Advantages Of A Modified Bitumen Roofing
Here are some advantages that installation of Modified Bitumen Roof System provide:
Modified Bitumen Roofings 5 Layer System
Modified bitumen roof systems framework features a five-layer combination of roofing components. These are:
Modified Bitumen Roofing Costs
- Location
- Seasonal pricing discounts
We canât put an exact number on what your roof will cost to replace as there are too many variables at hand, however we would be happy to come out to your property and give you a complimentary estimate after we have inspected your roof. Once a full inspection has been done, then we can gather all the information needed to perform an accurate estimate for your modified bitumen roof.
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Modified Bitumen Roofing Properties & Installation Methods
As stated in Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction, chapter on BEST ROOFING PRACTICES:
Most modified-bitumen roofs are torch-applied, althoughthere are also self-adhesive and cold-process systems. Thewaterproofing membrane, sometimes called âsingle-plymodified,â consists of asphalt bitumen reinforced with apolyester or fiberglass fabric and modified with polymersto give it greater strength, flexibility, resistance to UVdegradation, and resistance to heat and cold.
A variety ofdifferent chemical formulations have been tried over theyears. It is best to stick to a product with an establishedtrack record. In general, modified-bitumen roofs can beapplied to slopes as shallow as1/4 inch per foot.
Modified Bitumen Roofing System Vs Tpo
Modified bitumen vs TPO it is a question on the mind of many commercial building owners.
Generally speaking, there are two kinds of commercial flat roofing systems that are most commonly found in the Northeast. These are modified bitumen and thermoplastic polyolefin or TPO. The former has been around since the 1970s and is one of the more traditional methods of flat commercial roofing.
TPO has been around since the 1990s and both do well in extreme temperatures, both extremely hot as well as bitterly cold. And given the locale , this is a perfect set of traits to have to stand up to the huge swings in temperature.
More and more these days, however, TPO commercial roofing is surging in popularity. What you might not have realized is that TPO roofs are installed more than all other flat roof alternatives combined, including a PVC flat roof.
This piece will take a deeper look into both kinds of roof systems and examine each of them. This includes cost, expected life and longevity, and overall value of each of these roofing systems so that you can make the most informed decision possible.
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An Overview Of Modified Bitumen Roofing #
Modified bitumen roofing systems were developed in Europe in the 1960s and first used in the United States in the 1970s. Manufactured in a roll material, MBR membranes contain polymer-modified bitumen with reinforcing plies of fiberglass, polyester, or a combination of the two materials. A modified bitumen roofing system may also have a factory surfacing made from mineral granules, aggregate, metal foil-laminate, or liquid-applied surfacing.
As for the modified bitumen, there are two major polymers used to enhance it:
- APP Polymer: Providing a more plastic-like quality to the asphalt, atactic polypropylene membranes are usually heat-welded or torch applied.
- SBS Polymer: Styrene-butadiene-styrene polymer has a more “rubberized” quality and can be installed with mopped-on hot bitumen, cold adhesive, or a self-adhesive backing.
A bitumen roofing system can be applied as a one, two, or three-ply system, although two-ply is the most common. The system is usually fully adhered.
Is The Material Safe To Use
Many people are concerned about the safety of using modified bitumen on their roofs. The first thing to note is that the material is made up of a mixture of asphalt and mineral fillers.
All of which have been used for roofing for many years. Modified bitumen was first introduced into Australia in 1978, with no real issues since then.
The concern that people have is that the bitumen will be heated to high temperatures during installation which could potentially release harmful fumes.
To combat this, strict guidelines are in place to ensure the safety of workers and occupants of buildings during installation.
Employees working with modified bitumen must comply with the Occupational Health & Safety Act 2004 and also the state regulations.
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What Are The Benefits Of Modified Bitumen Roofing
There are various benefits of modified Bitumen roofing that are as follows:
Modified Bitumen Roofing System Explained
September 17, 2020 By atlanta_commercial_roofer
Avoid spending resources on the wrong roofing system for your commercial property, and learn the benefits and properties of a modified bitumen roof. By knowing its advantages and how modified bitumen roofing systems protect your property or commercial building, you can make informed decisions when replacing your existing roofing system.
atlantacommercialroofingcontractors.com gathered the most helpful information about the modified bitumen product, its installation process, the warranty, material cost, frequently asked questions, and the potential problems with modified bitumen roofing systems.
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Cost Of Modified Bitumen Roofing
Modified bitumen roofing is generally not much more expensive than other types of roofing, however there are certain factors that may increase the total costs.
The following categories will provide a list of factors and whether they increase or decrease the cost:
Surface Preparation Decreases Cost: Most roofing contractors prepare the roof deck by cleaning existing roofing materials from the surface, repairing any damaged components, and ensuring proper ventilation.
In cases where there is no existing insulation on the roof deck, it is recommended that the roof be prepared with an insulation board like polyisocyanurate.
This will increase the cost of the project, but it will also improve the energy efficiency of the home, resulting in a longer life for your modified bitumen shingles.
Modified Bitumen Roofing Decreases Cost: Since most homes are currently built with asphalt shingles, applying modified bitumen is the least expensive type of roofing to apply.
Also, since there is no tear off process for this type of roofing system the cost of disposal is also minimal.
However, its important to note that most professional companies that install modified bitumen will charge a considerably higher price than asphalt shingle roofers.
