How Long Will a PVC Roof Last?

PVC roof installation

Learn About the Benefits of PVC Roofing

When you own a building in the Sugarland, Texas area, as anywhere else in the country, you want what is best for the upkeep and care. You also want anything you put into this investment to give you the highest ROI, which is exactly what PVC roofing can do. 

What is PVC roofing?

When you hear the term ‘PVC’, your first thought may go to plumbing pipes. But this material, PolyVinyl Chloride, makes a superior roofing material too. Made from oil and petroleum, less than TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin), or EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer). 

What are the benefits of PVC roofing?

There are many types of roofing material options to choose from today, but not all of them offer the benefits of PVC roofing, such as: 

1. Durable and Weather-Resistant 

As a PVC roofing material, this synthetic resin is known for its durability, strong enough to handle a weight of 350 pounds per square inch. It is a weather-resistant material, holding up hailstorms and high winds. 

2. Energy-efficient and Low Maintenance

PVC roofing is an energy-efficient material and requires little maintenance, making it a popular choice for many commercial structure owners. It has a high reflectivity index that returns the UV rays out, keeping the building cooler in the summer, which helps ease the utility bills and extends the lifespan of the HVAC system. 

3. Inexpensive

Commercial roofing is expensive overall, but PVC roofing is a lower-cost option. In addition to making this an inexpensive material, and needs little maintenance, another cost-saving feature. 

4. Lightweight and Easy Installation

PVC roofing is an easy and fast roofing material to install because it is lightweight. Easier and faster installation means less labor cost for installation, another money-saving feature. 

There are more benefits you can expect from PVC roofing such as being UV-resistant, allowing the roof to keep its color and integrity longer than most roofing materials. In addition to being wind-resistant, it is waterproof and has a high level of insulation value, helping to keep the roofing surface cool in the summer and warm in the winter. 

Does PVC roofing come in different colors? 

Yes, unlike EPDM roofing which comes in either black or white, PVC roofing is not only an environmentally friendly material that can be recycled, but it is available in several other colors too. PVC roofing is fire-resistant and lighting strike-resistant too.  

What is PVC roofing life expectancy? 

This may be the best part of PVC roofing!  Because it is a durable material that can withstand weather elements, comes in different thicknesses and widths, as well as a wide range of colors, it has a life expectancy of up to 30 years. 

What are the disadvantages of PVC roofing?

Though PVC roofing has multiple benefits, there are a few disadvantages that should be considered before making this investment, including: 

1. The Older, The More Problems

Yes, PVC roofing can last up to 30 years, but during that time, it will need repairs, typically starting around 10 years. When properly installed, well-maintained, and repairs done as needed as it ages,  it is still a valuable asset to a commercial building. 

2. Not Cold Weather Roofing 

This isn’t an issue in Texas, but for consideration of PVC roofing for buildings in the northern part of the country isn’t recommended. Col weather can cause PVC roofing to turn brittle and shatter. EPDM or TPO roofing would make better options.

3. The Cost

PVC roofing and TPO roofing are more expensive than EPDM roofing, but it is the least expensive when compared to TPO roofing. When you weigh in the long lifespan of PVC roofing, it becomes the least expensive of all. 

Other disadvantages to be concerned about with PVC roofing include shrinking, allowing it to pull loose from the edges, making the roof susceptible to leaking. Repairing PVC roofing can be challenging because of the variety in the substance from different manufacturers. Finding the right type of patching material can be difficult. 

Can you walk on PVC roofing? 

Yes, any need to clean or repair the roof can be done while wearing proper footwear of soft soles and as little as possible. When appointments are scheduled for any communication or HVAC work on the roof, advise the company ahead of time of the requirement for soft-sole shoes. 

In Closing: What maintenance is required for PVC roofing? 

You should have the roof inspected once a year and any repairs done as needed. In between those inspections, once a month, remove any debris accumulated by sweeping it clean if needed, and gently mop using a mild detergent with clear water and a stiff broom. You can also clean PVC roofing with any of these products: 

  • Butyl Alcohol
  • Ethyl Alcohol
  • Heptane
  • Hexane
  • Isopropyl Alcohol
  • Methyl Alcohol
  • Petroleum Ether
  • VM&P Naphtha 

Please call us now at (832) 598-4245 for PVC roofing in Rosenberg and Sugar Land, TX!