Commercial PVC Roofing Installation & Repair

What Is PVC Roofing?

Polyvinyl Chloride, commonly known as PVC, is a single-ply thermoplastic roofing membrane that has been protecting commercial and industrial buildings for over 50 years. PVC roofing membranes are composed of two layers of PVC material with a polyester reinforcement scrim in between, creating a dimensionally stable, highly durable sheet that is heat-welded at the seams to form a continuous, watertight barrier across the entire roof surface.

PVC was one of the first single-ply roofing materials introduced to the commercial market, and its long track record of proven performance has made it a preferred choice for buildings that demand superior chemical resistance, fire safety, and longevity. From restaurants and food processing facilities to hospitals and manufacturing plants, PVC roofing delivers reliable protection in environments where other membrane systems may fall short.

Benefits of PVC Roofing for Commercial Buildings

PVC roofing offers a unique combination of properties that make it an exceptional choice for a wide range of commercial applications. Understanding these benefits helps building owners and facility managers determine whether PVC is the right roofing solution for their property.

Superior Chemical Resistance

PVC roofing stands apart from other single-ply membranes in its ability to resist damage from chemicals, oils, grease, and animal fats. This chemical resistance is inherent to the PVC formulation and does not diminish over time. Buildings with rooftop kitchen exhaust systems, such as restaurants, cafeterias, and food processing plants, benefit greatly from PVC because grease-laden exhaust that settles on the roof surface will not degrade the membrane. Manufacturing facilities that release chemical vapors also find PVC to be the most reliable roofing option for maintaining membrane integrity in demanding environments.

Class A Fire Resistance

PVC roofing membranes are inherently fire resistant and achieve a Class A fire rating, the highest classification available for roofing materials. Unlike some roofing systems that require additional fire-retardant treatments, PVC's fire resistance is a built-in property of the material itself. PVC is self-extinguishing, meaning it will not continue to burn once the ignition source is removed. This makes PVC an excellent choice for buildings where fire safety is a primary concern, including hospitals, schools, data centers, and government facilities.

Heat-Welded Seam Strength

Like TPO roofing, PVC membranes are joined using hot-air welding equipment that fuses the membrane sheets together at the seams. The resulting weld creates a bond that is stronger than the membrane material itself, producing a monolithic, watertight surface across the entire roof. These welded seams are far more durable than adhesive-based or tape-based seaming methods and have been proven to maintain their integrity for decades. Windward Roofing tests every seam weld for proper adhesion before a project is completed.

Energy Efficiency

PVC roofing membranes are available in highly reflective white and light colors that meet ENERGY STAR requirements for cool roofing. The reflective surface deflects solar radiation and reduces heat absorption, lowering the building's cooling costs during warm months. PVC roofing contributes to LEED credits and helps commercial buildings meet energy code requirements and sustainability goals. Building owners can expect meaningful reductions in HVAC energy consumption compared to dark-surfaced roofing systems.

Long Lifespan and Durability

PVC roofing systems have one of the longest proven track records among single-ply membranes, with many installations lasting 20 to 30 years or more. PVC membranes resist degradation from ultraviolet radiation, wind uplift, punctures, and bacterial growth. The material remains flexible in cold temperatures and does not become brittle over time, making it well suited for the freeze-thaw cycles common across the Midwest. When properly installed and maintained, a PVC roof delivers decades of dependable, low-maintenance performance.

PVC vs. TPO Roofing: How They Compare

PVC and TPO are both thermoplastic single-ply roofing membranes with heat-welded seams, and both offer excellent energy efficiency. However, there are important differences that influence which system is the better fit for a given building.

PVC has a significantly longer performance history, with installations dating back to the 1960s in Europe and the 1970s in the United States. This extensive track record gives building owners and specifiers greater confidence in long-term performance. PVC's chemical resistance is also markedly superior to TPO, making PVC the clear choice for restaurants, food processing facilities, and any building with rooftop grease or chemical exhaust. Additionally, PVC achieves its Class A fire rating through inherent material properties rather than added fire retardants.

