Roll roofing and modified bitumen
Asphalt
Asphalt, also known as bitumen is a sticky, black and highly viscous liquid or semi-solid form of petroleum. It may be found in natural deposits or may be a refined product; it is a substance classed as a pitch. Until the 20th century, the term asphaltum was also used. The word is derived fr…
Is modified bitumen roofing better than asphalt?
Modified Bitumen roofing is better than asphalt roll roofing materials in both longevity and durability. The most significant advantage of modified bitumen is that it is durable and lasts 20 to 30 years. However, the disadvantage is that it’s harder to install and repair, making labor costs higher.
What is a bitumen roll?
Rolls of modified bitumen roofing (cap sheet) placed for quick access during a torch-down roof installation. Modified bitumen is referred to by the type of polymer added to the asphalt. APP ( atactic polypropylene) is a plastic mainly used to modify roofing asphalt.
Can modified bitumen be used as a torch down roof?
SBS modified bitumen can be installed as a torch down roof using heat, cold adhesives, or as a self-adhering membrane. The heat employed in the torch down roofing system tends to be modestly different when installing APP modified bitumen or SBS modified bitumen roll roofing materials.
What is the difference between bitumen and tar pitch?
While the word “bitumen” can technically refer to either asphalt or coal tar pitch, “bitumen” means “roofing asphalt” in Europe, where modified bitumen was invented and first adopted. Coal tar pitch is not used in the production of mod bit. Modified bitumen is an asphalt-based roofing product.
What is modified bitumen?
How long does a modified bitumen roof last?
What is the best type of roofing material for a home?
Why is modified bitumen so hard to install?
What materials are used to attach modified bitumen to a roof?
What are the different types of roofing?
How long does a rolled roof last?
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Is modified bitumen the same as rolled roofing?
Modified bitumen is one of the most common low-slope roofing systems. Not to be confused with similar materials like asphalt roll roofing, EPDM, or TPO, modified bitumen combines hot asphalt with plastic and rubber additives. They are then layered between sheets of polyester or fiberglass.
What is another name for rolled roofing?
Other names for this material are "asphalt prepared roofing, asphaltic felt, cold-process roofing, prepared roofing, rolled roofing, rolled strip roofing, roofing felt, sanded bituminous felt, saturated felt, self-finished roofing felt."
What is modified bitumen roofing?
Modified bitumen is thought of as the evolutionary cousin of the built-up roofing systems (BUR) that have been used on low-slope roofs for more than 100 years. It is made of asphalt combined with polymerized rubber or plastic, then reinforced with fiberglass to create a rugged-yet-flexible waterproof membrane.
How do I know if my roof is modified bitumen?
Try looking at the material edges: modified bitumen roofing is thicker, and its edges are sealed by heating with a torch - you should see a little runout of melted bitumen at the material seams.
When should you use rolled roofing?
Rolled roofing material is often used on roofs that are low-sloped. If your roof pitch declines up to 1 inch vertically for every 12 inches horizontally (1:12 pitch), it is a good candidate for rolled roofing as long as you use the concealed nail method of fastening.
How long does rolled roofing last?
5 to 10 yearsAsphalt Roll Roof Average Lifespan However, asphalt roll isn't the best choice for most homes due to its very short lifespan. The average lifespan of asphalt roll roofing is only 5 to 10 years.
How long will a modified bitumen roof last?
about 20 yearsModified bitumen roofing systems have a lifespan of about 20 years. It's important to note that these roofing systems require very little maintenance, and with proper cleaning and attention to any necessary repairs, modified bitumen roofs can actually last for much longer.
What are three common installation mistakes on modified bitumen roofing?
Modified Bitumen Roofing Problems The following are commonly reported issues: Improper roof slope causing water pooling and degradation of materials. Seam separation/defects from improper application of adhesives. Insulation improperly fastened or installed.
How much does a modified bitumen roof cost?
Modified bitumen Once installed, this material reflects heat well. It's also quite affordable, usually costing between $4 and $8 per square foot.
How can you tell the difference between modified and rolled roofing?
Probably the easiest way to tell just by looking is the seams, the asphalt rolled roofing will have plastic roof cement in the seams, the mod bit will have melted tar squeezing out of the seams.
Is modified bitumen waterproof?
Modified bitumen waterproofing membranes are suitable for all three waterproofing components: structural slabs, slabs on grade and foundation walls. They have gained prominence as a waterproofing material primarily by evolving into advanced builtup systems.
What are different types of modified bitumen?
In this section, some of the most common polymers that are used in the modification of bitumen properties have been reviewed.Styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) ... Styrene butadiene styrene (SBS) ... Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) ... Modification of bitumen with rubber powder (CRM) ... Bitumen modification using polyphosphoric acid (PPA)More items...•
Is TPO rolled roofing?
TPO roofing systems are a single layer of synthetics and reinforcing scrim used to cover flat roofs. TPO membranes are manufactured in sheets 10, 12, or 20 feet wide. These sheets are then rolled up and taken to the commercial facility.
What is a roll out roof?
Roll roofing is an oil-based asphalt product that comes in 100 square foot rolls. Just like rolling out carpet on the floor, this roofing can be rolled right out onto the roof to protect your structure from the weather. This material is pretty lightweight, as a 100 square foot roll weighs about 75 pounds.
