Is PVC Roofing Any Good?

In this post, we’ll address all of your questions regarding PVC roofing with nine fast facts.

PVC is a long-lasting plastic that works well as a roofing material. Rain, snow, UV rays, fire, and water won’t harm this durable plastic, and it won’t fade in the sun.

Then, let’s take a closer look at PVC roofing, including how much it costs, how it’s installed, and many other topics.

What is PVC Roofing?

When it comes to roofing, PVC (or polyvinyl chloride, if you prefer the more formal word) is an ideal choice because of its durability. The UV, fire, and water-resistant plastic won’t fade in the sun, making it ideal for outdoor use.

Flat or slightly sloping roofs on commercial buildings are common places to find single-ply roofs.

A weld is used to seal the seams, allowing for expansion and contraction, while also making it extremely water-tight. When it rains heavily, water pools on it, yet it still thrives.

Easy to set up is also a major factor in its popularity. Off-site production of the lightweight plastic allows it to be easily affixed to the existing structure.

Because PVC is chemical and heat resistant, it is commonly utilized in industrial structures.

Is it environmentally friendly? Energy Star and Cool Roof certifications, as well as a lower oil and petroleum content, make PVC a better choice than other strong plastics.

After a long service life, it may be recycled and helps keep the structure at a comfortable temperature.

Corrugated sheet metal is the most prevalent type seen in our gardens, where it’s utilized to construct garden structures like sheds and porches. It may also be used for conservatory and sunroom additions, such as roofing.

As a commercial building material, it’s a fantastic choice for a home because of the same reasons.

How Long Do PVC Roof Panels Last?

If everything goes according to plan, a PVC roof should last between 20 and 30 years. Its longevity can be attributed to a number of factors.

Despite the fact that PVC is extremely durable, it is also resistant to heat and chemicals, and won’t even pick up a mold spot in moist circumstances.

Astonishingly robust for a plastic, PVC. Roofing membranes are required to have a weight capacity of 200 pounds per square inch by the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM). PVC has a weight capacity of 350 pounds.

It’s also less complicated to fix than other types of plastic roofs. As opposed to taped or glued seams, these welded seams will last far longer and require less care.

How Much Does PVC Roofing Cost?

For PVC roofing, the usual price range is between $4 and $12 per square foot, which is an enormous difference. A beginning price of $7.50 per square foot has been cited by a number of sites.

PVC, as previously noted, is extremely durable, may endure for up to 30 years, and will not fade or mold over time. The more expensive roofing material may be worth the investment since you know it will last.

What is better, TPO or PVC?

An ethylene-propylene rubber TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) roofing membrane is manufactured. In many aspects, it’s comparable to PVC, although it’s less expensive. If the building shifts even a little, the material will not tear. There are no seams, and it has excellent temperature regulation.

In addition to being environmentally friendly, it can be recycled, much like PVC. For both energy savings and liveable comfort, TPO is an excellent choice for a cool roof. Chlorine is not used in the production of this product.

Everything appears to be going according to plan at this point. So, what’s the biggest drawback of TPO? On the other hand, we have no idea how long this new roof on the block will last. PVC is more expensive, but we’re willing to spend extra for the assurance that it will last.

When you know that the roof will still be in good shape in 20 years, facing the up-front expense is a lot less daunting.

TPO manufacturers are always tweaking their formulations in an effort to find the greatest balance between cost and lifespan. To put it another way, not all TPO roofs are created equal when it comes to energy efficiency.

Keep this in mind as well: The American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) is constantly updating its standards for TPO in light of this.

In the event that you don’t want to take a chance, PVC is a well-known and established product. However, it is not permitted to be put near asphalt-based materials.

If this is the case with your project, either go through the bother of installing a separator sheet or just consider utilizing TPO instead.

How Do You Install PVC Corrugated Roofing Sheets?

A wide variety of PVC roofs may be found, from large commercial buildings to little backyard shelters.

Installing a modest corrugated roof over your porch is made simple in the video below, courtesy of Mitre 10 in New Zealand. The best way to learn how it’s done is to watch the installation video, however, we’ve summarized the most important steps for you here:

• Allow for an overhang when calculating the roof area.
• On your first PVC sheet, take these dimensions.
• The sheet should be trimmed to the proper dimensions (see below for how to cut PVC roof panels).
• An apron flashing is installed against the weatherboard of the house wall to establish a weathertight seal. Using a bar, pry apart the boards, then pull the apron in toward you to conceal the space you just created. You may fasten this as you go along with the rough edge of the PVC panels.
• For every third corrugation, fasten the first PVC sheet to the roof beams using screws.
• Repeat for each PVC panel. The panels should only be overlaid by one corrugation. Keep nailing the weatherboard in place as you go.

If you don’t live in America, you can disregard this video’s recommendations concerning planning regulations. If you’re planning to build anything in your yard, it’s usually a good idea to check with your local authorities beforehand.

How Do You Cut PVC Roof Panels?

Getting the appropriate size corrugated PVC roof panels is a piece of cake. You’ll need a circular saw, a carbide blade, and a mechanism to keep the panel in place while you cut. Keep your eyes protected with goggles when working with hazardous materials.

• Place the PVC roofing piece on a level surface and mark the location where you wish to cut it with a pencil.
• The PVC should be positioned over the edge of the surface (the marked line should be around an inch from the edge). In order to alleviate the weight of the burden, enlist the aid of a second party (and give them a pair of safety goggles, too).
• Use a full cutting depth setting on your circular saw blade. Saw down the specified line while holding the blade guard open with one hand.
• The guard may be released after the saw is far enough along the sheet to let it rest on top of it. While cutting, keep the sheet flat against the flat surface to reduce vibrations.
• Don’t worry about the second person, just keep cutting all the way to the edge.

Can You Paint PVC Roofing Sheets?

Although it is possible to paint PVC roofing sheets, doing so requires special preparation and paints. Plastic-specific paints like Krylon Fusion or Rust-Oleum Plastic should be used. Spray paint is a good option for tiny areas since it leaves a smooth surface.

The PVC should be well cleaned before painting – you can even use acetone to make sure it’s particularly clean if you’re painting a smaller roof. When it’s 100 percent dry, add a layer of white PVC primer. The PVC may necessitate up to three coats of paint.

What’s the Difference Between Polycarbonate and PVC?

Roofing is a common application for polycarbonate, a thermoplastic polymer. It’s a popular roofing material since it’s both insulating and UV-resistant. Builders and do-it-yourselfers love it because it’s lightweight, quick to cut, and simple to put together. Polycarbonate roofing for conservatories and greenhouses is an alternative to glass.

Aside from the fact that it’s nearly difficult to break, polycarbonate is even more durable than PVC. As a result, the price is higher. Another benefit of PVC over polycarbonate is that the former can scratch while the latter seldom does.

Where Can I Buy PVC Roofing Panels?

Home Depot and Lowe’s typically sell PVC roofing panels, which are easy to obtain. Even sheets are available for purchase on Amazon. They can also be obtained from local providers of roofing or construction materials.

Of course, you have the option of hiring a professional to build your roof (a greenhouse roof is far easier to install than a conservatory roof). If this is the case, they will be able to give you the panels.

Summary

PVC is an excellent roofing material for your house and garden since it is durable, long-lasting, affordable, and adaptable.

It’s impervious to the sun’s UV rays, rain, snow, and wind, and it’ll last you for decades.

It’s also possible to install it yourself, and with guttering and downpipes all around, it may appear really professional.

‘What’s not to enjoy about PVC?’ should be the final inquiry.