HEAT WELDED SEAMS MAKE PVC ONE OF THE MOST WATERTIGHT SINGLE PLY OPTIONS
PVC is a thermoplastic, single ply roofing material used quite often today. It is much softer and more flexible than the hard PVC pipes you may be thinking of, because it has had plasticizers added to its formula.
Better Adhered Seams are the Key
Most single ply roofing systems are taped or glued at the seams, which leave them vulnerable to splitting later in the life of the roof. The seams are often the biggest weakness of a single ply roof. However, the seams on PVC roofs are heat welded. Thanks to the thermoplastic nature of the material, when the system has heat applied it becomes more soft and pliable, or more plastic. So, as heat is added to the seams of PVC materials, they become one, rather than being two rolls taped together.
Compatibility Issues
One thing to keep in mind when considering PVC as a roofing material for your building is that PVC is completely incompatible with any asphalt-based product. If during installation, you realize your material may come in contact with any asphaltic products, you must also install separator sheets.
PVC Material Enhancements
Some manufacturers will prefabricate PVC for specific buildings’ roofing needs, and this helps to further eliminate the problem of seams on the roof as most seams no longer exist.
PVC systems are often made stronger through reinforcement at the factory. While many systems can be reinforced when installed, through scrim, mat, mesh, etc., PVC materials are often already reinforced when the user takes it out of the box. This provides peace of mind to the installer that the material is strong, durable, and capable of covering their roof adequately.
Conclusion
PVC is a product that has been precisely engineered and tinkered with over the years. As such, we now see a product that is capable of facing many different issues on a roof and making them non-issues. If you’d like to learn more about PVC or any other roofing material, give us a call.