Modified bitumen roofing

Modified Bitumen Roofing

Did you know that there were nearly 11 massive hurricanes on the US territory in 2023? 3 of them were Category 3 hurricanes or higher, having maximum wind speeds of about 110 mph. These hurricanes affected the states of Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, causing damages of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

To prevent spending large sums of money on roof repairs, it’s best to install a durable roofing system right from the start and maintain it regularly. For example, modified bitumen roofs are some of the most long-lasting and appreciated roofing types. They can be installed on both residential and commercial properties. Keep reading to learn more about the modified bitumen roof system and its benefits.

1. It’s Waterproof and Weatherproof

Roofing materials need to provide adequate protection against different weather conditions. Luckily, modified bitumen is made of asphalt combined with a few other materials such as fiberglass and polyester. These materials add extra strength and durability to the bitumen roofing, making it very resistant to different weather conditions.

For example, modified bitumen roofs can withstand extreme temperatures in the summer and winter. It cannot be badly damaged by hurricanes, heavy tropical rains, or snow. It’s waterproof and doesn’t allow water infiltration which can cause mold and mildew. A modified bitumen roofing is the ideal choice regardless of the climate in your region.

2. It Can Last for 20 Years or More

As a rule of thumb, roofs made from modified bitumen have a long lifespan. They require little to no maintenance and they can resist for at least 20 years on average. Your bitumen roof needs to be properly installed by an expert to ensure a long lifespan. Most homeowners and business owners save a lot of money over the years because they don’t have to pay for expensive roof repair projects if they choose bitumen roofing.

3. It’s UV Resistant

UV radiation that comes from the sun can be dangerous for the skin as well as for building materials. It has a degrading effect that can be seen over the years. For example, UV radiation can make furniture items and construction materials seem faded. They will lose their natural color and beauty. However, this is not true for modified bitumen.

This material is resistant to UV radiation. It prevents sunlight from damaging the insulation of your roof as well as other building materials. Since bitumen roofs are usually black, the fading effect of UV radiation is not a concern for homeowners and business owners.

4. Modified Bitumen Roofs Are Easy to Maintain

As mentioned earlier, this type of roof can last for decades and it requires little to no maintenance. It can be easily installed by applying multiple layers of bitumen on flat roofs. There are no nails, bolts, seams, or other materials that need to be interlocked. This roof is fire-rated and doesn’t allow the spreading of flames.

In rare cases when bitumen roofing gets damaged, it can also be easily repaired. In most cases, the roofers simply add another bitumen layer on your roof. This will cover any deterioration present and remove cracks or damages that might have formed. Adding a new layer of bitumen is affordable and can be done in just a few hours.

5. It Comes With a Long Warranty Period

Thanks to the fact that bitumen roofs are so durable, the manufacturers also offer long-lasting warranties. For example, you should expect to get a warranty policy of 5 or 10 years for your bitumen roofing. In some cases, your warranty can be extended even more. Property owners have more peace of mind when they go for bitumen roofing because their investment is protected.

6. Modified Bitumen Roofing Is Affordable

Another great advantage of modified bitumen consists of its affordability. This type of material costs around 5 – 6 dollars per square foot on average. Some types of bitumen are better than others, but you’ll not break the bank by installing bitumen roofing on a residential or commercial property. Thanks to its durability, it’s also possible to obtain a smaller premium from your insurance company as well.

How Is Modified Bitumen Applied to Your Roof?

It’s possible to add modified bitumen to a roof in various ways. Some of the most complex methods usually used for large roofs include a torch to heat up the bitumen before applying. Different types of specialized equipment are also used to apply multiple layers of modified bitumen quickly and safely. In most cases, a primer and a layer of felt are applied to the flat roof before modified bitumen is laid down.

You can usually find modern properties having a flat roof in the Miami Beach and Las Olas Isles areas. This is where modified SBS hot-mopped roofing is applied. SBS stands for Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene and it refers to a collection of synthetic rubbers used on flat roofs.

It’s also possible to install modified bitumen roofing without the use of a torch. There are special kits that allow you to peel and stick strips of bitumen directly on the flat roof. These methods are usually reserved for the smaller roofs of residential properties. It’s important to pick a sunny day with beautiful weather to install modified bitumen, so that rain doesn’t interrupt your project.

As a safety consideration, modified bitumen should be installed on flat roofs that have little to no foot traffic. Walking on a flat roof on a regular basis can deteriorate the UV-resistant layer of a modified bitumen roof. Therefore, make sure that you don’t deposit supplies or other items on your flat roof if you want to add modified bitumen.

Secondly, it’s important for the roof to be properly insulated. The modified bitumen layers tend to attract a lot of heat during hot summer days. If your roof is properly insulated, this heat will not be transferred to your property and increase your energy bill.

Now You Know More About the Benefits of Modified Bitumen

As you can see, roofs made from modified bitumen have a lot of advantages that you simply cannot ignore. If you’re convinced that this is the roofing type you want, set a budget, and decide when it’s the best moment to add modified bitumen to your flat roof.

We are licensed roofing contractors in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and we have years of experience installing different types of roofs. Make sure that you contact us today to learn more about modified bitumen roofs and obtain an estimate for your project!