Roof Pitch Increases Cost: Roof pitches greater than 7/12 require additional materials and labor, which increase the final cost of the project.
Application Methods For Modified Bitumen Roof
There are different types of Modified Bitumen roofing systems to install. Below we are going to read about the two different types of installation of Modified Bitumen roofing. Two types of Bitumen roofing installation are: Torch-Down installation method and a peel and stick installation method.
Tools used in the installation of Modified Bitumen Roofing
- Measuring tape
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Installing Drip Edge Flashing
Why There Had Been No Warranty On This Modified Bitumen Roof
Low bids are very attractive. Often property owners arent aware of their re-roofing options or why one bid is so much lower than another. And some contractors are not always truthful about the type and magnitude of problems that can be created by cutting corners. The church had received an excellent price for a roof of this size but, unfortunately, it had to deal with constant leaks from the day it was installed.
Not getting a warranty is another way to cut up-front costs. But in the end, it only makes things worse. While you initially save on inspections and other warranty-related costs, without the materials manufacturer inspecting the system, contractors can ignore the manufacturers specs and install the roof any way they please including not actually attaching the roof membrane. They can also use inferior products and untrained installers.
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Disadvantages Of A Modified Bitumen Roof
Despite having many advantages MB roofing systems like all roofing systems do present some drawbacks. The first has to do with their black color which absorbs various forms of heat instead of reflecting it. The building can become superheated below if insulation is not properly used. However, the UV rays and heat will not damage the material itself. 1-ply MB roofing can break down too early as it is not as durable as 2-ply or 3-ply. While 2-ply or 3-ply is more desirable it can be significantly more expensive to install. This makes it one of the more pricey flat and low slope roofing products around.
If your roof is more prone to puddles and standing water, it can age the MB roof prematurely. This can speed up damage caused to the roof by rain, snowstorms, and other weather events. Finally, not all MB roofs contain granules in the installation procedure. The Installation has to include Granules to help further protect the roof from the sun. However, if not included, it could lead to higher temperatures that can eventually lead to roof damage.
What Is Modified Bitumen Roofing
Modified Bitumen systems are a modern evolution of the age-old built up roofing systems in place on building as for 100s of years. BUR systems consist of multiple layers of roofing felt embedded in hot-mopped asphalt. Hot mopping is all but gone in modern roofing having lost its place to modified bitumen and single ply systems like TPO or EPDM. But Modified Bitumen keeps many of the benefits and qualities of BUR without the intense labor and danger of hot mopped systems.
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Professional Modified Bitumen Roofing Services
We specialize in commercial roofing applications and some of our favorite roofing systems to work with is modified bitumen. We provide expert roofing installation, replacement, and repairs. Were so confident in the quality of our work that we offer labor and material warranties on every roof we replace, including all types of Modified Bitumen roofing systems.
Our friendly and skilled team will advise you on the best modified bitumen roofing installation procedure to suit your specifications so you get the exact roof that your building needs. Give us a call to get your free quote.
Modified Bitumen Flat Roofing
Modified Bitumen is an evolution of asphalt roofing. It is made from asphalt and a variety of rubber modifiers and solvents. There are several ways of connecting pieces of this material. In a heat application process the seams are heated to melt the asphalt together and create a seal. There are also hot-mopped tar applications with layered fiberglass sheets, called built-up roofing. Cold-applied adhesives and self-adhering membranes are two of the more recent options. This material is also referred to as APP and SBS .
MRC Roofing provides time-tested, reliable fully integrated, long lasting roofing systems in cold- or hot-applications and a range of modified bitumen performance levels all of which provide exceptional waterproofing protection for your building.
MRC Roofing provides time-tested, reliable fully integrated, long lasting roofing systems in cold- or hot-applications and a range of modified bitumen performance levels all of which provide exceptional waterproofing protection for your building.
Itâs important to verify that there is positive slope in the roof structure to ensure proper drainage. Over time, wood structures with to low of a slope can sag and cause ponding conditions. Completely flat roofs or roofs with negative slope need to be re-engineered with a minimum rise over run of ¼â:12â up to a preferred 2â:12â slope.
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Useful Links For Modified Bitumen Roofing Information
1. General: See this very informative, in-depth general article about various roof systems on the Whole Building Design Guide site, which is maintained by the National Institute of Building Sciences.
2. General: Polymer-Modified Bituminous Roofing Systems is a good, succinct introduction to mod bit. The article is from 2007 and archived at Buildings.com.
3. General: Advantages, Limitations and Selection of Modified Bitumen was published in 1987, but still has a lot of useful and valid information. Made available by the NRCA on their websites Technical Services Section.
4. Building Codes: R905.11 Modified Bitumen Roofing from the 2018 International Residential Code and 1507.11 Modified Bitumen Roofing from the 2018 International Building Code. Both available on the UpCodes website.
6. Inspection of Modified Bitumen Roof Systems: Membrane and Flashing Condition Indexes for Modified Bitumen Roofs: Inspection and Distress Manual is an extremely detailed and valuable resource put together by the US Army Corps of Engineers Engineer Research and Development Center.
7. Safety: See this material safety data sheet for health and safety information about SBS-modified bitumen roofing at the Siplast website. This is only an example and other products and brands may be different.
9. Technical: See this application manual for insight into how a modified bitumen roof system is put together. This guide is available on the GAF website.
Cleaning And Insulating The Roof
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