CFFA creates online form to assist vinyl roofing recycling

The Cleveland-based Coated Fabrics & Film Association (CFFA) has announced the availability of a downloadable form designed to allow project specifiers to add polyvinyl chloride (PVC) materials recycling and environmental aspects to their bid documents.

Project specifiers quickly can compare cost versus environmental benefits using the PVC Roof Recycling Guide Specifications and Suggested Bid Line Item form that is available on the vinylroofs.org website, according to the CFFA.

The association's intention is to encourage PVC roof recycling and make it easier for specifiers and bidders to include it in their reroofing specifications.

“Reroofing projects don’t have to result in the old roofing material being dumped in a landfill,” CFFA says.

The association says a reroofing project that involves removing an existing PVC roof is an ideal candidate for recycling. The recycling of mechanically attached and induction-welded PVC roofing membranes is a sustainable option with proven results, CFFA says.

CFFA recommends roofing contractors include PVC recycling as a separate alternate bid line item, where appropriate, because it enables building owners to evaluate costs alongside environmental benefits.

“The comparison can help project owners understand that, while recycling adds some cost to the overall reroofing project, some of that cost can be offset with the elimination of landfill fees and increased building value, helping to achieve or maintain green building certification,” CFFA says.

CFFA also recommends roofing contractors coordinate any recycling opportunities directly with the applicable PVC roofing manufacturer.

“Final project documentation should include confirmation of the amount of material diverted from landfills [and] all recycling steps must comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and standard rooftop safety practices,” the association adds.

It also has created a video designed to offer guidance on bundling and shipping the PVC membrane for recycling after it has been removed.

CFFA represents manufacturers of polymer-based fabric and film products used in building and construction, automotive, health care, pool liner and other industries and applications.