You might be considering a new roof for your commercial building and wondering if PVC is the right material to use. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) has become a popular roofing membrane for commercial buildings over the past couple of decades, offering both advantages and disadvantages compared to other common roofing materials. Here are some of the pros and cons of PVC roofing. Let's take a look for more information!

Long Lifespan

One of the main appeals of PVC roofing is its potential for longevity. According to Roof Online, under the right conditions, PVC membrane roofing can last 40 years. Unlike smooth surfaces like metal roofing, PVC's heat-welded seams allow the material to expand and contract without splitting at the seams. When properly installed by an experienced commercial roofing company, a PVC roof should last decades.

Less Weight

PVC is also lighter than most other commercial roofing materials. This lighter load reduces strain on your building's structural support over time. It also makes a PVC roof easier to install and less likely to incur damage from workers traversing the roof for maintenance and repairs. The lighter weight means lower long-term costs.

Higher Upfront Cost

You should also prepare for a higher upfront investment if you opt for a PVC roof. PVC is on the pricier end of the spectrum compared to asphalt. However, PVC supporters argue that the material's longevity offsets those initial costs over the lifetime of the roof. Thinking long-term, PVC can ultimately be very cost-efficient. Although you may spend more from the start, you'll end up thanking yourself in the long run.

More Involved Repairs

One other potential issue to note with PVC roof systems is that they can be more difficult to properly patch and repair compared to other roof types. PVC roof membranes are designed to be installed as a single, seamless system. Any punctures or tears require expert patching, often with hot air welding equipment to ensure a tight seal. When in doubt, contact your local roofing company for more information.

As you can see, PVC offers some great benefits. By understanding both angles, you can make an informed decision about whether commercial PVC roofing is the right choice when it's time to re-roof your property. If you're looking to re-roof your roof, reach out to our roofing company today at Carolina Restoration Pro.