For over 30 years, the team at Fitzgerald Roofing has educated homeowners on all the different types of roofing materials, even those used for certain situations. Because of this, we’ll help you decide if a PVC roofing membrane is the right choice for you.
What Is PVC Roofing?
PVC roofing has been around a long time in the roofing industry, but it’s mainly used on commercial projects. While it may be popular for commercial buildings, it does have its place in residential roofing.
The problem is most homeowners know nothing about a PVC roofing membrane. This is understandable because it’s only used on specific areas of a residential roof.
But 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 roofing material for you. Well, look no further because we’ve got you covered.
I start this article by diving right into what exactly a PVC roofing membrane is. After that, I’ll get into why you would need it, how long it’ll last, and finally how much it’ll cost you.
What is a PVC roofing membrane?
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a single-ply white membrane used in both commercial and residential roofing. Due to the membrane being white, it reflects heat instead of absorbing it.
PVC is a great option If you have a flat roof over a living space because it’ll keep the room below cooler. It’s also a great option over a non-living space like a garage or covered patio.
Just know the white membrane will get dirty over time. So, you need to decide if seeing a dirty PVC membrane from a window is a big deal.
It’ll have no functionality issues, but it’s just something to keep in mind when going through the decision-making process for your flat roofing material.
2 things to know about a PVC roofing membrane
- Why would you need a PVC roofing membrane in the first place?
The first thing you need to know about a PVC roofing membrane is why you would even use or need it. When a roof or a roof facet has a roof pitch (aka steepness) below a 2:12 (less than 2 vertical units up for every 12 horizontal units out), it’s considered low slope.
The problem is that water won’t run off as fast on a low slope or flat roof as it would on a higher pitch. Because of this, it needs a waterproof roofing material.
This rules out a lot of roofing materials, including asphalt shingles, because they’re not meant to handle sitting water. Even the shingle manufacturer’s installation instructions and building codes state that asphalt shingles specifically can’t be installed on a roof pitch below a 2:12.
For this reason, a PVC roofing membrane (or another flat roof system) has to be installed on low slope or flat roofs. - How long does a PVC roofing membrane last?
A roof’s lifespan is the return you get on your investment and helps you know when it’ll need to be replaced in the future. With that in mind, you can get around 25 years out of a PVC roofing membrane as long as it’s installed properly.
While it’s great to put a lifespan of 25 years on a PVC roofing membrane, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll actually reach its maximum life expectancy. How long a roof (PVC included) ultimately lasts depends on multiple factors.
Some of these factors include the weather, how much direct sunlight hits it, and the quality of installation. But as long as the PVC roofing membrane is installed correctly, it should get pretty close to its maximum lifespan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to repair a roof?
The cost of roof repairs varies based on factors like the extent of damage, roof type, and materials needed. Minor repairs can range from $150 to $400, while more extensive work may cost between $400 and $10,000 or more. For an accurate estimate, contact us for a personalised assessment.
What should I do if I have a roof leak?
If you notice a roof leak, act promptly. Begin by locating the source and containing the water using buckets or towels. Temporarily patch the leak if possible. Contact us immediately for a professional inspection and repair. Delaying repairs can lead to more extensive damage and higher costs.
What is the cheapest roof to install?
Asphalt roofing is probably your cheapest roofing solution. But every roofing project is different.
Contact Us
Email: info@fitzgeraldroofing.ie
Telephone: 085 224 3358
How much does it cost to repair a roof?
The cost of roof repairs varies based on factors like the extent of damage, roof type, and materials needed. Minor repairs can range from €140 to €370, while more extensive work may cost between €370 and €9,000 or more. For an accurate estimate, contact us for a personalised assessment.
What should I do if I have a roof leak?
If you notice a roof leak, act promptly. Begin by locating the source and containing the water using buckets or towels. Temporarily patch the leak if possible. Contact us immediately for a professional inspection and repair. Delaying repairs can lead to more extensive damage and higher costs.
What is the cheapest roof to install?
Asphalt roofing is probably your cheapest roofing solution. But every roofing project is different.