Tuesday, September 3, 2019

Torch Down Roof Pros and Cons for Corpus Christi TX Modified Bitumen Usage

Modified bitumen is one of the most affordable commercial roofing materials in Corpus Christi TX. While no roofing material is perfect, the method Corpus Christi TX roofers with great experience and knowledgethe method Corpus Christi TX roofers with great experience and knowledge use to install them on your roof greatly affects its long-term performance. For example, a torch down roofing will guarantee maximum insulation and prevent all possible leaks. Torch down roof pros and cons are important to learn to allow you to cope with these difficulties in the future.

Inspectapedia has a great list of known modified bitumen issues that you'll need to address throughout its lifespan. You can learn more about them below.

Modified Bitumen Roofing Materials, Choices, Costs, Life Expectancy, Characteristics

Modified Bitumen Roof Wear From Walking-on Traffic

At above/ left we can see that in less than a year there is some granule loss and wear from foot traffic, especially where people step on the modified bitumen roof membrane as exiting and entering the door into the building.

While light, careful walking on a modified bitumen roof may be acceptable for the purpose of inspection or maintenance, on a balcony where regular walking is anticipated, the roof will not wear well.

Inadequately Heated Modified Bitumen Roof Seams

Second, in the same photograph we don't see any melted runout at the heated, lapped roofing seam. It is possible that this seam was inadequately torched or heated during installation. Elsewhere on the roof we noticed granule loss at wrinkles in the roofing membrane, perhaps caused by foot traffic over the raised edges of the wrinkles. (Continued)

However, torch down roof pros and cons allows you to eliminate many common issues in flat roofing or low-slope roofing materials. These include high possibility of leakage and faster wear and tear if you compare them with other roofing installations.

Then again, even the installation method for modified bitumen roofs will change its performance and the costs property owners have to spend. Chaffee Industrial Roofing has a great table that breaks down the costs, hazards, and other factors involved in dealing with the different installation methods for modified bitumen roofs.

Modified Bitumen Torch Down Pros and Cons: A Complete Chart

                              Self Adhered           Cold Applied       Hot Applied                      Torch Down
Speed of Installation Fast Slow Slow Fast
Materials Cost High High Moderate Low
Labor Cost Low High High Low
Safety during installation Very Safe Very Safe Moderate Extremely Unsafe
Fire Hazard None None Moderate Extremely High
Adhesion Technology Adhesives preinstalled on sheet stick to previous layer Liquid adhesives rolled out between layers. Asphalt melted to 400 degrees, then spread between layers. Torch flame applied to bottom of sheet, which melts it to previous ply
Method of Installation 1. Current Modified Bitumen sheet is laid over previously installed insulation or ply
2. Backing paper is peeled off.
3. Modified Bitumen is laid back over previous layer and rolled in.
1. Liquid adhesives are rolled over top of previously installed insulation or ply.
2. Liquid adhesives are applied to back side of current ply.
3. Current ply is laid over previous layer and rolled in.
1. Asphalt is melted in kettle, similar to a BUR Roof (Types of Roof Systems – BUR).
2. Once asphalt becomes liquid, it is installed over previous layer (Insulation or previous ply)
3. Current ply is laid over previous ply
1. Current Modified Bitumen sheet roll is placed at beginning of previously layer (Insulation or previous ply)
2. As current roll is rolled out, torch flame is applied, melting plies together.
Benefits Clean, Safe, Quick, and high quality Clean, Safe, and high quality High quality Quick, Inexpensive
Drawbacks Expensive Expensive Most expensive, Can be unsafe, look messy Low Quality, Very Dangerous, Major fire safety concerns, looks messy

(Source)

It is important to take note of this: you or an in-house team cannot conduct torch down roofing pros and cons on your own. In Texas and other states in America, roofers must have sufficient licensure and training to conduct torch down roofing. Fire is a huge safety hazard. In fact, the article above stated that torch down roofing pros and cons is a possible fire hazard even after installation.

Therefore, only work with professionals. Make sure they comply with the MRCA's Certified Roofing Torch Applicator training program and licensure. Know more about it here.

MRCA CERTA Program Overview for Torch Down Roofing Certification

CERTA delivers these requirements through a certification program where authorized trainers delivering effective behavior-based training to roofing workers. MRCA continues to work with NRCA to make sure the program is up-to-date and of the highest quality. There is no comparable training program available in the roofing industry. Click here to see the Applicator Manual

The CERTA training program is ideal for contractors whose work involves torch applications. The full-day program trains experienced roof system installers on the safe use of roofing torches used to apply polymer-modified bitumen roofing products. CERTA training shows how proper roof system configuration design and application techniques can result in fire-safe installations.  (Continued)

If you have yet to find a roofer you can depend on in Corpus Christi TX, you can count on Galvan Builders to help you. We have decades of experience working with both residential and commercial properties in the area. Contact us today!

See More Here: Torch Down Roof Pros and Cons for Corpus Christi TX Modified Bitumen Usage

Galvan Builders Construction Company
4938 Williams Drive,
Corpus Christi TX 78411
361-857-4341
https://goo.gl/maps/hRuKHVsqsXXBvgRK8

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