Pvc Roofing Failures

Pvc roofing membranes continue to be the leading product in both commercial and residential flat roofing market.

Pvc roofing failures.

Because of their inherent strength as well as heat welded seams pvc roofs have superior wind uplift resistance. All roof products deteriorate over time and pvc has a tendency to shrink pulling the seams lifting corners and potentially causing leaks. So if any liquids are used within the building they will cause condensation between the roof steel and thermo plastic membrane and its insulation. Pvc roofing membranes maintain their flexibility because the formula contains plasticizers as well as salt derived from chlorine the disadvantage of this formula is that with time these plasticizers tend to break down weakening the membrane so that it requires maintenance and repair in order to remain in tact and resistant to leaks.

Many in service membranes have survived category 3 hurricanes. All roofing areas flashings penetrations and equipment shall be included in the work under this section. Pvc can last well over 30 years. Punctures can also occur because of debris left blown or tossed on the roof.

Part 1 general 1 1 summary. Pvc roofing membranes have passed fm and ul fire testing and have an unlimited slope approval. Hvac technicians window washers painters maintenance staff smokers and tenants. The most preventable failure symptom punctures usually occur because of carelessness on the part of people visiting the roof.

When that happens it can cause significant damage to roofing systems including debonding and curling of insulation and cover boards loss of thermal performance and compressive strength and deterioration of and mold growth on moisture sensitive and organic materials. It is a white reinforced membrane with welded seams and flashings. Every ten thousand feet of roof would have approximately 15 000 lineal feet of potential seam failure. Pvc s are documented to last longer than tpo membranes who are still experiencing premature failures.

One frequent trouble spot is moisture getting below the roofing membrane. To get a better sense of why pvc is a superior roofing system besting its competitors in quality durability and longevity it is important to know a brief history and evolution of pvc roofing membranes. The epdm tpo pvc roof system would have a heat welded seam. As noted in the chart below created from rs means data if you compare the life cycle costs of a sarnafil roof estimated to last 35 years versus a tpo roof lasting 20 years pvc is the less expensive choice.

The membrane is reinforced which ensures dimensional stability and prevents shrinking or cracking with. Thermoplastic membrane pvc roofing july 2017 07 54 19 1 thermal and moisture protection. Section 07 54 19 single ply pvc reroofing. A pvc roof is the best choice for low and.