Commercial roofing is serious business. After all, your facility’s roof is a crucial element in the building envelope, or the barrier between conditioned and unconditioned environments that keeps the elements, heat, and noise at bay. A reliable roof frees you to focus on your work, so savvy commercial property owners install a quality roof and maintain it. For many, that means modified bitumen roofing. To determine if this is the right option for your facility, you’ll want to discover what this type of roofing is and its pros and cons. It’s also helpful to explore how to extend the lifespan of a modified bitumen roof.
What Is Modified Bitumen Roofing?
Modified bitumen roofing is used on flat and low-slope roofs. It combines two or more layers to deliver a roofing system that is both sturdy and flexible. It mixes asphalt with polymerized rubber or plastic and reinforces it with mats made from fiberglass, polyester fabric, or a blend of these materials. Varying methods of application and configuration offer extensive possibilities, making modified bitumen roofing an ideal fit for a wide range of facilities.
What Benefits Does Modified Bitumen Roofing Offer?
As Polyglass points out, a modified bitumen roof can provide numerous advantages:
- Durability: When rough weather rolls through, modified bitumen roofs hang tough. They resist extreme temperatures, heavy rainfalls, and high winds without flinching.
- Flexibility: The clever composition of modified bitumen roofing membranes creates flexibility. This allows for natural contraction and expansion, so there’s no cracking or splitting.
- Installation: While professional installation is a must, there are multiple methods available. These include heat welding, or torching, and mopping in hot asphalt. Other techniques include cold-process adhesive and self-adhering membranes. Numerous techniques provide the flexibility to select the best option. In addition, installation is generally fairly quick when completed by an experienced pro, which helps to keep labor costs down.
- Weatherproofing: Because this roofing delivers such amazing flexibility and durability, it excels at weatherproofing.
- Lifespan: With the right installation and maintenance, modified bitumen roofing can deliver decades of reliable service. These roofs have an average lifespan of 20 years.
- Energy efficiency: Would you like to improve energy efficiency? Choose a lighter color roofing or invest in reflective coatings that reduce heat absorption.
Are There Potential Drawbacks?
Every product has potential drawbacks. With modified bitumen roofing these include all the following:
- Installation odors: When heat is used to apply this roofing, the smell can be pungent and unpleasant. However, this doesn’t last long.
- Heat absorption: Dark roofing absorbs heat, which may increase interior temperatures slightly. Opting for a light color roofing or applying reflective coatings prevents this problem.
- Lifespan: This roofing lasts an average of 20 years. Some products advertise greater longevity.
Are There Ways to Extend the Lifespan of a Modified Bitumen Roof?
Whether you’re considering new modified bitumen roofing or already have this type of roofing, you’ll want to protect your investment. Fortunately, there are several ways to extend the lifespan of modified bitumen roofing:
- Install the right product: For the best results, you’ll want a quality product that’s the right choice for your climate and facility. It’s also important to have it installed properly. To get it right, reach out to a reputable roofer in your area.
- Limit traffic: Foot traffic causes wear and tear, which can shorten the lifespan of your roof. An experienced pro will incorporate walkways into your roofing system design to minimize foot traffic.
- Protect the roof with regular inspections: Regular inspections can help you locate problems early so they can be fixed before major troubles erupt. Modified bitumen roofing should be inspected by a professional every six months.
- Maintain the roof with regular cleanings: Algae and debris can build up on a roof and cause damage. Professional cleanings with specialized tools and techniques protect your investment, your roof, and your facility.
- Complete repairs as needed: Modified bitumen roofing can be repaired, and any issues should be addressed promptly to avoid additional damage to your roof or facility.
Modified bitumen roofing can be an excellent choice for a commercial facility, and working with an experienced roofer is essential to get the most out of your roof. Taylor-Made Roofing is fully licensed and insured and prepared to assist you with all your commercial roofing needs. To learn more about our services, contact us today.