What is PVC roofing?
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a single-ply membrane installed much like TPO: rolled over insulation, heat-welded at the seams into one continuous sheet, with a bright reflective surface. The difference is chemistry. PVC stands up to animal fats, cooking oils and many industrial chemicals that soften and break down other membranes.
How much does PVC cost?
PVC prices at the upper end of the $9 to $20 per square foot range for a tear-off and new system — a premium over TPO. On a roof with grease exhaust, that premium buys years of life the cheaper membrane would not deliver.
PVC vs. TPO
| PVC | TPO | |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost / sq ft | See costs | See costs |
| Service life | 25 – 35 yrs | 20 – 30 yrs |
| Grease & chemicals | Excellent | Moderate |
| Fire performance | Inherently fire-resistant | Relies on additives |
| Seams | Heat-welded | Heat-welded |
| Best for | Restaurants, food plants, chemical exhaust | Most other low-slope roofs |
If nothing on your roof vents grease or chemicals, TPO is usually the better value. If something does, PVC is the right answer.
Who uses PVC
- Restaurants and strip centers with kitchen exhaust
- Food processing, bakeries and commercial kitchens
- Manufacturing and plants with chemical or solvent exhaust
- Airport and hospital roofs where fire performance matters
- Owners who want the longest single-ply service life
Frequently asked questions
Why does grease matter to a roof?
Animal fats and cooking oils soften many roofing membranes, causing them to swell, crack and fail around the exhaust fan — often years ahead of the rest of the roof. PVC resists that; grease traps and containment still help.
How long does PVC last?
25 to 35 years with maintenance, making it the longest-lived of the common single-ply membranes.
Can PVC be repaired?
Yes. Like TPO, PVC is repaired by heat-welding a matching patch, which becomes part of the membrane. See commercial roof repair.
PVC roofing in: Kansas City · Topeka & NE Kansas · Metro Atlanta
