CALL FAMILY ROOFING FOR ALL OF YOUR ROOFING, GUTTER AND CHIMNEY/BRICK REPAIR NEEDS IN WASHINGTON, DC AT (202) 276-5004 OR EMAIL US AT FAMILY.ROOFING@YAHOO.COM! CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE AT https://www.familyroofing.net/
Bitumen Roof- Advantages
There are several different advantages to using a bitumen roof on your home. Unlike some newer types of roofing, it has a long, proven track record that can be counted on. Bitumen roofs are one of the longer lasting types of flat roofing materials.
Regardless of how the material is applied (self-adhesive sheets, hot-mopped asphalt, or cold-applied adhesives), the seams are usually melted together which help stop leaks. Other types of membrane roofing have seams that are left open or covered with another material that can weaken over time, so the fact that a bitumen roof can be seamless is a big advantage.
A Bitumen roof is also very durable. They have a high-tensile strength so they are unlikely to develop the kinds of cracks that other flat and membrane roofs are known for. They are also rated against wind, fire and hail so they are unlikely to be damaged in the event of a storm.
Bitumen Roof- Disadvantages
Like all roof types, a bitumen roof does have some drawbacks. The first is their black color, which can absorb rather than reflect heat. And while the material itself may not be damaged by heat or UV rays, if proper insulation is not used with it, this absorption of heat can lead to superheating of the building below.
Bitumen roofing is also available in 1, 2, or 3-ply. The 1-ply material is not durable. If used can pose certain problems such as breaking down prematurely. The 2 and 3-ply material roofs cost significantly more to install, which can make this one of the most costly types of flat roofing products around.
Granules need to be included as part of the installation process to help protect the roof from the sun. If they are not included, this can further raise the temperature of the building or damage the roof. Unfortunately, not all types of bitumen roofs include granules as part of the installation process.
Finally, if your roof is likely to hold a lot of water or to gather puddles of standing water after rainstorms, this can prematurely age and damage the bitumen roof.
Durable When Done Right
The key to getting a successful bitumen roof job done is to make sure you are having it done correctly. This means using a 2 or 3-ply material and having it coated against UV exposure. When done right, a bitumen roof can far outlast the competition.
Maintenance Tips for a Modified Bitumen Roof
If your roof is put together in pieces, or heat welded together with separate pieces, these can sometimes come apart. You need to check the roof over for pieces pulled up from the roof or even pieces that are missing as can happen with bad weather and high winds. If you find a spot such as this, call a Pro. You will need to have it patched with another piece heat applied to the roof and cover any wood that is exposed.
Checking for Holes and Rips
Another way that these roofs can be damaged is something falling on them and tearing holes such as a tree limb that are pushed by high winds. It may just be a tiny hole, but it is a potential leak. If you find such a hole, call a Pro! Have them check around the roof for any additional holes or tears, makeing sure to check around chimney and any vents that are on the roof.
Look Out for the Curling Edges
With the self adhesive applications of this type of roof, you always have a chance that the edges will pull up. Could be by bad application of the installer or strong storms and winds that will pull them up from the edges of the roof. This will be a bad place for leaks to start in. Any wind or rain coming in that direction will push it back even more. Call a Pro to repair this by applying the roofing cement to the exposed spot. Make sure there is no damaged wood underneath first. Then pull the piece back over making sure to push it over and around the edge of the roof to keep it intact.
CALL FAMILY ROOFING FOR ALL OF YOUR ROOFING, GUTTER AND CHIMNEY/BRICK REPAIR NEEDS IN WASHINGTON, DC AT (202) 276-5004 OR EMAIL US AT FAMILY.ROOFING@YAHOO.COM! CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE AT https://www.familyroofing.net/
A Bitumen roof is also very durable. They have a high-tensile strength so they are unlikely to develop the kinds of cracks that other flat and membrane roofs are known for. They are also rated against wind, fire and hail so they are unlikely to be damaged in the event of a storm.
