MODIFIED BITUMEN AND YOUR FLAT ROOF REPAIRS – FAMILY ROOFING

Posted on by David Reid

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At Family Roofing, we take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

 

MODIFIED BITUMEN AND YOUR FLAT ROOF REPAIRS

The facts about your flat roof

Many great-looking houses are designed with flat roofs.  As a homeowner, you probably don’t have the riches to spend on roof installation or repair and reasonable cost is one of the advantages you will find with modified bitumen.  The life expectancy of a flat roof is dependent on many factors.  The climate, materials used in the original installation, and proper drainage are all critically important.  If ponding (collection of water in a specific place) occurs, the water can seep through and damage the underlying surface.  If rot and mold form, you might not even know until the time comes to repair or replace the roof.  Flat roofs can last from as few as 10 years up to as many as 50 years.

Knowing where a leak is coming from is especially difficult in houses with flat roofs.  Although you may see a spot on your ceiling, the leak may not be originating directly above that spot.  Water seeks the path of least resistance and will simply go where it was easiest to access.

What does Modified Bitumen mean?

Modified Bitumen is a popular choice of roofing material for flat or low-sloped structure roofing.  Modified Bitumen, torch down, is a durable, weather-resistant roof covering that is sold in rolls.  Heated with a torch, the seams of Modified Bitumen are sealed or you can choose a cold-applied installation method or self-adhering method.

What is Modified Bitumen made of?

Modified Bitumen is asphalt roofing revolutionized.  Modified Bitumen is made from asphalt and an assortment of rubber modifiers and diluents that are connected in a variety of ways.  The more common way that contractors install Modified Bitumen with a heat application where the seams are melted together by heat to create a seal.  Modified Bitumen is made with multiple layers and yet is still judged as a single ply because of the base sheet or underlayment.  Proper drainage and insulation is still needed with this roofing process and will typically have a ten to fifteen-year warranty by the manufacturer.

What is the difference between built-up roofing and Modified Bitumen?

A BUR roofing system offers the following qualities:

  • Provides multi-layer protection that creates a watertight barrier

  • Relatively inexpensive in a standard specification use

  • Weather-resistant year-round

  • Resistant to heat conduction between a building’s exterior and interior, reducing energy costs

  • ROI from a long lifespan up to 40 years

  • Ideal for most flat or low-slope commercial roofs

  • More layers applied during install, the better the roofing system

Advantages of modified bitumen roof systems

Modified Bitumen has many positive features and long-term benefits. New technologies and application systems make it environmentally-friendly and cost-effective.

  1. When installed correctly, Modified Bitumen roofs have seams as strong as the rest of the roof material.  This eliminates most of the leakage concerns around flat roofing systems.

  2. Modified Bitumen is weather-resistant and can even endure wind and hail.  It is very resilient in cold weather and will not easily crack when temperatures fall well below freezing.

  3. An incredibly energy-efficient system, mod bit’s top layer can be treated with “cool roof features” like thermal emission, or the ability to reflect sunlight and release already-absorbed heat.  This helps reduce your property’s indoor cooling requirements, resulting in lower energy consumption.

  4. Modified Bitumen roofs are also extremely tear-resistant.   If you are a homeowner, you may use your roof as a deck. Modified Bitumen will withstand foot traffic.

  5. The newer systems can be patched relatively easily because breaks and leaks are easier to locate.

  6. Modified Bitumen is recyclable, which is better for the environment.

A Modified Bitumen roofing system offers the following qualities:

  • Extremely tear-resistant due to the reinforcement layer of fiberglass or polyester

  • Ideal for flat or low-slope commercial roofing that has a high amount of foot traffic

  • Instinctive durability, weather-resistant that minimizes repairs

  • Energy-efficient with a top layer that can be upgraded to cool roof features

  • Can be upgraded to solar reflectance and thermal emission, even absorb heat that is reflected from sunlight, which lowers cooling bills

  • Flexible material that is impact resistant

  • Contacts and expands with temperature without losing its shape

How long should a modified bitumen roof last?

Modified Bitumen roofing system is one of the industry’s most robust commercial roofing systems.  Because it is temperature and weather-resistant, and it is flexible and versatile. No other commercial roofing can have polymer material sheets added to it to increase its durability.  A modified bitumen roof that is professionally installed and has regular inspection and maintenance can provide a lifespan of twenty years or longer.

How is modified bitumen roofing installed?

There are two forms of installing modified bitumen roofing: The oldest method is modified bitumen torch down, and the other is a peel-and-stick installation.  Because there is an inherent danger of fire, the torch-down method should only be done by an experienced and qualified roofer.  The following are essential steps for installing a modified bitumen roof:

  1. Clear debris and dirt from the roof.

  2. Lay heavy roofing felt over decking, insulation, or old roof, using cap nails to secure the felt along the bottom and top and up the middle.

  3. Install drip edge flashing, using a primer for adhesion.

  4. Roll out a sheet of modified bitumen roofing material, leaving a few inches of overhang on the sides.

  5.  Ensure the modified bitumen material is perfectly flat then roll up halfway with care.

  6. Wear eye protection, heavy gloves, and long sleeves and ignite the propane torch.

  7. Run the propane tip along the crease of the roofing felt and roofing roll.

  8. When bubbles are formed, using your foot, gently roll the modified bitumen roofing forward.

  9. Place the next modified bitumen roofing sheet so that it overlaps the first one and repeat this process.

Conclusion

If you have a nearly  flat or flat roof, you can protect it using Modified Bitumen coating.  However, for effective performance, you must do regular repairs on the coating.  If you need assistance to do anything, always contact a professional.