Understanding Modified Bitumen Roofs

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Modified bitumen roofs have become a popular choice for commercial buildings, particularly those with flat or low-slope roofs. This roofing material is known for its durability, flexibility, and efficiency. At United Contracting & Roofing LLC, we are dedicated to providing top-notch roofing solutions that prioritize experience, quality, and service.

What Is Modified Bitumen Roofing?

Modified bitumen roofing consists of polymer-modified asphalt, which enhances the material’s strength and flexibility. Developed as an improvement over built-up roofing, modified bitumen offers superior weather resistance and longevity.

Types of Modified Bitumen Roofing

SBS Modified Bitumen: This type integrates rubber polymers into the asphalt, providing flexibility and water resistance. Installation methods include hot mopping and cold adhesives.
APP Modified Bitumen: This variant incorporates plastic polymers, enhancing UV resistance and reducing water absorption. It is typically installed using heat welding or torch applications.

Advantages of Modified Bitumen Roofs

Durability

Modified bitumen roofs are highly durable, capable of withstanding storm damage and debris. This makes them particularly suitable for regions like the Southeast, where weather conditions can be severe.

Fire Resistance

Many modified bitumen membranes have Class A fire ratings, the highest possible, enhancing the overall safety of the building.

Energy Efficiency

These roofs provide excellent energy efficiency, with tight seals and solid insulation barriers reducing energy loss. APP-modified bitumen, in particular, offers superior UV resistance.

Waterproofing

Multi-ply installation of modified bitumen roofs ensures long-lasting waterproofing, protecting the building from interior water damage.

Cons of Modified Bitumen Roofs

Potential Heat Absorption

Dark asphalt materials can absorb heat, potentially contributing to interior heat gain if not properly insulated or UV-resistant.

Foot Traffic Resistance

While durable, modified bitumen roofs may not be ideal for areas with high foot traffic due to their maximum lifespan of around 20 years.

Installation Odors

Some installation methods can produce strong odors and off-gassing, which might require temporary relocation of building occupants.

Typical Components in a Modified Bitumen Roof

Insulation and Vapor Barrier

The base layer provides thermal resistance and indoor temperature control, often followed by a vapor barrier.

Overlay

An overlay board may be required for torch-applied APP-modified bitumen to ensure a proper seal and protection.

Modified Bitumen Layers

Multiple layers of modified bitumen are applied to create a durable and weatherproof roofing system.

Conclusion

Modified bitumen roofing offers numerous benefits for commercial buildings with flat or low-slope roofs. Its durability, fire resistance, energy efficiency, and waterproofing capabilities make it an excellent choice for long-term roofing solutions. To learn more about our roofing services, contact United Contracting & Roofing LLC today.For more details on enhancing your roof system with elastomeric coatings, click here.

Taking care of your roof may not seem fun, but catching problems early on could save you both time and money in the long run. Leaky roofs can cause damage within your walls and leave you and your family with headaches to fix the damage. Determining the cost for roof repair or replacement can depend on a variety of factors. Having a trusted professional assess the damage and prepare an estimate for you can save you time, money and stress in the long run!

The first question to ask when it comes to roof repair is how old is your roof? And have you ever had to repair sections of your roof before? Older roofs do tend to need more maintenance and care as they could be more prone to leaks.

The second thing to think about is if you have had any storms recently. Difficult weather and storms add a lot of wear and tear on your roof whether it’s a new roof or not. Hail and hard rain can cause extensive damage to your home.

Lastly, have you seen any bubbles in your ceilings? This can be the first visual sign that there is damage or a leak in your roof. At this point you don’t want to wait. Finding out the damage on your roof and getting it repaired could save you thousands of dollars in the future.

If you are concerned about any of the items above and want experts to review the damage, we offer free inspections! There is no need to wait until you know there is a huge problem.

Damaged roofs take a toll on the whole family, and we are here to take the stress out of any problem you face by starting with a free inspection.

If there is no lasting damage that needs repaired, we will tell you. If there is, rest assured that the project will be completed to your satisfaction!

One of the biggest hassles we see families face when repairing their roof is working with insurance companies. Because of this, we have expert representatives who review the insurance claims and meet with your insurance adjuster so you don’t have to.

Don’t wait until there is lasting damage from your leaky roof. We are here to make the process as easy as possible.

Contact us today to schedule your free inspection!

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November 13, 2024 Blog

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