While Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) systems have the dominant share of the low-slope commercial roofing market, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) membranes combined with PVC membranes enhanced with Ketone Ethylene Ester (PVC KEE) have represented the fastest-growing single-ply roofing segment over the last 3 years.¹  It is estimated that roughly 60% of the PVC commercial roofing market is standard PVC membrane and 40% is PVC KEE membrane.  Both systems have grown significantly with customers and in specifications. 

Evolving Trends with Large Commercial Building Specifications 

Many commercial projects are driven by architect-drafted specifications establishing the exact products to use in that system.  Historically, it was common for the largest projects to be focused on the most affordable system and materials.  The affordability of TPO roofing systems supported its rise to #1 share in low-slope commercial roofing.   

The Emergence of PVC 

PVC was the first weldable single ply membrane, but it was overtaken in the market by TPO.  But while TPO gained share due to its perceived value and performance, PVC’s benefits are being increasingly recognized, and it is no longer simply the more expensive alternative to TPO.  Many specifiers associate PVC and PVC KEE roofing systems with restaurants, gas stations, manufacturing plants, and buildings exposed to chemicals – and that is 100% accurate as these membranes are known for their chemical-resisting performance.  However, PVC and PVC KEE are increasingly being specified on large projects including data centers, educational buildings, government buildings, and more.  Generally, these types of buildings have been thought of as “TPO projects” but that’s changing. 

What is driving the rise in popularity in PVC and PVC KEE when chemical resistance isn’t the most critical performance requirement?

We believe it’s the building owner being influenced by architects and consultants.   

Why?   

Every building owner wants to get the most return on their roofing system investment.  That’s obvious – but how that return is achieved varies by building owner’s perspective. 

For some building owners, the most value might be extracted by repairing and extending the life of an existing roof to sell the building in 3 to 5 years.   

Other building owners have a “long-term mindset” with no intention of selling the building for years or even decades.  So, while PVC KEE membranes may carry a higher initial material cost than standard PVC or TPO systems, many building owners evaluate roofing systems based on total life-cycle cost rather than first cost alone.  Factors such as maintenance frequency, repair costs, energy performance, membrane longevity, and disruption to building operations can significantly impact the overall return on investment over the life of the roof. 

Common examples of projects where building owners possess this mindset are schools, government buildings, distribution centers, manufacturing plants, museums, and increasingly data centers.   

Why are Data Centers driving PVC and PVC KEE Growth? 

Data centers represent one of the fastest-growing building sectors in North America. Because these facilities operate continuously and downtime can carry significant financial consequences, building owners often prioritize roofing systems that offer long-term durability, weatherability, chemical resistance, and reduced maintenance requirements.  As a result, PVC and PVC KEE membranes are increasingly appearing in data center specifications where long-term performance and risk mitigation are primary decision drivers. 

Why is PVC KEE a premium performing system over standard PVC?   

² PVC KEE membranes contain Ketone Ethylene Ester (KEE), a high-molecular-weight solid plasticizer that is permanently integrated into the membrane formulation.  Unlike conventional liquid plasticizers used in standard PVC membranes, KEE exhibits significantly lower migration over time, helping maintain flexibility and long-term performance. 

Critical Performance Differentiator 

The different plasticizers in the PVC and PVC KEE membranes are the critical point of differentiation.  Standard PVC only contains liquid plasticizers, also referred to as wet plasticizers, while PVC KEE contains solid plasticizers in addition to lower levels of liquid plasticizers.  The risk to standard PVC is that liquid plasticizers are more likely to migrate or be “leeched out” of the membrane over time, resulting in the membrane potentially becoming brittle and susceptible to failure.  On the other hand, the solid plasticizers in PVC KEE will not migrate over time and ensure long term flexibility and resistance to weathering.  When exposed to the same roofing conditions, a well formulated PVC KEE system will outperform a standard PVC roofing system.  Even if covered by a warranty, repairs to the roof will take time and could cause the building to temporarily close or operations to cease.  What’s the cost of downtime for repair to the building owner? 

When is PVC KEE the best option? 

As owners place greater emphasis on asset protection, life-cycle value, and operational continuity, both PVC and PVC KEE membranes remain attractive options due to their proven weatherability, chemical resistance, and energy efficiency.  However, PVC KEE offers an enhanced level of long-term durability, making it particularly well-suited for facilities where roof failures, disruptions, and maintenance costs carry significant consequences. 

By understanding the performance differences between these systems, owners, architects, consultants, and contractors can make more informed roofing decisions that maximize reliability, minimize risk, and deliver long-term return on investment. For many long-term owners, those benefits make PVC KEE the preferred choice for protecting critical assets over the life of the building. 

Why Kingspan PVC and KEE Systems?