What Is TPO?
PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride. Think of it as a bright white sheet with a tough fabric core. Rolls come up to 10 ft wide in 50, 60, or 80 mil thickness. Crews unroll the sheets, overlap the edges, and melt them together with hot air. The weld cools into one smooth skin that resists water, grease, and many acids.
A 60 mil PVC roof lasts 20 to 25 years on most Lake County buildings. Thicker 80 mil sheets plus an acrylic refresh at year ten can add five more years. The membrane stays flexible below minus 40 °F and blocks UV in summer, so seams stay tight through freeze–thaw cycles.
PVC handles grease, oils, and restaurant exhaust better than any other single-ply. That is why food plants and busy kitchens pick it over TPO. The sheet also meets Class A fire ratings when installed over a gypsum cover board or other non-combustible deck.
If the old roof is dry, we can often recover it by screwing a half-inch gypsum board into the deck, then welding the new sheet on top. This saves tear-off mess and landfill fees. Standard PVC passes a two-inch hail test and accepts solar racks flashed with molded boots. Keep the surface bright with a gentle wash every two years.
Benefits of PVC Roofing
Chemical Shield
Fats, oils, and acids wipe off instead of eating the sheet.
Tight Seam Welds
Hot-air fusing makes laps three times stronger than taped joints.
Cool Roof Savings
Bright surface can cut summer HVAC use by twenty percent.
Light Structural Load
Sixty-mil sheet adds about one third pound per square foot.
Fast Flameless Installs
Wide rolls cover big areas quickly and hot-air tools make no sparks.
Recyclable Finish
Old sheets grind into pellets for walk pads or new roofs, keeping waste out of landfills.
PVC Attachment Options
Match Wind, Weight, and Budget
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Mechanically Attached
Fasteners with barbed plates screw through the laps, then the next roll welds over the plates.
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Best for: wide roofs that face strong winds.
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Strengths: quickest dry-in, lowest adhesive cost.
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Trade-offs: many fastener holes can pass sound and small heat loss.
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Induction Welded
Fasteners anchor plates through the insulation, then an induction tool heats the plate through the sheet.
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Best for: offices and schools that want a flat look with fewer seams.
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Strengths: fewer fasteners and lap rows, strong uplift rating.
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Trade-offs: plates must hit a precise grid and need specialty tools.
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Fully Adhered
Low-VOC adhesive bonds the sheet over a cover board; seams are then heat-welded.
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Best for: hospitals or high-rise roofs needing quiet interiors and top uplift ratings.
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Strengths: smooth face, no flutter, minimal fastener “telegraphing.”
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Trade-offs: requires dry weather and adds labor time.
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Ballasted
Loose-laid sheet held down by smooth river rock or pavers (10–12 lb / ft²).
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Best for: large roofs away from public view when speed outweighs weight concerns.
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Strengths: fastest labor, ballast dampens rooftop noise and shields UV.
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Trade-offs: adds heavy load and makes future HVAC work slower.
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Is PVC the Right Choice?
Choose PVC When Your Roof Faces:
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Grease or chemical splash from kitchens, food plants, or labs.
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Frequent ponding because slope is limited.
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Strict fire codes in schools, hospitals, or high-rise offices.
Consider Other Systems if:
- You only need reflectivity on a dry warehouse—TPO costs less.
- Heavy foot traffic means dropped tools—Modified Bitumen or BUR handle point loads better.
The Cittrix Difference
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Fast, Convenient Estimates
Call or submit a form and we’ll schedule a free inspection of your roof for the same or next business day. There’s no need for you to disrupt your busy schedule - you don’t even have to be at home.
Instead of sending a confusing estimate or sitting in your living room for hours with a high-pressure sales pitch, we’ll send you a clear video explanation of what’s going on with your roof and our recommendations that you can watch on your own time.
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Quick Turnaround and Guaranteed Timelines
Roof installation is scheduled and completed within ten days of approval—no delays, no surprises, just reliable scheduling you can count on.
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Flexible Financing Options
We offer simple, clear-cut payment options, including 0% financing with zero money down, making it easy to get the high-quality roof your family needs.
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Trusted Team of Professionals
We’re proud to work closely with leading manufacturers, ensuring every roof we install is the highest quality. Our crews are experienced, respectful, and held to the highest standards in the industry—because your home deserves the best.
- Malarkey Emerald Premium Certified Contractor
- Proud Member of the Roofing and Solar Reform Alliance
- A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau
- HAAG Certified Roof Inspector
- 5-Star Google Rating
- 5-Star Thumbtack Professional
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Lifetime Roof Warranties
We stand behind our work with robust warranties that cover labor and materials, offering long-term protection and peace of mind.
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Speedy Cleanup and Safety Precautions
Our teams take extra care to minimize disruption and keep your family and pets safe during every step of the process.
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Locally Owned, Family-Run Business
Based in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, and serving neighbors throughout Lake County and the Chicago suburbs, we’re proud to serve our local community with integrity, hustle, transparency, and heart.
We’ll do everything in our power to ensure you’re informed and confident through every step of the process and will always make recommendations based on what’s best for you. We’re humbled by the positive feedback we’ve received from thousands of happy customers and look forward to serving you and your family.


