Roofers laying out Siplast PVC roofing membrane
Education

What is PVC Roofing?

Powerful PVC membrane options for roofing systems
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Introduction to PVC Roofing

What is a PVC roofing membrane?

A PVC roofing membrane is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and is used to provide waterproofing protection. It is a high-performance single-ply option that’s been used in roofing systems since the 1960s. PVC is a thermoplastic material that offers durability, flexibility, reflectivity, and and can help provide protection against oil, grease, and many other chemicals1. In Class A E108 testing, specific Parasolo PVC and KEE roofing assemblies have demonstrated the capability to extinguish even when the flame source remains applied to the assembly.

ASTM thickness chart

True Thickness options

ASTM standards for thermoplastic membranes allow for significant thickness variation, up to 10%. This means that a 60-mil product can have an actual thickness of 54 mils. Siplast offers True Thickness options for both Parasolo PVC and KEE sheets which must be special ordered. For example, a Siplast True Thickness variant of 60-mil sheet will have an average thickness of 62 mils. For more information or to order a Siplast True Thickness membrane, contact your Siplast representative.

PVC KEE Membranes

PVC KEE roofing membranes combine polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with ketone ethylene ester (KEE), a solid plasticizer, to create a durable, long-lasting roof membrane that provides protection against exposure to chemicals1. Commonly used in commercial roofing applications, PVC KEE is a highly-flexible, high-molecular weight polymer that offers thermoplastic membrane protection with the combination of PVC and KEE plasticizers.

Different types of single-ply membranes

Siplast Parasolo Roof Systems are best-in-class single-ply solutions. Available in TPO, PVC, and KEE technologies, Parasolo's high-performance single-ply option is well-suited for warehouses, office space, retail facilities, and low-traffic roofs.

Enhancing the performance of PVC Roofing

Essential accessories for PVC roofing

Siplast offers a variety of roofing accessories engineered to work with our Parasolo PVC membranes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a PVC roof the same as a TPO?

No, they are not the same. PVC and TPO are both thermoplastic single-ply roof membranes that offer similar benefits such as reflectivity, easy installation, and durability, but they each have different material compositions. TPO is made of ethylene propylene rubber and polypropylene, while PVC is composed of ethylene and chlorine. As different chemistries are used to create PVC and TPO membranes, they differ in flexibility and other properties.

 

Can you walk on PVC roofing?

Yes, PVC roofing is able to withstand moderate foot traffic5. However, heavy pedestrian traffic may reduce the service life of a PVC roof. Siplast Parasolo PVC Walkways can be installed in areas of the roof where high pedestrian traffic is anticipated, as a protective course applied over the PVC membrane.