Modified Bitumen Roofing

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What is Modified Bitumen Roofing? | Types of Modified Bitumen Roofing | Modified Bitumen Roofing Pros & Cons

What is Modified Bitumen Roofing?

Modified bitumen roofing can also be referred to as polymer-modified bitumen, or rubberized asphalt. It is often referred to as "mod bit" in the roofing business.

The term "bitumen" can technically refer to coal or asphalt pitch made of tar "bitumen" means "roofing asphalt" in Europe which is where modified bitumen was developed and then first adopted. Coal tar pitch isn't employed in the manufacturing of mod bit.

Modified bitumen roofing can be described as an asphalt-based roofing material. It can be used in conjunction with other roofing products made of asphalt like asphalt roofing cement, Mastic asphalt cutting back, asphalt coatings, etc.

This is a benefit over the other types of roofing in terms of repairs and maintenance due to the wide range of asphalt roofing materials that are easy to use. Also Read: How to Build a Catslide Roof

Modified Bitumen Roofing Installation

Flat roofs used to be the domain of experts however, new materials allow homeowners to do it themselves to install flat roofing. In the event that your flat roofing is coated in gravel, you'll probably require the services of an expert to repair it. If the roof's surface is smooth, it is possible to replace the roof using layers of bitumen modified as well as EPDM (rubber) roofing.

Talk to your inspector to determine if you'll need to remove the roofing that was previously in place or if it is possible to put a new roof over the roofing. Utilize flashings that have been approved by your building department. Modified-bitumen roofing can be granular like this one or could be smooth. If you decide to use the smooth surface, protect it with an aluminum coating.

The steps below show the "torch-down" method, which appears a bit frightening, however, isn't too difficult. A large propane torch is cheap. You can also put the sheets with adhesive. This sounds simpler, but it's much messier and takes longer. It is possible to take up to two days with helpers, to install the insulation and modify bitumen roofing to create 500 square feet of roofing. Before starting, take measurements and draw a plan for your roof. You can also discuss the project with a professional. Also Read: Saw tooth roof house

Types of Modified Bitumen

Modified bitumen can be described by the type of polymer that is added into the asphalt.

While roofing asphalt is also available with other modifiers for instance SEBS (styrene-ethylene butadiene styrene) mod bit membranes for roofing are exclusively made using two kinds of additives that are App (atactic polypropylene) or SBS (styrene butadiene styrene).

Chemical physical and structural properties between the two kinds of modified bitumen make them slightly different or more suitable than the other to be used on any roof. Also Read: How to insulate a crawl space

The main difference is that APP-modified bitumen is more popular in warmer climates, while SBS-modified bitumen can be found in colder climates.

There aren't any regulations that require the use of a particular type of roof or the other due to local temperature. Other factors could apply to the particular roofing installation. Mod bit of all types is available wherever mod bits are used to install roofing. Also Read: Rubble trench foundation

Mod bit sheets appear to be similar but you won't be able tell the difference by simply taking a look or touching the materials.

APP-Modified Bitumen

The bitumen modified by APP is less elastic, but more durable than SBS-modified and offers greater resistivity towards UV radiations and extreme temperatures. The APP-modified bitumen shouldn't be placed within hot asphalt (hot-mopping method) as it won't melt or bond correctly when applied in this manner.

SBS-Modified Bitumen

SBS-modified bitumen has a higher degree of elasticity than APP-modified bitumen and doesn't change its shape when temperatures drop. SBS-modified bitumen can be positioned in hot asphalt that is not modified. In the past, this has increased its popularity as the primary method of installation was torch application which involves using the use of open flames in order to melt asphalt on the surface on the surface. Also Read: Sandblasted concrete finish

Surfacing for Modified Bitumen Roofing

Asphalt that is not protected is extremely susceptible to UV radiation. The UV radiation destroys these long-chain hydrocarbon molecules which make asphalt strong and durable. This is a common problem for all asphalt-based roofing materials.

To allow asphalt-based roofing systems to last an adequate amount of time, they need to be shielded from the sun. That's why asphalt shingles are sprayed with mineral granules coated in ceramic, and that's the primary reason for why roofs are built up to have gravel surfaces. Also Read: Termite shield plate

There are three kinds of surfacing that can be used for the top sheet (top layer) for roofs with mod bits:

Granule-Surfaced Mod Bit

Ceramic-coated mineral granules can be found in the top layer on mod bit caps (the upper layer in a roof membrane with multiple layers) at the time of manufacturing like roll roofing made of asphalt or asphalt shingles. This is the most commonly used surfacing of mod bit roofs.

