Because a flat or low-slope roof faces multiple elements including rain, sunlight, wind, drainage, foot traffic, and rooftop equipment without breaking down, picking the right PVC roofing contractor is important. PVC roofing is a system that needs a lot of care to properly install in order to achieve its long term performance.
What Does a PVC Roofing Contractor Do?
A PVC roofing contractor installs, repairs, and maintains roofing systems using polyvinyl chloride membrane. PVC roofing is most commonly found on commercial buildings, warehouse, restaurants, and multifamily properties as well as other low-slope residential properties.
PVC roofing comes in large sheets, which are installed on a flat or low slope roof (click to find out more) and the seams are heat-welded together. The seams create a watertight seal across the roof. The PVC roofing contractor also installs, or may work in conjunction with a roofing contractor, with insulation, flashing, drains, roof edges, vents, and penetrations. Because many leaks occur around transitions and not the roof surface, these other details matter.
PVC roofing membrane seams on a low slope commercial roof
A PVC roofing contractor should know how each part of the system is important. A quality installation is not just laying the PVC sheet down; a quality contractor will know the best way to prepare the roof surface, install the material, and install a waterproofing layer where it is most important.
Why is PVC Roofing Popular?
PVC roofing is a popular type of flat roofing (there is a helpful breakdown at nrca.net/roofing-systems) because of its durability, flexibility, and moisture and chemical resistance properties. PVC roofing can be useful on buildings or commercial properties that may also be prone to grease, oils, chemicals, or standing water on the roof surface.
Some other benefits include:
- Heat welded seams that provide leak resistance
- Flat and low slope roof systems that provide excellent performance
- Resistance to many chemicals and contaminations
- Roofing material that is a reflective surface and may prevent heat absorption
- Can last many years, if properly maintained
A PVC roofing contractor can tell you if a flat and low-slope PVC roof is suitable for your property. The ideal solution will be based on the roofing slope and drainage, type of roofing systems you are currently using, climate, and what activities are taking place on the roof.
Signs You May Need a PVC Roofing Contractor
Roof damage and problems are not always visible from the ground. It is possible that a leak can develop slowly on a roof before appearing on your ceilings or inside of your building, especially on a flat roof.
You might benefit from a commercial roof inspection service if there is ponding or standing water, loose seams, membrane bubbles, cracked flashing, water staining, or soft areas on the roof surface. Other indicators that you may have a problem with your low slope roofing system include water dripping, lifting or curling of the roof membrane edges, leaking, or water infiltration around drains and roof top equipment.
When you call a commercial roofing contractor at the first sign of damage, you may avoid a major roof leak. A roofing contractor can do an annual inspection or a pre-seasonal inspection to ensure the roof system is not in need of maintenance or a roofing repair.
Selecting a PVC Roofing Contractor
There is more than one consideration when deciding which commercial roofing company to hire for a PVC roof installation. Because the membrane system needs attention to detail, it is important to look at the type of contractors and the work they have done in the past.
Ask questions before hiring a PVC roofing contractor:
- How many PVC flat roof installations have you done in the past?
- How is heat welded seam installation handled?
- Do you use any moisture detection equipment?
- What materials are being installed and how?
- What is the scope of the work?
- Is there a warranty?
The roofing contractor should inspect your flat roof before making a recommendation for the roofing repair or replacement. Avoid contractors who are giving an estimate without inspecting the underlying condition of the roof or without understanding what is going on.
Roof Repair or Replacement?
Not every problem needs a full roofing system replacement. If the membrane has only localized damage, a PVC roofing contractor may choose to repair seams, punctures, or flashings instead. These repairs may extend the life of the roof if the membrane is relatively healthy or if the insulation and roof deck are intact.
PVC roof repair around seams and flashing details
Before Signing the Roof Contract
Installing a commercial roof is a major project. With the right PVC roofing company, you will get a commercial roof system that will last many years. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Take your time to understand the scope of the work. Make sure that your commercial roofing contractor knows your roofing system and how it should be installed. When you work with the right PVC roofing contractor, you will have a roof that will perform.