Which Side Of A PVC Roof Membrane Should Be Glued To The Roof?

Updated 07/27/2026 | Published 07/20/2026

Question:

I bought a pvc roof membrane kit how can I tell which side of pvc to glue down both sides look similiar

asked by: Kenneth C

Expert Reply:

Hi Kenneth!

When installing a PVC roof membrane, like the RecEnergy Membrane Plus RV Roof Replacement Kit w/ Rolled PVC Membrane - 33' Long - White # PM78VR you got, you will want the smooth side to be glued directly to the roof deck. It can be a little hard to tell, but you should be able to feel one side having a texture to it and the other side being smooth. The smooth side will adhere to the glue better and the textured side is more UV resistant, so it needs to be up.

I haven't used the specific kit you got, but I am pretty certain the smooth side is on the outside of the roll. This would make it easier to roll onto the glue when you are doing the install, but definitely double check that before just doing it. It would make sense for them to do this though.

What are you getting ready to install this on? Have you done this kind of thing before?

expert reply by: Lazer S