Recyclability of Mechanically Attached PVC Roofing Systems
Ensuring Sustainability at Roof End-of-Life
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and Elvaloy KEE roofing systems have a long-standing reputation for durability, energy efficiency, and extended service life. In addition to these benefits, mechanically attached PVC systems offer a key advantage in end-of-life management: the potential for recycling. These systems can be removed with minimal disruption, making the membrane easier to reclaim and recycle, which contributes to waste reduction and supports sustainability initiatives.
The Role of Recyclability in Sustainable Construction
As sustainability becomes a central consideration in building design and operations, material choices are increasingly evaluated not only for their performance in use but also for their end-of-life impact. Recyclable roofing systems help reduce construction and demolition waste, support environmental certifications such as LEED, and align with broader corporate sustainability and ESG initiatives. Mechanically attached PVC membranes are particularly well-suited to these aims.
Recyclability of Mechanically Attached PVC Systems
In mechanically attached systems, the roofing membrane is secured to the deck using fasteners and plates, typically along the seams. This method eliminates the need for adhesives, allowing the membrane to be removed more cleanly at the end of its service life. By avoiding the use of bonding agents found in fully adhered systems, mechanically attached roofs can be disassembled with minimal contamination. This clean separation makes the recycling process more feasible and efficient.
Key Benefits of a Recyclable PVC Roof System
Selecting a recyclable, mechanically attached PVC roof can support broader sustainability objectives by:
- Diverting waste from landfills
- Contributing toward LEED and other certification goals
- Lowering the carbon footprint associated with raw material extraction
- Enhancing the sustainability profile of the building
- Supporting transparency and environmental stewardship
Planning for End-of-Life Recycling
For building owners, designers, and contractors planning a roof replacement or new installation, incorporating recyclability into the design phase can improve long-term sustainability outcomes.
To learn more about recyclable membranes, take-back programs, or how to document recycling efforts for certification purposes, contact our sustainability team. We’re available to support your project at every stage, from specification to tear-off.
PVC Membrane Recycling Process
The recycling of mechanically attached PVC membranes generally follows three stages:
1. Removal – After a typical service life of 20 to 30 years, the membrane can be removed without significant contamination. The mechanical fastening system allows for efficient tear-off with minimal residue.
2. Inspection and Sorting – The recovered membrane is evaluated to determine its suitability for recycling. Membranes that are free from adhesive, asphalt, or ballast contamination are preferred.
3. Recycling and Reuse – Once approved for recycling, the membrane is mechanically shredded into flakes. The PVC material is then blended with virgin PVC to produce new PVC products, such as flooring, walkpads, or accessories. This process maintains product performance and reduces the demand for virgin raw materials.
CFFA Step-by-Step Guide
The Vinyl Roofing Division of the Coated Fabrics and Film Association exists to raise awareness among design professionals, contractors, and property stakeholders about the long-term performance and practical benefits of PVC in single-ply roofing, highlighting its strength, energy efficiency, and suitability for heat-welded applications.
Bringing together North America’s top thermoplastic PVC roofing manufacturers, the Division focuses on sharing credible, science-driven knowledge about how PVC systems perform in real-world conditions, both in terms of sustainability and functionality.
In this video, the CFFA lays out the eight steps to recycle PVC roofing membranes and reduce waste in projects
Recycling Resources
To support project teams in specifying, planning, and documenting roof recycling efforts, we offer the following technical resources:
Recycling Procedure Guidelines
This document provides step-by-step instructions for safely removing and preparing mechanically attached PVC membranes for recycling. Topics include best practices for tear-off, contamination avoidance, on-site material handling, and transportation to recycling facilities. DOWNLOAD
Roof Recycling Specification Template
A prewritten spec section designed for inclusion in construction documents. This template aligns with MasterFormat Division 07 (Thermal and Moisture Protection Manufacturers) standards and ensures that membrane recycling requirements are clearly communicated to contractors and subcontractors. DOWNLOAD