Modified Bitumen Roof Installation
The flexibility, durability, and cost-effectiveness of a modified bitumen roof installation make it a popular opportunity for commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings.
Its energy efficiency, ability to withstand temperature shifts, and intense storm cells make the modified bitumen commercial roofing position a preferred choice.
If you are concerned about aging construction, a leaking roof, or catastrophic storm damage, modified bitumen roof replacement may prove the best solution.
If you are considering the installation of a new Modified Bitumen roof on your commercial property, you have landed in the right place.
What is a Modified Bitumen Membrane Roof?
Sometimes called a “torch down roof installation,” modified bitumen roofing systems were developed during the 1960s as an alternative to the labor-intensive and complicated built-up roofing (BUR) system.
Modified bitumen roof installers work with commercial property owners with low-slope and flat roofs to create a lightweight and secure water removal system.
A modified bitumen roofing installation is considered an industry leader in terms of weather resistance, longevity, and cost-effectiveness.
The top layer is made of asphalt bitumen infused with polymers and fiberglass reinforcements cling following a heat or adhesive process and is secured by welded seams.
Below the surface, layers include insulation, a vapor barrier, and underlay, which require the expertise of an experienced modified bitumen roof installation contractor.
When discussing the options with a modified bitumen roof installation services firm, two systems outpace many others.
The 2-ply SBS modified bitumen membranes and 3-ply hybrid roofing system deliver an excellent return on investment due to life expectancy, water removal, and their ability to stand up to a severe weather storm.
The 2-ply SBS modified bitumen commercial roofing products are usually pre-fabricated and available in a wide range of thicknesses.
This option is generally employed as a torch down roof installation.
A 3-ply hybrid modified bitumen roof installation involves a hot mopping process.
Because of the hot mopping element, 3-ply hybrids may be better suited to flat modified bitumen roof installations.
A precision modified bitumen membrane roof delivers decades of protection from water damage when adequately maintained and routinely inspected.
But aging systems, subpar installations, or a catastrophic storm may call for modified bitumen roof replacement.
When You Need Modified Bitumen Roof Installation
Modified bitumen roof replacement is typically driven by two factors — age and damage.
A deftly constructed modified bitumen commercial roofing system can last upwards of 25 years.
Getting the full value of a torch down roof installation calls for scheduling a periodic roof inspection, maintenance, and as-needed repairs.
It’s advisable to implement a modified bitumen roof replacement when reaching 80-85 percent life expectancy.
This avoids suffering a leaking roof and extensive water damage.
The other reason to consider a new modified bitumen roof installation involves storm damage.
After an extreme weather incident, it’s critical to conduct a thorough roof inspection to determine whether the roofing system was compromised.
Modified Bitumen Roof Installation After Hail Damage
Hailstone strikes rank among the most devastating naturally occurring forces.
Upwards of 70 percent of all roof damage insurance claims in the U.S. are the result of a hailstorm.
Although highly resistant to severe weather incidents, modified bitumen roof hail damage occurs when large, fast-moving ice strikes.
Falling ice, the size of a quarter, may not rip a hole in a modified bitumen membrane roof. But relatively small hailstone hits loosen flashing and crack sealants around a parapet.
Ice the size of a hen egg has the projectile force to dent the roof deck and require torch down roof repair at a bare minimum.
There’s no avoiding modified bitumen roof hail damage when a hailstone storm with ice the size of baseballs pummels any commercial building.
Modified Bitumen Roof Installation FAQs
Is TPO better than modified bitumen?
Both a modified bitumen and Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) roof provide benefits.
A TPO roof installation offers benefits such as the ability to overlay an existing system. A modified bitumen roof installation ranks among the most cost-effective options for property owners.
Both systems offer excellent water removal and protection from UV rays. If you are considering roof replacement, discuss your options with an experienced contractor.
How long does an asphalt shingle roof last?
An asphalt shingle roofing system generally lasts 25-30 years with adequate maintenance and repair. Some modern asphalt roofing systems are warrantied up to 50 years.
The key to maximizing the life expectancy of an asphalt shingle roof is regular inspections and making minor repairs as needed.
How long does a modified bitumen roof last?
Modified bitumen roofing systems perform for 25 years or longer when well-maintained.
A flat modified bitumen roof that does not undergo regular inspection and minor repairs can time out in 10 years or less.
Discuss estimated lifespan for different types?
A modified bitumen roof installation should be considered in the context of all available options.
A modified bitumen roof installation can last 25 years or longer. This life expectancy is on par with a TPO roofing system that runs 22-30 years.
Asphalt shingle roofs typically require replacement within 20 years. Metal roofing systems can last up to 50 years in many cases.
Longevity should also be considered against cost, energy efficiency, and the ability to withstand extreme weather.
How long is a modified bitumen roof warranty?
Modified bitumen commercial roofing warranties vary between contractors.
RestoreMasters is a certified installer for several industry-leading modified bitumen manufacturers and can offer premium coverage and warranties for up to 30 years.
Do you work with insurance claims for modified bitumen roof replacement?
When high-wind or roof hail damage occurs, RestoreMasters works closely with the property owner, manager, and a public adjuster to ensure insurance companies provide a full, fair settlement.
A prompt roof inspection and public adjuster firm can expedite the insurance claim process.
This allows emergency roof repair measures such as tarps and shrink wraps to be removed and a permanent modified bitumen roof replacement to move forward.