What Is PVC Roofing?
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is a single-ply membrane engineered for flat and low-slope roofs. It’s supplied in wide sheets (commonly white, also gray/tan) and joined with hot-air welded seams to form a continuous surface. PVC is often selected where predictable welding, neat detailing, and resistance to certain oils/greases are priorities.
Why Many Facilities Choose PVC
- Hot-air welded seams: Creates consistent, uniform laps and clean corners/terminations.
- Surface reflectivity options: White PVC helps reduce rooftop temperatures; color options exist for design or heat-gain balance.
- Accessory ecosystem: Pre-formed boots, corners, and edge components streamline detailing.
- Chemical/grease tolerance: Frequently considered for rooftops near exhausts from food service or light industrial processes.
- Supports organized layouts: Sheet sizes and welded detailing help with tidy, repeatable installations across large areas.
Installation Methods We Offer
We align the attachment method with the deck type, building height, wind exposure, and phasing plan after a roof review.
- Mechanically Attached
Sheets are fastened in the field; seams are hot-air welded.
Good for: Large, open roofs and efficient material usage. - Fully Adhered
Membrane is bonded to the substrate; seams are welded.
Good for: Complex layouts and a smooth finished appearance. - Ballasted (select cases)
Loose-laid membrane restrained with approved ballast; seams are still welded at overlaps.
Good for: Structures that can handle additional weight and where adhesives are minimized.
Overlays: When conditions allow (verified by moisture scans and structural checks), we can consider overlaying to reduce tear-off and disruption. Otherwise, we plan a clean tear-off and rebuild.
Our Assessment & Build Process
- Condition Review – We document deck type, any wet insulation, drainage, and code/wind requirements.
- Scope & Options – We outline attachment method, membrane thickness, insulation strategy, edge details, and phasing.
- Substrate Preparation – Replace wet materials, improve slope to drains/scuppers, and add cover boards where beneficial.
- Membrane & Flashings – Lay sheets to minimize seam length; hot-air weld seams; detail penetrations and perimeters methodically.
- Quality Checks – Probe welds, confirm terminations, and photo-document critical details for close-out.
Membrane Thickness, Insulation & Cover Boards
- Membrane thickness: Common options include 50-mil and 60-mil, with thicker variants available for added durability.
- Insulation: Polyiso is typically used to achieve target R-values; EPS or XPS may be integrated based on performance and budget.
- Cover boards: HD polyiso or gypsum boards are often used to enhance puncture resistance and provide a stable surface for adherence.
Maintenance & Care
PVC responds well to a simple, consistent maintenance routine:
- Scheduled inspections (seasonal and after notable weather)
- Keep drains, gutters, and scuppers free of debris
- Check laps, welds, flashings, terminations, and protective walkway pads
- Address small issues early—localized re-welds, accessory swaps, and sealant touch-ups are typical tasks
We can align a maintenance plan to the roof’s access patterns and foot traffic.
PVC vs. TPO vs. EPDM (At a Glance)
| Consideration | PVC | TPO | EPDM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Material | Polyvinyl chloride | Thermoplastic polyolefin | Synthetic rubber |
| Typical Color | Mostly white (also gray/tan) | Mostly white (also gray/tan) | Black or white |
| Seams | Hot-air welded | Hot-air welded | Tape/adhesive |
| Grease/Chemical Tolerance | Often preferred near oils/grease | Good general resistance | Good general resistance |
| Notable Strength | Welded detailing + chemical tolerance | Cool-roof performance + welded seams | Flexibility + straightforward patching |
We help pick the right system based on climate, rooftop equipment, expected traffic, and exposure conditions.
Budget Drivers (What Commonly Affects Cost)
- Overlay vs. tear-off and any wet insulation replacement
- Attachment method (mechanically attached vs. fully adhered vs. ballasted)
- Membrane thickness and sheet layout
- Insulation type/R-value and any cover boards
- Perimeter/edge details, building height, and wind exposure
- Number of penetrations, curbs, skylights, and roof zones
- Site access, safety needs, and staging logistics
We provide clear, line-item scopes so trade-offs are easy to evaluate.
FAQs
Q: Why is PVC popular on facilities with kitchen exhausts or certain process vents?
A: PVC is often selected in areas where exposure to oils/greases or specific chemicals is a concern.
Q: Can PVC be installed over our existing roof?
A: Potentially. We confirm moisture levels, deck condition, attachment, and structure first; if conditions fit, an overlay may be considered to reduce disruption.
Q: How are seams joined?
A: With hot-air welding, creating uniform, consistent laps when installed and checked properly.
Q: Is PVC compatible with solar arrays?
A: Yes. We coordinate slip-sheets, layout, ballast or attachments, and protection details with the solar provider.
How We Work at Aaron Blake Commercial Roofing
- Assessment-led design: We align membrane, attachment, and insulation to the building and climate.
- Disciplined execution: Consistent welding, tidy detailing, organized safety, and site housekeeping.
- Straightforward documentation: Photos, details, and a post-project care plan so facilities teams know what to monitor.
Next Steps
If PVC sounds like the right fit, we can perform a roof review, document current conditions, and provide a PVC proposal alongside strong alternatives. You’ll get a clear scope and schedule tailored to your facility.
Contact Aaron Blake Commercial Roofing
Let’s assess your roof and build a plan that matches your building, timeline, and budget.
