What is Modified Bitumen Roofing and What Are the Benefits?
 

Because of the high rainfall the state receives for several months during the wet season, modified bitumen roofing on Florida buildings is the perfect roofing solution. It is particularly effective where the roof is flat or the slope very marginal and naturally slows positive drainage of rainwater. Modified Bitumen roofing is also known as Membrane roofing or Torch Down roofing. There are of course different kinds of membrane roofing but because modified bitumen is the most affordable, it is the most commonly used roofing system in residential applications.

The Perfect Roofing Solution for Florida Buildings

Modified bitumen is the traditional asphalt roofing compound to which rubber compounds and other modifiers have been added to make it more plastic or rubber-like. It is generally available in rolls of modified bitumen membrane of width 36” or 39”. Each roll covers a roof area of 100 and 112 square feet respectively. Depending on the substrate a modified bitumen roof system would typically consist of one, two or three ply configurations.

Resistant to Water Intrusion

The biggest advantage in a modified bitumen roofing system is its resistance to rainwater which often collects on flat roofs leading to damage over a period of time. A modified roofing system allows no stagnant water to permeate and so protects the roof. Furthermore the modified bitumen roofing is often improved with the addition of high quality resins which offers additional protection to the building from UV rays.

Get Professional Installation

A modified roofing system can be torch-down installed by a DIY enthusiast. You would require to lay out the bitumen roll over the roof and use a blow torch to melt the underside of the roofing so that it heat-adheres to the substrate. While the process sounds relatively simple, it is advisable to hire the services of a professional contractor who is skilled in installing modified bitumen roofing systems. The roofing has to be properly laid ensuring there are no gaps and air spaces which could compromise its performance. As a measure of additional caution, you should consult with a roofing inspector to advise whether the old roofing needs to be torn off first, or whether the existing roof is good enough to be re-roofed.

There are two other installation processes – cold applied and self adhered. In the cold applied process you need to use cold applied modified bitumen roof membrane. In this process an asphalt-based adhesive is used to glue the membrane to the substrate. The adhesive can either be spray applied prior to installing the membrane or spread with a notched squeegee. In the case of self adhered modified bitumen roofing, the bottom surface of the membrane is treated with adhesive covered with a layer of release paper. No additional adhesive is required when applying the membrane to the substrate. The latter two are relatively easier to install but still require a fair degree of professional expertise for a lasting performance. The level of quality in application is what determines the effective life of the roofing.

Lasting Performance on Florida Roofs

Today modified bitumen roofs are Florida’s most popular roofing systems. The industry considers this a quality hybrid system which provides the best features of a built-up roof with the additional elongation and tensile strength of a modified bitumen cap sheet. When you look for a roofing contractor, choose one who is experienced with modified bitumen roofing systems and examine some of the installations done, preferably those installed several years ago.

All Area Roofing & Waterproofing, Inc. is based out of Tampa. Call us to set up a complementary consultation and an estimate on your repair or installation of a Modified Bitumen commercial roof.