How much does a PVC roof cost in 2023?

PVC has been widely used in US roofing projects for at least 30 years. During this time, it has established itself as an energy-efficient material that can last two times longer than its alternatives. By choosing it for your home, you significantly reduce the risk of leaks and associated repairs in the future. 

So how much does a PVC roof cost? The average national cost is $11.200, with the price range for similar roofing projects going from $9.000 to $12.000. The minimum budget you can count on is $6.000. But high-quality materials and the services of a skilled roofer can push that price up to $18.000.

The national average PVC roofing cost

PVC roofing cost per square foot

When making the final quote, contractors consider the required materials and the scope of work for your project. It all depends mainly on your roof's square footage. That's why you can focus on the cost of PVC roofing per square foot for more accurate budgeting. It starts from $4.00 - $7 and can go up to $9.00 - $12.00. Each installed square foot can cost you an average of $6 - $9.

A PVC roof cost per square foot

PVC roofing cost by roof size

The national average cost is usually calculated based on PVC prices for a typical 1,500-square-foot roof. But your roof may be larger or smaller than this standard. Knowing that the price per square foot ranges from $4.00 to $12.00, you can set a rough budget for your roofing project. 

PVC roof cost by the thickness

Membrane thickness is one of the critical factors in determining the final PVC cost. The thicker it is, the more material is needed to cover the surface. In addition, thick options are heavier, making PVC roofing installation more complex and requiring additional structural reinforcement. But they are much more resistant to punctures, UV radiation, and chemicals. So pick the thickest PVC membrane within your budget if you want reliable, strong, and durable roofing. The typical PVC membrane thickness is 45 - 80 millimeters, but a 115-millimeter option can also be installed upon request.

PVC roof installation cost by material thickness

PVC roofing cost by brand

When looking for a manufacturer, it is vital to consider a range of factors on top of the price. These factors include but are not limited to reputation, warranties, and post-purchase support offered. 

If the company has too low prices on its merchandise, this may indicate the low quality of PVC roofing materials. You should also be wary if you can't find any information about the manufacturer or its products in the public domain. Therefore, it is safer and more reliable to choose brands that have already proven their quality among consumers.

GAF

GAF is a lauded US brand that offers affordable PVC roofing solutions. Its EverGuard® PVC membrane collection is distinguished by its durability and diversity of colors. Another option is the EverGuard® Freedom™ membrane which is easy to install and suitable for mechanical attachment methods.

Carlisle SynTec

Homeowners and roofing professionals highly value this brand. Its flexible Sure-Flex PVCs have excellent atmospheric pressure resistance. In turn, the Sure-Flex FleeceBACK PVC collection offers a fleece backing for added puncture protection.

Johns Manville

This roofing brand produces different building materials, including PVC membranes, associated termination bars, flashings, and other accessories. The top collection of Johns Manville is JM PVC. These membranes are widely used in commercial and industrial projects thanks to their excellent resistance to chemicals and punctures. 

Firestone Building Products

The brand produces different types of synthetic roofing materials in high demand among homeowners. Its widely-known UltraPly™ PVC collection includes membranes resistant to UV radiation, chemicals, and punctures.

Other factors boosting the cost of PVC roofing

The only possible way to accurately determine the final roofing estimate is by consulting a professional who will perform the job. Nevertheless, by understanding the necessary expenses of your roofing project, you can compile a draft budget that will serve as a road map while comparing roofer quotes.

Material thickness

As mentioned above, the thicker the membrane, the higher its price. But thick membranes will last much longer than thin options. So if you want to avoid investing in repairs and replacement in the future, you should not save much on thickness.

Brand

PVC roofing costs can vary greatly depending on the brand. The primary factors in their pricing may be manufacturing standards, fame, warranties provided, and of course, the quality of the material.

Installation type

Roofers often use the mechanically attached approach for PVC membranes, which is a relatively cost-effective solution. But if a fully-adhered installation is needed, the price immediately increases

Installer proficiency

Poor installation negatively affects the strength and service life of your PVC roof. Therefore, hiring a roofer with experience and knowledge of this material is essential. Using MyHomeQuote, you can easily find a roofer in your area with the expertise and pricing that suits you best. 

Roof complexity

If you have a roof with minimal angles, installing PVC will cost you less than if it has intricate architectural features, multiple levels, intricate designs, and other obstructions.

Roof pitch

The steeper the pitch, the more materials are required to cover your roof adequately. Also, installing PVC on a roof, in this case, requires more care and experience, driving up the price of a roofer's work.

PVC roofing - Pros and cons

Despite the popularity of PVC roofing in the US and worldwide, it has its pitfalls. Only by understanding its pros and cons can you make an informed choice.

Pros

Here are the advantages you can get out of PVC roof installation:

• 30-year service life. The service life of PVC can reach 30 years, which is about twice as long as other materials. At the same time, if it is installed correctly, you will not need to worry about frequent repairs or painstaking maintenance.
• The best energy-efficient solution. PVC roof reflects up to 95% of the sun's rays, making it a leader in cooling and energy savings, among other alternatives. While the cost of PVC roof installation and materials is not budget-friendly, you can save up to 30% on heating and cooling your home in the future.
• Strong seams. In most roof membranes, the seams are the weak point, causing leakage when ponding water. In contrast, PVC seams are valued for their strength and impermeability to standing water.
• No maintenance hassle. Maintaining a PVC roof often comes down to cleaning the surface with a hose and removing debris. You can do it yourself at no extra cost. Besides, because of the seams' strength, you don't need to seal them regularly to prevent leaks.

Cons

Here are the downsides commonly associated with PVC roofing:

• Not budget-friendly. The cost of PVC roofing can be up to 30% higher than its synthetic membrane counterparts. Nevertheless, due to its ultimate resistance to water damage, chemicals, and fire, polyvinyl chloride ensures a good return on investment and adds to the home's sale value.  
• Not suitable for DIY repair. If holes appear in your PVC roof, they should be air welded, requiring professional equipment and advanced skills. Thus, you can only do this with the help of an experienced roofer.
• Vulnerability to cold. Despite the material strength, the National Roofing Contractors Association warns that these roofs can break at low temperatures. Therefore, their installation in areas with a cold climate should be discussed with a qualified contractor.