Granules of this kind are typically gray in color however customized colors are also available. brown, black, tan, or white granules can be popular. Also Read: Valley flashing installation

Coated Mod Bit

Roof coatings are usually put on after the roofing is put up, but reflective roof coatings that are applied by a factory are becoming more prevalent as companies attempt to meet the demands for reflective roofing in response to changes in regulations for electricity and LEED specifications.

If you are applying a roof coating to an existing uncoated mod bit roofing, meticulous preparation of the surface is required. Modified bitumen will not support the coating, nor does unmodified asphalt.

The loss of granules begins to be evident on a roof that has granules as a surface and the asphalt on certain areas of the roof are exposed, a standard roof maintenance technique can be to put on a roofing coating to the exposed areas on the roofing. Also Read: Asphalt composite roof

Foil-Surfaced Mod Bit

Metal foils are laminated onto the top of the sheet at the factory. Aluminum foil is the in the majority of cases, but stainless steel and copper foils can also be used.

Modified bitumen with a foil surface is typically employed as a flashing material for mod bit roofs, which utilize modified bitumen granule-surfaced for the remaining portion of the roof. This is because of the higher sunlight exposure of (mostly) horizontal flashings when compared against the surface of the flat roofing. Also Read: Benefits of TPO roofing

Granules are known to fade as time passes through, eventually exposing the asphalt to increasing sun, laminated foil typically gives complete UV protection over the entire life of your roof. Mod bits made of foil are expensive, and the material is not able to take well to foot traffic.

Mod bits with a foil surface used for flashing material. The foil is delaminating slowly in certain places because of the shifting between roof decks and walls over time. Also Read: Quartz Pool Finish Problems

Modified Bitumen Roofing Pros

1. There are three methods to apply Modified Bitumen Self-adhesive, hot adhesive, and cold. Each of these methods creates an extremely tight bond, creating.

2. Certain Modified Bitumen roofing materials are able to be reused. This means your roofing materials are able to be reused and avoid being added to the dump pile. This can help lower the carbon footprint of your home.

3. One of the most frequent problems with flat roofing is the possibility of leakage. But due to the coherence of this roof's construction, it isn't an issue.

4. Modified Bitumen is widely known for its ability to reflect heat. The reflective properties make it immune to the sun's radiation. This helps to lower the cost of energy, particularly if lighter colors or transparent topcoats are utilized.

5. There are many options to choose colors with this roofing. The granules of the cap sheets are able to change to match the shade of shingles.

6. Modified Bitumen Roofing Systems are constructed using a 5 layer construction that can withstand the harsh elements of any season and other hazardous elements of the environment. Also Read: Government Assistance for Roof Replacement

7. Modified Bitumen is simple to set up. It is available in rolls that measure 3 feet wide with up to 36 feet long that can be easily rolled onto the roof on top of the base sheet membrane. If damaged, a bitumen patch can be used to swiftly and efficiently fix it. Also Read: Free government window replacement

8. Certain Modified Bitumen roofing materials are able to be reused. This means your roofing materials are able to be reused and avoid being added to the dump pile. This can help lower the carbon footprint of your home.

Modified Bitumen Roofing Cons

1. Modified Bitumen comes with an expected lifespan of 10-20 years. Although it isn't the most expensive, however, it's still among the most affordable of the roofing material alternatives offered. Also Read: Grants for Building a Green Home

2. If there is no adequate drainage system installed in flat roofing water is likely to be at the surface. If this happens, Modified Bitumen is known to wear quicker than other flat roof types such as PVC, TPO, and PVC.

3. One of the most well-known and trusted methods for Modified Bitumen Installation is using the blow torch to create extreme heat and then to install the sheets. It can result in dangerous fumes that can be hazardous if contact is not prevented. Also Read: Foundation spalling repair cost

4. There is a chance that you will notice an odor that is strong after the installation has been completed. The extent, intensity, and long-term effects of the odor will depend on the space covered during installation. You should consider having your roof installed at the time you're ready to move temporarily or take care of the smell for a couple of days.