Commercial Self Adhered Modified Services in Grand Rapids
Contractors and roofing companies who have been in business for a while and have done commercial work will know about modified bitumen. A modified bitumen (mod bit) roof is a classic replacement for old style built up roof systems. The easiest way to tell if a modified bitumen (mod bit) roof is being installed is whether or not the installer is holding a blow-torch.
What is Modified Bitumen?
Asphalt products like modified bitumen are made from modified bitumen. When the asphalt is blown over the roof substrate or deck, it’s usually packaged in rolls that are rolled out using a blowtorch. It was one of the first substitutes for Built Up Roof systems, which dominated low slope or flat roofs in the early 20th century.
What is the life expectancy of a modified bitumen roof?
The roofing industry has had an established track record using Mod Bit roofs for a very long time, sometimes even longer with appropriate maintenance. Modified bitumen is well known for its strength and durability, making it an ideal material for flat roofing.
Unfortunately, because modified bitumen roofs are so hard to install, they do not have a life of 15 years or longer. Installing mod bits can be a difficult task, especially if one’s roof has challenging properties. Therefore, it is difficult to guarantee a maximum life span.
In addition, because blowtorches that are used on the roof can start a fire, the building must be unoccupied during installation if a torch is used.
EPDM vs. Modified Bitumen
When it comes to installation, modified bitumen is more forgiving than EPDM, but it is more error prone than EPDM. Additionally, Modified bitumen does not withstand ponding water (water in the roof that is not allowed to drain properly).
As a roofing material, EPDM is generally very reliable, easy to install, and can withstand water ponding. Modified bitumen provides better durability than EPDM, however.
Modified Bitumen Pros
Modified bitumen has the highest durability and lasts the longest. Modified bitumen roofs have been known to last up to 20 years without needing much maintenance or attention at all. Traditional asphalt roofing systems begin to experience problems after 10 years and begin to require more frequent maintenance and replacement after that.
The fact that this material has particularly good waterproofing qualities, in addition to its longevity, has also made it possible to use a variety of different installation methods, though usually a hot-processing method is used to get the best durability. Also, mod bit performs exceptionally well in extreme cold weather conditions. Its material is designed to stay flexible (not crack) even when the temperature falls below freezing.
For more information on Commercial Modified Bitumen installation at your business property, call the experts at The Roof Sharks in Caledonia and request a free service estimate.