When it comes to choosing the best roofing system for restaurant owners, having a reliable, high-performing roof is critical to the long-term protection of your business. That’s why our team of roofing experts recommend the Duro-Last roofing system as the ideal roofing solution for restaurants.
In this blog post, we’ll explain what is Duro-Last PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), the features that come along with this roof system, and why it’s the best choice for your restaurant.
Let’s get started!
What is Duro-Last PVC Roofing?
The Duro-Last PVC roofing system is a custom fabricated system consisting of a flexible, single-ply thermoplastic membrane optimal for flat or low slope roofs.
The Components of PVC
Roof Decking
A roof deck is the foundation for your roof. Deck material is the important structural element that helps support the insulation and waterproofing (membrane layers). Whether the project is a membrane tear-off, complete reroof or new construction the roof deck will be visually inspected before the application of the roof system.
Main Types of Commercial Roof Decking:
- Plywood or Oriented Strand Board (OSB)
- Steel – cold-rolled, corrugated
- Structural Concrete
- Lightweight Insulating Concrete
- Gypsum
Base Layer is Metal Panel Decking, Repaired Section of Decking
Complete Tear-Off
Insulation
This is the key to energy efficiency. Polyiso (polyisocyanurate) is the most commonly used type of insulation. It offers the highest R-value of any rigid insulation. R-value measures the insulation’s resistance to heat flow. It’s important to note that for commercial buildings, there are minimum insulation R-value requirements that vary from state.
Popular Types of Roof Insulation Available:
- Duro-Guard ISO
- Duro-Guard EPS Fan-Fold
- DensDeck
Duro-Guard EPS Fan Fold
Duro-Guard ISO
Find the minimum insulation R-value requirements for commercial buildings here
Roof Membrane
Duro-Last’s roof membranes come in varying thicknesses, measured in mils. The membranes are available in custom-fit, prefabricated sections. This membrane is custom-fabricated in sections up to 2,500 square feet, fitting each roof precisely to its unique specifications. Instead of in the field, up to 85 percent of the seams are completed under ideal, factory-controlled conditions – reducing waste, saving on labor and preventing leaks.
Membrane Thickness Options:
- 40 mil
- 50 mil
- 60 mil
Installation Process
Mechanically attached: The membrane is securely attached to the underlying roof deck using plates and fasteners along the seams, then the overlapping seams are heat welded using a heat gun or welding machine.
Fully adhered: The membrane is bonded directly to the insulation or roof deck using a bonding adhesive or low rise spray foam, typically the low rise spray foam sticks better. Then the overlapping seams are heat welded using a heat gun or welding machine.
Accessories
The Duro-Last system also includes prefabricated flashing, boots for pipes, and vents, ensuring a perfect fit for each roof. Custom-fabricated flashings are manufactured with Duro-Last membrane material and feature a weft-inserted scrim which provides puncture and tear resistance along with tensile strength at transitions – the most critical areas of any roof installation.
Why PVC Duro-Last Is Ideal for Restaurants
Durability
Duro-Last roofs are recognized as the best roofing system for their excellent durability and long-term performance. Here are a few features that contribute to the durability of a Duro-Last roofing system:
- Various membrane thicknesses based on specific needs, with thicker membranes offering better resistance to wear and tear.
- Resistance to chemicals, oils, and grease—critical for restaurant kitchen exhausts that can cause buildup on the roof.
- The ability to withstand high winds and extreme weather conditions.
- Reduced on-site installation errors and minimized seam completion thanks to each roof’s prefabrication at a Duro-Last manufacturing plant.
- Resistance to punctures and tears from foot traffic, debris, or maintenance equipment.
- Heat-welded seams provide a watertight bond that protects against leaks and weather damage.
This positions Duro-Last as the best roofing system for commercial and restaurant environments.
Longevity
A typical Duro-Last roof has an impressive lifespan of about 20-30 years. This longevity is primarily determined by two key factors: the thickness (mil) of the membrane and the quality of the installation.
Thicker membranes offer increased durability, providing better protection against the wear and tear common in commercial settings, particularly restaurants. Proper installation is also critical, as Duro-Last roofs are prefabricated in a controlled environment to ensure precision and reduce on-site errors, further enhancing their lifespan. With the combination of high-quality materials and expert installation, Duro-Last is consistently the top choice available, offering restaurant owners a reliable, long-lasting solution that can withstand the demands of their environment, from heavy foot traffic to harsh weather conditions.
Energy Efficiency
The Duro-Last PVC roofing system is engineered for energy efficiency, significantly reducing your restaurant’s HVAC expenses. Its white, reflective membrane deflects the sun’s heat, helping your HVAC system operate more efficiently and lowering energy consumption. Additionally, the insulation’s high R-value enhances temperature control by reducing heat transfer, keeping your restaurant cool during hot weather and warm during colder months.
Fire-Resistance
The PVC formulation incorporates fire-retardant chemicals that enhance its resistance to combustion, prevent the spread of flames and also makes it self-extinguishing, adding an extra layer of protection to your roof. Duro-Last roofing membranes meet or exceed major national fire and wind code requirements, as well as most required regional approvals throughout the country.
Low Maintenance
Duro-Last roofs require minimal maintenance however, it is still important to keep your roof maintained and clean to maximize the roof’s lifespan. Here are a few maintenance tips to do so :
- Inspect for leaks in the building after severe weather storms
- Minimize foot traffic as much as possible
- Conduct a roof cleaning 1-2 times per year, checking for screws, nails, sharp objects, or outside debris (especially if building is surrounded by a lot of trees/vegetation)
- Schedule roof inspection at 15 years mark
You can find Duro-Last’s Care and Maintenance Guide & Owner Checklist here
What is the Cost of a Duro-Last Roof System?
The average Duro-Last roofing cost per square foot is approximately $7.50 with a varying range of $6-$12+ per square foot. The pricing for your roof system can depend on these following factors:
- Size of your roof (square footage)
- Current roof system (one layer, two layer application process)
- Insulation requirements
- Thickness of Membrane Choice
- Installation Choice
- Roof pitch
- Warranty
Types of Warranty Offered for the Duro-Last Roofing System
Unique in the industry, Duro-Last offers a 15-Year Supreme Warranty with consequential damage coverage for commercial applications of the Duro-Last Roofing System. Additional Supreme warranties, as well as our Basic, Ultra and Residential warranties are also available. Hail and high-wind warranties can also be obtained for Duro-Last installations.
Additionally you will receive our own Company 10 Year Material and Labor Workmanship Warranty with every job completion.
Restaurants that use Duro-Last Roofing
Several well-known names in the fast food industry including, Chick-fil-A, Jack in the Box, Wendy’s, and Sonic, have chosen the Duro-Last roofing system for their locations. Here are a few Duro-Last commercial projects we’ve completed, highlighting some restaurants.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Duro-Last PVC roofing stands out as the top choice for restaurant owners due to its optimal performance features. Its custom fabrication, tailored specifically to each individual roof, combined with a controlled manufacturing process that ensures a precise fit, sets it apart from the competition. Whether you’re launching a new restaurant or upgrading an existing roof, Duro-Last provides the reliability and durability your business needs to operate smoothly for years to come. One final important note: selecting a certified and experienced roofing contractor is crucial to ensuring proper installation, helping you avoid unnecessary and costly repairs down the road caused by negligence or inexperience.