TPO is generally less expensive on a per-square-foot basis, making it an attractive option for projects where chemical exposure is not a concern and budget is a primary consideration. TPO also offers comparable UV resistance and cool roofing performance. Windward Roofing installs both PVC and TPO systems and provides honest, expert guidance to help building owners select the membrane that best matches their building's exposure conditions, performance requirements, and budget.

Our PVC Installation Process

Windward Roofing follows a rigorous installation process for every PVC roofing project, adhering to manufacturer specifications and industry best practices developed over more than four decades of commercial roofing experience.

Inspection and Assessment

Every PVC project begins with a comprehensive roof inspection. Our team evaluates the existing roof condition, structural capacity, insulation requirements, drainage patterns, and any rooftop equipment or penetrations. We identify potential issues such as wet insulation, deteriorated decking, or chemical exposure sources that must be addressed before the new PVC membrane is installed. This thorough assessment allows us to develop a detailed project plan and provide an accurate estimate.

Deck Preparation and Insulation

Proper substrate preparation is essential to the long-term performance of a PVC roofing system. We ensure the roof deck is clean, dry, smooth, and structurally sound. High-performance polyisocyanurate or expanded polystyrene insulation is installed to meet or exceed current energy code requirements. Tapered insulation systems are used where necessary to improve drainage and prevent ponding water, which can compromise any roofing system over time.

PVC Membrane Installation

The PVC membrane is rolled out and positioned according to the project layout plan. Depending on the building's structural requirements and wind uplift calculations, the membrane is either mechanically fastened to the deck using plates and fasteners or fully adhered with bonding adhesive. PVC can also be installed as a ballasted system on certain roof assemblies. Our crews select the attachment method that provides optimal performance for each building's specific conditions.

Seam Welding and Detailing

All PVC membrane seams are welded using automated hot-air welding machines that maintain precise temperature and speed control for consistent weld quality. Perimeter edges, penetrations, curbs, drains, scuppers, and other details are hand-welded using portable welding equipment. Prefabricated PVC accessories including pipe boots, inside and outside corners, and T-joint covers ensure clean, watertight detail work. Every weld is probed and inspected for proper fusion before the project is finalized.

Final Inspection and Warranty

Upon completion, Windward Roofing performs a comprehensive final inspection of the entire PVC roof system. We verify all seams, flashings, terminations, and details meet our quality standards and manufacturer specifications. We then assist building owners in securing manufacturer-backed warranties that provide long-term protection and peace of mind for their roofing investment.

PVC Roof Repair and Maintenance Services

Even the highest-quality PVC roof can sustain damage from severe weather events, foot traffic, or mechanical impacts. Windward Roofing provides responsive repair services for all types of PVC roofing issues, including membrane punctures, open seams, flashing failures, and storm damage. Because PVC is a thermoplastic material, damaged areas can be heat-welded with new PVC material to create permanent, factory-quality repairs that fully restore the membrane's watertight integrity.

We also offer proactive maintenance programs designed to maximize the service life of PVC roofing systems. Regular inspections catch minor issues before they develop into costly problems. Our maintenance services include debris removal, drain and scupper cleaning, sealant reapplication, and detailed documentation of roof conditions for warranty compliance and asset management purposes. A well-maintained PVC roof can significantly exceed its expected service life.

Why Choose Windward Roofing for PVC Installation?

Windward Roofing and Construction has been a trusted name in commercial roofing since 1984. Our PVC roofing division is staffed by factory-trained, manufacturer-certified installers who work exclusively with premium materials from leading producers including Carlisle, Duro-Last, IB Roof Systems, Versico, and GAF. We maintain active certifications with these manufacturers, enabling us to offer comprehensive warranty programs that protect your investment for decades.

Our four decades of experience across Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, and Florida have given us deep expertise in addressing the unique challenges of Midwest and coastal climates. From extreme freeze-thaw cycles in Chicago to hurricane-rated systems in Florida, Windward has the knowledge and resources to deliver a PVC roofing system engineered for your specific environment and performance requirements.

We own and operate our own fleet of equipment, employ full-time quality control managers, and never subcontract our roofing work. When you choose Windward, you get a single point of accountability from the initial estimate through final warranty documentation. Contact us today at (844) 880-8844 to schedule a consultation and discover why thousands of commercial property owners trust Windward Roofing for their PVC roofing needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About PVC Roofing