Membrane Roofing Material: A Guide to Its Pros and Lifespan

Membrane roofing material is a popular choice for buildings due to its durability and low maintenance requirements. It can last for up to 50 years or more with proper care.

One of the main advantages of membrane roofing is its ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. It can handle heavy rainfall, strong winds, and extreme temperatures without sustaining significant damage.

The lifespan of a membrane roof depends on various factors, including the type of material used, installation quality, and environmental conditions. A well-maintained EPDM membrane roof can last for around 40-50 years.

Membrane roofing is a type of roofing system that uses a single-ply membrane to cover the roof. This membrane is made of a flexible material, such as PVC, that is bonded to a polyester reinforcement scrim layer.

The PVC membrane roof is often white or light-colored to deflect intense UV rays and improve energy efficiency. This is especially important in regions with high sun exposure, as it can help reduce energy losses and keep utility costs low.

A PVC roof installation begins by laying down a layer of insulation board over the roof deck. This essential element minimizes energy losses and helps keep utility costs low.

There are three basic ways a PVC membrane roofing installation can be accomplished. These involve fully-adhered materials, mechanically fastened, or an induction welded PVC roof.

Here are the three methods in more detail:

In all three processes, the seams of PVC membrane roofing sheets are welded together to form a cohesive barrier against the elements.

A PVC roofing system is one of the least labor-intensive options available, reducing the cost to property owners.

PVC roofs are also incredibly durable, with most lasting for more than two decades.

The minimum breaking strength of PVC is 200 pounds per inch, but many available membranes have a much higher strength.

This durability means your roofing material will be able to withstand harsh winds and other extreme weather conditions.

PVC membranes are also resistant to chemicals, grease, and oils, making them a great choice for buildings that will have lots of exposure to chemicals.

Resistant to a wide range of solutions and chemicals, PVC-KEE is a popular option for hotels and restaurants.

PVC roofing can help keep your building comfortable and keep cooling costs down in the summer by reflecting harsh UV rays and minimizing the need for air conditioning.

White and light-colored PVC membranes have high solar reflectivity, which helps reduce energy costs and puts less strain on your cooling system.

Properly maintained PVC roofs can last 30 years or longer, providing long-term benefits for property owners and stakeholders.

The lifespan of a PVC roofing membrane is a significant factor to consider when deciding on a membrane roofing material. A typical PVC roof can last anywhere from 20 to 30 years.

One thing to keep in mind is that PVC membranes have a longer lifespan than TPO membranes, which typically last 15 to 20 years. They also have a similar lifespan to EPDM membranes, which can last 20 to 30+ years.

In terms of extending the lifespan of a PVC roof, proper maintenance is key. Regular inspections can help catch problems early on, preventing costly repairs down the line.

Some factors that can impact the longevity of a PVC roof include installation quality, climate, type of roofing system, proper maintenance, and roof penetration.

Here are some key factors to consider when extending the lifespan of your PVC roof:

Installing a PVC roof can be a breeze, thanks to its large, lightweight sheets that make it easy for professionals to move and install them quickly.

The cost of a PVC roof is indeed higher upfront compared to other options like TPO and EPDM roofs. Between TPO and PVC, PVC is the most expensive option.

However, consider the total cost over the lifespan of the roofing material, as PVC roofs tend to last longer than TPO roofs. This means that while the initial cost might be more, it could pay off in the long run.

Installing a PVC roof is a relatively quick process. The material comes in large, lightweight sheets that can be easily moved around by roofing professionals.

These sheets are often installed in a matter of days, depending on the size of the roof. The total cost of the project is ultimately lower due to the speed of installation.

PVC roof installation is a straightforward process. A video is available to learn more about the installation process.

The ease of installation is one of the key benefits of PVC roofs. It's a major factor in the overall cost of the project, which is lower than it could be with other materials.

PVC and TPO roofs tend to be more expensive than EPDM roofs.

Both TPO and PVC roofs are pricey options, with PVC being the most expensive of the two.

The lifespan of PVC roofs is typically longer than that of a TPO roof, so consider the total cost over the lifespan of the roofing material.

It's difficult to pinpoint a precise price for a flat roof replacement due to the many factors that impact the cost.

While PVC might be more expensive upfront, its longer lifespan could make it a cost-effective option in the long run.

Whether it's flat or curved, you can fit a SE membrane manufactured by Protan anywhere. Protan EX membrane can be fitted mechanically or laid on a vacuum roof system with ease.

You can choose from a variety of substrates for the Protan EX membrane. The softened PVC membrane adapts to climates with ease.

The Protan EX-A membrane is used for adhered roof systems and has fleece laminated on the reverse side. It's a great option for insulating roof floors with polyester reinforcement.

The Protan enterprise SE Titanium+ is a PVC membrane with polyester enhancement that keeps plants safe. The roofing made by Protan is fire-resistant and safe.