What is a rolled composite roof?
Simply put, rolled roof is larger, thinner, less durable, and cheaper as compared to asphalt. It is installed horizontally using long strips. Composite shingles are stronger and safer than rolled roof. They are less susceptible to cracking and tearing because they distribute stress across the area of moving parts.
How can you tell the difference between modified and rolled roofing?
Probably the easiest way to tell just by looking is the seams, the asphalt rolled roofing will have plastic roof cement in the seams, the mod bit will have melted tar squeezing out of the seams.
What is the difference between modified bitumen and roll roofing?
The difference is that modified bitumen roofing is a heavier roof material with a longer life expectancy of 10 to 16 years. It is fully adhered with a cold adhesive spread over the underlayment or secured by heating in place with a propane torch. There is also self-adhering version. Roll roofing and modified bitumen are both suitable ...
How long does roll roofing last?
Average lifespan is about 6 to 10 years, with an average of 8 years.
What is the best roofing material for a low slope roof?
Roll roofing and modified bitumen are both suitable for low-slope roofs. Modified bitumen is approved for “flat” roofs with minimal slope, but roll roofing is not viable below a 2/12 pitch (two inches of rise for each twelve inches of horizontal run) with exposed nails, or a maybe little lower with concealed nail installation.
What does it mean when a roof is face nailed?
It is usually face-nailed in place, which means that the nail heads are exposed and visible on top of the roofing. The combination of being inexpensive to buy and simple to install makes it a popular choice for sheds, porches, and barns. But every nailhead is a future leak.
How thick is a modified bitumen roof?
So the average modified bitumen roof membrane (not including other roof system components) is about 300 mils (7.62 mm or 0.3 inches) thick and weighs around 2.2 pounds per square foot.
What is Modified Bitumen?
Modified bitumen is also known as polymer-modified bitumen or rubberized asphalt. It is usually called “mod bit” in the roofing industry.
What is bitumen pitch?
While the word “bitumen” can technically refer to either asphalt or coal tar pitch, “bitumen” means “roofing asphalt” in Europe, where modified bitumen was invented and first adopted. Coal tar pitch is not used in the production of mod bit.
How is a mod bit made?
Mod bit is produced by blending raw asphalt with polymeric additives (synthetic plastic or rubber) which increase the durability, strength, and flexibility of the asphalt.
What is the code for bitumen roofing?
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.
What is a ceramic coated granule?
Ceramic-coated mineral granules are embedded in the top surface of mod bit cap sheets (the top layer of a multi-layer roof membrane) at the factory , as with asphalt shingles or roll roofing. This is by far the most common surfacing for mod bit roofing.
What color are granules?
These granules are most often some shade of gray, but custom colors are available and tan, brown, black, or white granules are common.
What is a tar and gravel roof?
Bitumen consist of asphalt, coal tar, and cold-applied adhesive. The gravel part of “tar and gravel” built up roof is the last layer applied and may be a crushed stone or gravel.
What does built up roof mean?
Flat roof structures have several choices in what type of roofing material to use. Which one can depend on the climate and environment where the structure is located, and of course, the owner’s budget has a big part of that decision too. Many structures around the country choose to go with a built up roof system.
How do you install a built up roof?
One thing for sure, a built up roof construction isn’t a DIY kind of job! The built up roof is simple looking by the untrained, but rest assure, there is a reason you need a professional roofing contractor install your built up roof system. Still, curiosity is there, so we share these basics of installing a built up roof with you:
What is flat roof?
A flat roof is typical of most commercial buildings because of the many benefits it offers a large size building. They are often a built up roof that is created by alternating a layers or stacks of bitumen as we have discussed earlier. Another option for a built up roof system is the modified-bitumen roof, which is comprised of asphalt and plastic, or sometimes rubber polymers. This method is a safer application with some benefits that the traditional built up roof system doesn’t offer like flexibility, redundancy, and UV resistance.
What is modified bitumen?
Modified bitumen is meant to be a more enforced way to protect your roof in place of applying individual shingles. Modified bitumen is mainly made of hot asphalt that is combined with plastic and rubber-related materials. Modified bitumen can be hard to install as it consists of multiple layers.
How long does a modified bitumen roof last?
The average lifespan of a modified bitumen roof is anywhere from 20 to 30 years. However, the average lifespan of a modified bitumen roof can vary depending on the weather conditions that the roof endures. In addition, the average lifespan of a rolled roofing roof can vary depending on how well the contractor installed it.
What is the best type of roofing material for a home?
Modified bitumen is one of the best types of roofing for your home that you can have today.
Why is modified bitumen so hard to install?
In addition, modified bitumen can take a long time to install because each layer needs to be applied to your roof correctly and one at a time.
What materials are used to attach modified bitumen to a roof?
These other materials include flashings, nails, cement, and primers.
What are the different types of roofing?
However, some types of roofing are better than others. Two of the main types of roofing available that you can have today are rolled roofing and modified bitumen. These two types of roofing are very different from each other but can both be excellent choices for roofing for your home.
How long does a rolled roof last?
The average lifespan of a rolled roofing roof is anywhere from 5 to 20 years. However, the average lifespan of a rolled roofing roof can vary depending on the roof endures’ weather conditions. In addition, the average lifespan of a rolled roofing roof can vary depending on how well the contractor installed it.