Should Corpus Christi TX Commercial Properties Use Modified Bitumen Roofs?

Most manufacturers and suppliers tout modified bitumen roofs as highly advantageous because it is affordable and easy to install. True enough, it's easier to install than single-ply roofs, which sometimes need advanced equipment to install. However, its price leaves some Corpus Christi TX property owners questioning the viability of the roofing material especially as a long-term roofing investment.

As one of Corpus Christi TX's well-renowned and experienced roofers, we find modified bitumen roofs on par with the performance of EPDM, TPO, and even PVC roofs. Campo Roofing has a great list that showcases the advantages of modified bitumen roofs for commercial properties.

WHAT IS MODIFIED BITUMEN ROOFING?

Modified bitumen is a modern take on built-up roofing, a traditional roofing material also known as “tar-and-gravel” roofs. Modified bitumen roofs afford the same levels of protection as built-up roofs. Despite its similarities to EPDM – in fact, the term “rubber roof” has been used interchangeably for both roof types – modified bitumen is entirely different: EPDM is made from recycled rubber, while modified bitumen is made from asphalt.

THE ADVANTAGES OF MODIFIED BITUMEN ROOFING

IT’S TEAR-RESISTANT

The main advantage modified bitumen roofing has over other most commercial roofing systems is that it’s extremely tear-resistant, thanks to the combination of fiberglass and/or polyester reinforcement layers. This feature makes modified bitumen roofing the ideal choice for low-slope Akron commercial roofing with high foot traffic, such as rooftop cafes.

IT’S WATERPROOF

Bitumen is inherently waterproof, and several layers of it on a properly-installed roof makes modified bitumen roofs the most waterproof commercial roofing choice available.

IT’S ENERGY-EFFICIENT

The top layer can be treated to add “cool roof” features such as solar reflectance and thermal emission, or the ability to reflect sunlight, and release already-absorbed heat, respectively. This helps reduce your property’s indoor cooling requirements, resulting in lower energy consumption. (Read More)

Modified bitumen roofs are an example of built-up roofing (BUR), a greatly-popular roofing material and a slightly-better equivalent of the residential-oriented asphalt shingle roofs. Made from asphalt itself, modified bitumen roofs are easy to repair and replace. For anyone questioning the viability of protection it offers for commercial properties, AsphaltRoofing.org has a complete list of all standards modified bitumen roofing materials are tested and made to comply with -- and it's a really long list you'll find below.

Modified Bitumen Roofs Testing Standards List

Mod-bit systems are subject to industry standards, including:

• ASTM D6162, Standard Specification for Styrene Butadiene Styrene (SBS) Modified Bituminous Sheet Materials Using a Combination of Polyester and Glass Fiber Reinforcements;
• ASTM D6163, Standard Specification for Styrene Butadiene Styrene (SBS) Modified Bituminous Sheet Materials Using Glass Fiber Reinforcements;
• ASTM D6164, Standard Specification for Styrene Butadiene Styrene (SBS) Modified Bituminous Sheet Materials Using Polyester Reinforcements;
• ASTM D6222, Standard Specification for Atactic Polypropylene (APP) Modified Bituminous Sheet Materials Using Polyester Reinforcements;
• ASTM D6223, Standard Specification for Atactic Polypropylene (APP) Modified Bituminous Sheet Materials Using a Combination of Polyester and Glass Fiber Reinforcements;
• ASTM D6298, Standard Specification for Fiberglass Reinforced Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) Modified Bituminous Sheets with a Factory Applied Metal Surface; and
• ASTM D6509, Standard Specification for Atactic Polypropylene (APP) Modified Bituminous Base Sheet Materials Using Glass Fiber Reinforcements.

BUR felts and asphalt are tested to:

• ASTM D2178, Standard Specification for Asphalt Glass Felt Used in Roofing and Waterproofing;
• ASTM D4601, Standard Specification for Asphalt-Coated Glass Fiber Base Sheet Used in Roofing; and
• ASTM D312, Standard Specification for Asphalt Used in Roofing, among others. (Read more)

However, modified bitumen requires the steady and experienced hand of excellent Corpus Christi TX roofers to achieve the desired installation and long-term benefits. Most BUR require heat-welds to install. These require the help of local professionals with permits and certifications to perform heat-welding installations.

If you'd like to know about the modified bitumen roofs installation process, read ;Home Advancement's detailed guide for first-time roofers below.

How to Install Torch-Down Modified Bitumen Roofing

Due to the inherent danger of fire, especially around felting and petroleum products, the torch-down method of installation for modified bitumen roofing should only be performed by a qualified roofer.

1. Ensure your flat roof is entirely clear of debris.
2. Install heavy roofing felt with overtop your decking, old roof or insulation. Using cap nails, secure the felt in rows along the top and bottom of the sheets, as well as a row in the middle.
3. Install drip edge flashing, and apply a primer so the roofing will adhere to it.
4. Roll out a sheet of roofing, allowing an overhang of a few inches on the side of your roof. Cut the roofing, allowing again a few inches overhang.
5. Adjust the roofing so it overhangs the flashing by a half inch, and ensure the roofing is perfectly flat. Then carefully roll the roofing back up tightly, half way. (Read full post)

Remember, you'll need the help of professional roofer. If you're in Corpus Christi TX, you'll need the help of exceptional roofing professionals to achieve your desired results. Galvan Builders is Corpus Christi TX's best and highly-trusted roofers in the area. Contact us today to know more about what we can do for you.

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Galvan Builders Construction Company
4938 Williams Drive,
Corpus Christi TX 78411
361-857-4341
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