PVC roofing: The smart choice for flat roof renovation

What is PVC roofing?

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) roofing consists of a flexible plastic membrane designed specifically for use on flat and gently sloped roofs. Modern PVC membranes are reinforced with polyester or fiberglass, which provides additional strength and dimensional stability.

This roofing is distinguished by:

• Superior waterproofing: The material forms a seamless whole after professional installation.
• Excellent UV resistance: Special additives protect against sunlight aging.
• High mechanical resistance: PVC is resistant to damage, puncture and weathering.
• Fire safety: Usually classification B-roof(t1), which guarantees a high degree of fire safety.

Why choose PVC for roof renovation?

Durability and longevity

A properly installed PVC roof has an average lifespan of 20-30 years, making it a wise long-term investment. Modern PVC roofing is additionally resistant to:

• Temperature fluctuations (-20°C to +80°C)
• Hail and wind load
• Chemical pollution and acid rain
• Microbial infestation

Ease of installation and flexibility

PVC offers several advantages during the renovation process:

1. Lightweight material: Minimal additional load on the existing roof structure.
2. Different installation techniques: mechanical fastening, gluing or loose placement with ballast.
3. Applicable over existing roofing: In many cases, it can be applied over old bitumen or EPDM.
4. Formable properties: Perfect for roofs with complex details such as upstands, eaves and penetrations.

Environmental aspects

The environmental impact of PVC roofing has improved significantly in recent decades:

• PVC is 100% recyclable at end of life
• More and more manufacturers are offering recycling programs
• Modern PVC contains fewer harmful plasticizers than in the past
• Reflective PVC variants contribute to energy savings

PVC vs. other roofing materials

How does PVC compare to alternatives? Here's a comparison with other popular options:

Acquisition cost:
- PVC: Medium High
- EPDM: Medium High
- Bitumen: Low
- TPO: High

Lifetime:
- PVC: 20-30 years
- EPDM: 40-50 years
- Bitumen: 15-20 years
- TPO: 20-25 years

Welded joints:
- PVC: Very strong
- EPDM: Mostly bonded
- Bitumen: Thermally welded
- TPO: Thermally welded

Environmental Impact:
- PVC: Medium
- EPDM: Low
- Bitumen: High
- TPO: Low

Reflectance Value:
- PVC (white): Good
- EPDM: Moderate
- Bitumen: Moderate
- TPO: Excellent

Cost and efficiency of PVC roof renovation

The total price of a PVC roof renovation is determined by several factors:

• Roof area: Larger projects often have a lower price per square meter.
• Complexity: Roofs with many details, penetrations or irregular shapes require more material and labor.
• Preliminary work: Removal of old roofing or substrate repair.
• Insulation value: Combination with new insulation increases initial cost but reduces energy costs.
• Accessibility: Roof accessibility affects labor costs.

Although the initial cost may be higher than bitumen, for example, this is often offset by:

• Reduced maintenance costs over the lifetime
• Energy savings from better insulation options
• Less frequent roofing replacement
• Possible subsidies for energy-saving measures