Plasticizer chemicals are added to PVC roofing during manufacturing. PVC is a rigid roofing material, and without plasticizers, it would not be flexible. Unfortunately, over time, plasticizers can leak from the PVC roof. 

Weathering, lack of maintenance, and low-quality materials are the usual suspects of plasticizer leakage. 

In our previous post, we dealt with spotting the signs of plasticizer migration. Now we will deal with the loss of plasticizers and how it can affect your roof. We see many roofs suffering from the after-effects of losing the plasticizers, which keep it flexible. 

Let’s take a closer look at how the loss of plasticizers affects your roof.

Contraction causes the roof to lift at the edges

Once the plasticizers start to leak from the PVC, you will see some very telltale signs of damage. 

The material will contract and lift throughout the roof system. Any areas where there is a transition from vertical to horizontal, such as perimeter walls and rooftop units, pulling away from the wall will likely occur. This will also occur along the edge of the roof system, where the edge metal can pull back.

If not fixed immediately, the roof will deteriorate very quickly.

Shattering is a major issue

Shattering is what you do not want to happen to your roof. 

The roof material will lose its structure as the plasticizers leak from PVC. What was once a solid, dependable roof will become thin and a danger to the building below.

The thin PVC will shatter under a heavy hail shower. Rain, ice, and strong winds will find any weak spots on your roof and make the damage worse.

Puncture resistance

Loss of plasticizers will reduce the puncture resistance of your roof. 

A roof will be prone to damage from chemical spillage. Even from someone walking on it during an inspection could be a problem. Punctures are especially likely if a repair technician dropped tools or equipment on the roof. The weak structure will damage easily and with serious consequences.

Not looking good

Your roof will not look good when the loss of plasticizer becomes a problem.

The material will look ragged and rough. When the edges peel away from the structure, and the PVC thins out, you know you have a problem just by observation alone.

A weak roof is not good for the building, and the loss of plasticizers is usually visible to the naked eye.

Take action before it is too late.

Call us

At Chaffee Roofing we know about roofs.
We can help you through any roofing project.
Our experts will answer your questions.
Call us today for all your roofing needs.

Leave a Reply