Pvc Roofing Failures

It is a white reinforced membrane with welded seams and flashings.

Pvc roofing failures.

One frequent trouble spot is moisture getting below the roofing membrane. Punctures can also occur because of debris left blown or tossed on the roof. 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.

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. Pvc on the upper end of the price spectrum there is pvc roofing. Pvc can last well over 30 years. 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.

It is very easy to repair by welding a patch or re welding seam voids. Because of their inherent strength as well as heat welded seams pvc roofs have superior wind uplift resistance. So if any liquids are used within the building they will cause condensation between the roof steel and thermo plastic membrane and its insulation. Hvac technicians window washers painters maintenance staff smokers and tenants.

All roof products deteriorate over time and pvc has a tendency to shrink pulling the seams lifting corners and potentially causing leaks. The epdm tpo pvc roof system would have a heat welded seam. Pvc roofing membranes continue to be the leading product in both commercial and residential flat roofing market. All roofing areas flashings penetrations and equipment shall be included in the work under this section.

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. Part 1 general 1 1 summary. Section 07 54 19 single ply pvc reroofing. Every ten thousand feet of roof would have approximately 15 000 lineal feet of potential seam failure.

Pvc roofing membranes have passed fm and ul fire testing and have an unlimited slope approval. Older pvc roofs in cold weather are prone to shattering. The membrane is reinforced which ensures dimensional stability and prevents shrinking or cracking with. Pvc s are documented to last longer than tpo membranes who are still experiencing premature failures.