You can make green roofs and car parks with the Protan GG membrane. It's root-resistant and has high load and pressure-bearing capacity.

Protan BP and BPX are thermoplastic roofing membranes with extra high strength and quality. Protan BPX has polyester felt attached to the bottom side.

If you need a waterproofing membrane for a green roofing system, consider the Protan BP Green membrane. It's a thermoplastic polyester-reinforced roofing membrane with extra high strength and quality.

The Protan HydraPlan membrane is a homogenous, flexible waterproofing membrane made of plasticised PVC. It's designed for functionality and versatility.

The Protan GT membrane is 2.4 mm thick and specially designed for visible terraces and balconies. It's strong and durable for pedestrian traffic.

For terraces with high pedestrian traffic, the Protan T membrane is a great option. It's specially made for laying such roofs with aesthetics.

A well-designed parapet system is essential for a weather-tight and robust roof. Protan's parapet system guarantees an elegant solution for one of the roof's most challenging elements.

When it comes to sealing penetrations and terminations, it's essential to ensure a 100% seal. Protan Radon Safe membrane protects buildings from radon from the ground.

The Protan FPO/TPO membrane is a flexible roofing membrane based on polyolefins and reinforced with a polyester fabric.

Membrane roofing materials are a popular choice for both commercial and residential buildings due to their durability and sustainability.

There are several types of membrane roofing materials, but I'll focus on the most common ones. Thermoplastic membrane roofing is a family of single-ply roofing membranes that are heat or chemical welded to create a single ply.

TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin) membranes are a common type of thermoplastic roof membrane, produced by calendering with lamination, extrusion with lamination, or extrusion-coating techniques. They're made from a blend of polypropylene and ethylene propylene polymers and are usually reinforced with polyester.

Here are some key characteristics of TPO membranes:

TPO membranes are a popular choice for flat and low-sloped roofs due to their ease of installation and durability.

PVC roofing membranes are a single-ply solution that can be used for both commercial structures and residential homes with low slopes.

They're made from two layers of PVC with polyester material in between for additional reinforcement.

Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, is the third most widely produced synthetic polymer of plastic in the world, with around 40 million tons produced every year.

This makes PVC a versatile material used in countless applications, including roofing membranes.

PVC membranes are chemically treated to be resistant to bacteria, heat, fats, and oil, as well as UV stable.

They're an excellent choice for low-slope applications and flat roofs, which is why they're more common on commercial or industrial buildings.

However, in residential usage, PVC membranes can only be used for structures or areas with a low slope, such as covered patios or garages.

PVC can also be a good choice for buildings that will have lots of exposure to chemicals, as it's resistant to chemicals, grease, and oils.

In fact, PVC-KEE is a type of single-ply membrane that's considered to be the thermoplastic membrane with the best chemical resistance.

PVC roofing membranes have been popular in low-slope and flat roof installations since the 1960s.

The rise of PVC roofing systems was driven by cost-effective installation, reduced weight on structural elements, and the ability to withstand inclement weather. These are commonly employed types.

PVC roofing membranes are a sustainable alternative for both new construction and rehabilitation.

TPO roofing is another type of single-layer roofing material commonly used for flat and low-sloped roofs in commercial and residential buildings.

Bitumen roofing refers to a type of roofing material that is made from asphalt or coal tar pitch.

Here are some common types of roofing materials:

PVC is the third most widely produced synthetic polymer of plastic in the entire world, with roughly forty million tons produced every year.

PVC roofing membranes are a single-ply solution that can be used for both commercial structures and residential homes, although they are more common in commercial or industrial buildings.

Fleece Backed PVC Roof Membranes are a great option for low-slope or flat roofs as they provide additional support.

They're also easier to install because they can be rolled out directly on the roof, reducing labor costs.

This type of PVC roofing product can be secured by adhesives or fasteners, giving building owners flexibility.

Buildings in areas prone to high winds often prefer adhesive PVC roofing installations for their resistance to severe weather storms.

Standard and KEE products can also be selected with a fleece backing for added support.

When it comes to PVC roofing, the right manufacturer can make all the difference. RestoreMasters installs only the best PVC roofing systems from the nation's top manufacturers.

We work regularly with several top manufacturers, including Owens Corning, GAF, and TAMKO. These companies are known for producing high-quality PVC roofing products.

Other notable PVC manufacturers include IKO, Certainteed, and Firestone. These brands offer a range of PVC roofing options to suit different needs and budgets.

RestoreMasters also works with Malarkey, Johns Manville, and Atlas, among others. These manufacturers provide a variety of PVC roofing products that are both durable and affordable.

If you need a specific type of PVC roofing product, just ask. RestoreMasters can provide PVC roofing systems from several other PVC manufacturers, including Polyglass and Soprema.