes set forth by the IRC. Any roof or a roof facet that’s pitch (aka steepness) that's below a 2:12 (less than 2 vertical units up for every 12 horizontal units out) is considered low slope.
Per codes, you can’t install asphalt shingles on a roof with a pitch below 2:12 because they aren’t meant to hold sitting water. Instead, it needs a waterproof material, like PVC, that can handle water when it doesn't drain properly.
Unfortunately, there are bad roofers who ignore the codes and try to install shingles to lower their prices. This will lead to roof leaks and voided warranties, so be weary of any roofer trying to use shingles on a flat roof.
Is a PVC roofing membrane right for you?
Now you know what PVC roofing is, the pros and cons, how long it’ll last, and how much it costs. Also, you know why PVC has to be used instead of asphalt shingles.
But even if you can't use shingles, there are other flat roofing material options. Just like PVC, each one has pros and cons.
So, before moving forward with your flat roofing project, it's important to know how PVC compares to the other top flat roofing materials. After all, you can't make the right purchasing decision without knowing everything available.
That’s why I wrote another article breaking down everything you need to know about the best roofing materials for flat roofing.
Check out The 4 Best Materials for a Flat Roof to learn the pros, cons, lifespan, price, and more for the top flat roofing materials.
