UPVC Roofing Sheets Disadvantages: What You Need to Know Before Buying

Ever handled a situation where rainwater flows over and gutters get detached after a series of heavy showers? Assuming yes, then it may not be your gutters that are the cause of the problem, but rather your roofing material. One of the most popular options nowadays is UPVC roofing sheets, which are rather lightweight, cheap, and simple to install. However, are they as good as they appear? Many homeowners and contractors overlook the drawbacks of UPVC roofing sheets, only to face issues later. From poor load handling to inconsistent water flow, the disadvantages can stack up really fast, particularly when used with the wrong gutter system. In this blog, we shall look at the drawbacks of the UPVC roofing sheets, the effects they pose to your rain gutter system, and why Euroguards presents a sustainable alternative that makes your rain gutter system strong and adequate, regardless of the weather conditions.

Disadvantages of UPVC Roofing Sheets

Even though they are touted for being cheap and resistant to corrosion, UPVC roofing sheets are not without drawbacks. Here are some of the pressing disadvantages that may affect the use of these roofs for residential and commercial applications.

1. Initial Cost Versus Other Materials

Though it is often sold as a low-cost alternative, UPVC roofing sheets sometimes run a higher price than a traditional one if the cost of accessories, reinforcements, or insulation is considered for galvanised steel or fibre cement. These additional costs can make UPVC less cost-effective than was initially anticipated for large projects.

2. Handling Loads in Heavy Rain

Among the biggest drawbacks of the UPVC roofing sheets is the fact that they cannot withstand excessive loads. During heavy rains, water may build up rapidly, and UPVC sheets may bend or creep under the weight, causing gutter detachment or ineffective drainage. This would outflow the gutters, stressing the structure and could further damage the façade of the building.

3. Potential for Fading Over Time

UV radiation is capable of causing a visible loss of colour in UPVC roofing sheets, particularly in sun-exposed regions. Such discolouration may reflect the appearance and signal the degradation in the material quality, which could lead to brittleness over time.

4. Limited Colour Choices

Generally, UPVC sheets for roofing only come in a few colours. Although they can often fit the industrial or utilitarian designs, homeowners seeking customisation or style can be limited to colour choices when compared with the metal or composite roofing.

5. Environmental Impact

Although UPVC sheets are sold as recyclable, they use toxic chemicals and non-sustainable sources in manufacturing and disposal. They cause a much more significant impact on nature than natural or recyclable roofing materials, including metal or clay tiles.

6. Poor Insulation

UPVC sheets provide minimal insulation, thermally and acoustically. Houses with UPVC roofs may get hotter in summer and colder in winter and need a second or third layer of insulation, which increases the total price.

7. Maintenance

UPVC roofs are marketed as low maintenance, but can still need regular cleaning to avoid algae, dirt and water stagnation, especially in wet or coastal areas. Such maintenance becomes frequent if the gutters are not optimally designed or installed.

8. Noise Amplification

UPVC roofing sheets are prone to making a lot of noise. During rainstorms or a hailstorm, a roof can become deafeningly loud, creating an unpleasant environment for the individuals who live under, or work under it. This is a disadvantage when compared to materials with noise-damping characteristics like asphalt shingles or insulated panels.

9. Limited Heat Resistance

UPVC does not perform well when exposed to too much heat. Areas that are intense in the sun or heatwaves may cause the sheets to warp, expand, or lose structural integrity and can cause the sheets to leak or fall out of alignment with gutters.

10. Vulnerable to Damage

In comparison to other materials such as metal, UPVC is more likely to crack or dent when struck such as a branch, hailstones, or bad handling during installation. Such weaknesses put the long-term durability of the sheet into question.

11. Disrupted Water Flow

Water does not always flow down smoothly on the UPVC roofs because of either poor installation or sagging. This may lead to standing water, which, with time, raises the chances of leaks, mould, or overloading of the gutter system.

12. Life Expectancy

While UPVC is sold to consumers as a durable material, it lasts for a shorter time compared with zinc, aluminium, or ceramic tile, especially when located in areas with temperature fluctuations, high winds, or corrosive sea air.

How UPVC Roofing Sheets and Gutter Systems Work Together

The relationship between your roofing sheets and rainwater gutter system is vital. A perfectly designed roof should guide the water smoothly into the gutters without causing any leakage, overflow, or structural damage. However, with UPVC roofing sheets, the relationship becomes a little trickier. Due to potential sagging, uneven water flow, and other loads, the UPVC roof demands a compatible gutter system that can perform without fail. If this is not taken care of, the common clogging, water spills, and dislodging of gutters are ever so likely to occur.

Where to Buy the Best Rainwater Gutter System?

If you’re considering UPVC roofing sheets, it is essential to choose the right gutter system. That is where Euroguard rainwater gutters come in.

Why is Euroguard Rainwater System Better than Others?

Unlike the conventional gutter systems, which can bend under stress or get clogged quite easily, Euroguard has been designed to complement contemporary roofing material, such as UPVC sheeting. This is what sets it apart from the competition:

• Square Design That Blends

Euroguard has a smooth, square line that fits both residential and commercial roofing profiles. Not only does it perform well, but it also looks good.

• No Maintenance Required

Its smooth internal surface and high-quality material prevent algae formation, debris build-up, and corrosion, making maintenance almost non-existent.

• Built-In Leaf Guard

Euroguard has an inbuilt leaf guard that drastically decreases the possibility of clogging, especially under the UPVC roofs prone to inconsistent water flow. Simple yet extremely effective, this feature protects your system all year round.

• Easy Installation

We thought of installers when designing Euroguard with a snap fit, and snap fit means quick and no-fuss installation, no special tools, no adhesives.

• Retaining Clip System

The retaining clip system adds to the strength and stability to keep the gutter firmly attached even when the UPVC roofing sheets in places flex or sag with the passing heavy rains.

• Withstanding Harsh Weather Conditions

Whether you reside in a region with heavy rainfall, snow, sea breeze, or intense sunlight, Euroguard will live up to your expectations. It remains unaffected by rust, never degrades under UV rays, never suffers from temperature swings, and will hold well compared to the much less resilient UPVC.

• Scratch-Resistant & Shipping Safe

Because it has a high-impact scratch-resistant surface, Euroguard Gutters are protected all through from factory to final installation. No dents, no discolouration, just pure class!

• Leakproof Design

Each component of the Euroguard system is designed to fit perfectly in order to minimise the chances of leaks at joints or corners, which are usually a problem in conventional systems.

• Aesthetic and Functional

Gone are the days when one had to decide between function and style. Euroguard boasts of contemporary finishes and clean lines that add character to any building while providing optimal water management.

Conclusion

UPVC roofing sheets are relatively cheap and simple to install, but they have several drawbacks that you cannot overlook, particularly when you are concerned about their durability and performance in the long run. Ranging from poor insulation and the lack of variety in colours to sagging under the heavy rain and increasing noise, these disadvantages can affect the overall functionality and comfort of your property. Such roofing sheets, coupled with an inferior gutter system, make matters worse. This is why a strong solution such as the Euroguard rainwater gutter system is an intelligent choice. Euroguard offers you all that and more by overcoming the shortcomings of UPVC by being weather resistant, offering a leaf guard, and being leak-free, as well as improving the strength and the value of your building.