Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) membrane roofing can also be known as vinyl roofing. Vinyl is derived from two hassle-free ingredients: fossil fuel and salt. Petroleum or natural gas is processed to create ethylene, and salt is subjected to electrolysis to separate out the natural element chlorine. Ethylene and chlorine are combined to create ethylene dichloride (EDC), which can be further processed into a gas named vinyl chloride monomer (VCM). Inside the subsequent step, known as polymerization, the VCM molecule types chains, converting the gas into a fine, white powder - vinyl resin - which becomes the basis for the final method, compounding. In compounding, vinyl resin could possibly be blended with additives that include stabilizers for durability, plasticizers for flexibility and pigments for color.

Thermoplastic PVC roofing is highly robust, as its heat-welded seams form a permanent, watertight bond that is stronger than the membrane itself. PVC resin is modified with plasticizers and UV stabilizers, and reinforced with fiberglass non-woven mats or polyester woven scrims, for use as a flexible roofing membrane. PVC is, still, subject to plasticizer migration. (a approach by which the plasticizers migrate out from the sheet causing it to become brittle.) Therefore a thicker membrane has a bigger reservoir of plasticizer to maintain flexibility over its lifespan. PVC is commonly blended with other polymers to add to the performance capabilities of the original PVC formulation, for example KEE - Keytone Ethylene Ester. Such blends are referred to as either a CPA - Copolymer Alloy, or possibly a TPA - Tripolymer Alloy.
Vinyl roofs are inherently fire resistant because of their chemical composition and have a broader range of fire ratings more than typical substrates.

PVC has been sold for commercial roofing use for a great deal more than 40 years. Vinyl roofing membranes' lengthy life cycle - as well as the connected lower energy consumption to both produce the raw material and procedure it into useful goods - is usually a substantial aspect in their sustainability as a constructing product.

Vinyl roofs present an energy-efficient roofing choice due to their inherently light coloring. While the surface of a black roof can encounter a temperature raise of as considerably as 90 degrees under the heat from the complete sun, a white reflective roof ordinarily increases only 10-25 degrees Fahrenheit.

Vinyl membranes can also be applied in waterproofing applications for roofing. This is a normal approach employed in association with green, or planted, roofs.

It worthy of note that many Green Constructing organizations recommend not making use of PVC roofing because of considerable environmental hazards from the toxicity with the manufacturing method at the same time as the noxious compounds released in a fire that include hydrochloric acid fumes and byproducts like dioxin, a potent carcinogen.