If you have worked in facilities management for any time at all, you have heard the name Duro-Last. The company’s PVC roofing is unparalleled, but sometimes a little review helps refresh even the sharpest memory. Let’s explore some fundamentals of this time-honored, incredibly strong roofing membrane.
What is Duro-Last Roofing?
Duro-Last PVC membrane roofing is a tough, synthetic polyvinyl chloride (PVC) single-ply material available in three thicknesses to suit any low-slope roofing application:
- 40 mil
- 50 mil
- 60 mil
It is one of the very few roofing materials which can be custom-prefabricated to remove roughly 80 percent of the field-applied seams, reducing chances of water infiltration dramatically.
Duro-Last Composition
Duro-Last single-ply membrane is not a magical formula. It is simple chemistry and a dash of physics. The polyvinyl chloride membrane includes a top performance layer to far exceed industry standards. Take the 50 mil membrane; 28 mils are the top layer, besting competitors’ roofing systems for toughness, durability, and water resistance.
The single-ply membrane is manufactured, as Duro-Last puts it, with a “weft-insertion, anti-wicking scrim that has a density of 18 by 14 threads per inch.” Almost no other manufacturer offers such a high-density scrim to repel water, resist punctures, and fight abrasion.
Manufacture and Installation
The secret to Duro-Last’s amazing longevity (single-ply membranes can last more than 30 years) is the in-house control of the entire manufacturing and assembly process. With plant locations throughout America, the Duro-Last Corporation uses the highest standards of quality control in manufacturing this tough membrane with the built-in scrim that resists wear, punctures, and weather.
At the same plants which manufacture the membrane, vast open floors allow seams to be joined in the climate-controlled factory, reducing on-site seaming by thousands of linear feet for each installation. No other manufacturer comes close to producing such enormous roof protection with so few seams.
Not Self-Service
Duro-Last roofing is not a do-it-yourself job. You cannot buy rolls of Duro-Last roofing expecting your facilities crew to install a complete custom-fitted roof on site. Working with your trusted, local commercial roofer, you can order a prefabricated Duro-Last roof that will last for decades, protecting your company’s investment by being the best-fitting, tightest-seamed roof you can buy.
Keeping Your Duro-Last Roof in Great Shape
Now that you’ve installed a Duro-Last roof on your commercial property, you may wonder what you can do to keep it in great shape.
The good news is that a Duro-Last roof requires less maintenance than other types of roofs. It’s also built to last because it’s prefabricated in a factory-controlled environment.
How do you know if a Duro-Last roof is for you? There are plenty of reasons why, including its maintenance requirements.
Duro-Last Roofs Require Less Maintenance
Commercial property owners who’ve had Duro-Last roofs installed love the fact that they’re almost maintenance-free. For you, it means saving money in the long run. While other roofs may cost less to install, they often require more maintenance and the repair bills add up.
Better Seals Make For a Better Roof
Up to 85% of a Duro-Last roof’s seams are completed during the factory prefabrication process. This assures a better roof seal, and the seals of any roof represent their weakest point. Authorized Duro-Last contractors install the remaining seams. The result is less maintenance and less money spent on leaks and other repairs.
How to Take Care of Your Duro-Last Roof
Here are some basic tips for the care and cleaning of your Duro-Last roof:
- Schedule regular inspections. It’s important to have your Duro-Last roof inspected in the fall and spring of each year. The fall inspection ensures your roof is ready for winter’s harsher climate.
- Be careful with asphalt. You shouldn’t use any asphalt products during maintenance on your roof. Asphalt can bleed onto the Duro-Last membrane and cause severe damage.
- Cleaning your Duro-Last roof. It’s easy to clean your roof when it becomes lightly stained or faded. Scrub the dirt with a soft-bristle brush and a non-solvent cleaner. Solvents can cause the roof’s membrane to soften.
- You can also spray your roof if you have a hose long enough to reach it, and even use a leaf blower to clear off leaves and other debris in the fall.
- Drains and sealants. Make sure to keep your roof’s drainage system free from any debris. You can use a commercial grade push broom to sweep leaves on other debris away from the drainage path.
Also, have your roof inspected to make sure its seals have the proper adhesion and aren’t showing signs of cracks and wearing.
If you’re looking to replace your roof and you know Duro-Last is the roofing material for you, or if you have more questions about Duro-Last, contact Vanguard Roofing today. We’re here to answer your every question and are ready to give you the best roof possible.
