PVC roofing
PVC roofing for restaurants and commercial buildings
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PVC looks like TPO and welds like TPO, but it is a different material with one big advantage: it stands up to grease, oils and many chemicals. If your building has a kitchen exhaust fan on the roof, PVC is usually the right call.
What it is
What is a PVC roof?
PVC is a reinforced single-ply membrane made from polyvinyl chloride. It has been used on roofs for more than half a century. Like TPO, the seams are fused with hot air, so the finished roof is one continuous sheet.
Standard PVC comes in 50, 60 and 80 mil thicknesses. Some manufacturers also offer KEE-modified PVC, which adds a solid plasticizer for longer-term flexibility.
We install PVC from the major commercial manufacturers, including Carlisle, GAF, Mule-Hide and Versico. Your proposal names the product, thickness and warranty.
PVC or TPO
PVC vs. TPO: which one do you need?
| PVC | TPO | |
|---|---|---|
| Seams | Heat-welded | Heat-welded |
| Grease and oil | Resists animal fats, oils and many chemicals | Can soften and break down with long exposure |
| Color | Usually white or light gray | Usually white |
| Cost | Typically higher | Typically lower |
| Good fit | Restaurants, supermarkets, food processing, some industrial uses | Retail, office, warehouse and most general buildings |
PVC and TPO cannot be welded to each other. Repairs and additions must use the same material as the existing roof.
Questions
PVC roofing questions
How long does a PVC roof last?
Well-installed PVC roofs commonly last 20 to 30 years. Thickness, drainage and maintenance all play a part.
Is PVC worth the extra cost over TPO?
On a restaurant or any roof that sees grease, oils or chemical exhaust, yes. On a typical office or retail roof, TPO usually gives better value.
Can PVC be installed over an existing roof?
Often, with a separator layer. PVC should not sit directly on asphalt-based roofing or on some insulation types, because they draw the plasticizer out of the sheet. We design the assembly to keep them apart.
Do you repair PVC roofs?
Yes. We clean and prepare the aged sheet, weld on PVC patches and replace failed flashing. See commercial roof repair.
Related services
Roof over a kitchen?
Let us look at it before grease finds the weak spot.