PVC Installation Services You Need When Getting A New PVC Membrane Roof
PVC roofing is a common option for commercial buildings. It's often used on flat roofs, and the roofing comes on rolls, so it's easy to install. A PVC installation service can tear off your old roofing, clean the deck, and then start the installation process. Here's how a PVC roofing membrane is installed.
Insulation Boards Go Down First
A PVC membrane is fairly thin, even though it's tough. Your roofer puts insulation boards down first as these help keep heat in your building in the winter. The boards also provide a smooth, flat surface for the PVC membrane to rest on. The insulation boards are square or rectangular panels that are screwed to the roof. The roofer installs these so they create a slope that allows rain to roll toward the roof drain.
The PVC Membrane Goes On Top
When the insulation boards are in place, the PVC installation service rolls out the PVC membrane. The membrane isn't wide or long enough to cover the roof, so pieces have to be seamed together. An advantage of PVC roofing is that the seams can be bonded together by heat welding rather than using adhesive.
Heat welding decreases the risk of the seam coming apart, as might happen with an adhesive that gets worn down by UV exposure and extreme temperatures.
The Roofer Chooses An Installation Method
The roofing contractor can choose from three ways to adhere the PVC membrane to the roof. One way is by spreading adhesive on the roof and adhering the membrane to it. With this step, the edges of the membrane have to be secured with screws.
The second way PVC roofing is installed is by screwing down the individual sheets near the seams. The third way installation is done is by holding the membrane to the roof with gravel or rocks. The two most common methods of installation are adhering and screwing. However, using adhesive to adhere to the roof can't be done in cold weather.
Installation Varies If The Old Roof Is Covered Up
PVC membrane roofing can go down as the first layer of roofing, and it can sometimes be put down over an old roof. One of the PVC installation services your roofer may offer is to check the old insulation boards for water damage. They might take samples of the insulation boards to check them for moisture, or they might use an infrared camera to inspect your roof.
If too much moisture is found, the old roofing has to come off, but if the original insulation boards aren't wet, your roofer might put the new PVC membrane down over the old roof.
