Modified Bitumen Roofing

There are two main types of bitumen roofing namely:

• Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene ( SBS)

This is the most common bitumen roofing. It has very flexible reinforcing membranes that enhance its contraction and expansion capabilities.

• Atactic Polypropylene (APP)

APP, on the other hand, does not age fast making it the best choice if you are seeking a longer lasting roofing solution.

Components of Modified Bitumen Roofing

The modified bitumen roofing system is composed of six main components as listed here.

1. Insulation

2. Modified bitumen membranes – the membranes are mainly for reinforcement.

3. The modified base sheet used to line the top ply of the bitumen roofing.

4. An adhesive which is used as water resistant. The adhesive is also a bonding agent that either applied hot or cold.

5. Flashings- are used to act as waterproof agents at the perimeter of the roof.

6. Surfacing which is used to offer UV rays protection. The surfacing can either be done in the factory or at the actual construction site.

There are many reasons why people opt for bitumen roofing for their commercial as well as residential buildings. Here are the five main advantages of the roofing system.

With properly installed bitumen roofing, you don’t have to worry about water leaking into your building. Well reinforced modern bitumen is waterproof.

You can also enhance your roofing to give your building a cooling effect. This is possible if you add thermal emission and solar reflecting features. All in all, you will use less energy if you just install a cooling system within your building. It, therefore, does not mean that constructors should disregard the need for good insulation within a building. Modified roofing system should only be used for insulation but as a back up to the main insulation system.

The bitumen roofing has the potential to expand and contract without losing its shape. It can, therefore, handle extreme temperatures without any damage.

Just like any other roofing, modern bitumen roofing can also get damaged. However, this should not get you worried because you can easily repair and maintain using bitumen patches. The process of repair is fast and efficient, and your roof will be tear-free within a few hours.

Modern bitumen roofing as earlier mentioned is reinforced using fibreglass and at times polyester. The reinforcement makes the roof durable and resistant to tears especially if the rooftop experience high human traffic.

Here are the steps to follow when installing modified bitumen roofing.

- Firstly, you should clean the rooftop to ensure it is free from dirt, water, and any unevenness.

- Apply the roofing felt by hammering it.

- Apply a roofing primer to seal the concrete rooftop.

- Roll out the bitumen and spread it ensuring no air is trapped in.

- Heat the roof using a propane torch.

You may be wondering how bitumen roofing is manufactured to ensure high quality and durability. Well, here is how. But first, you should know that plasticizers are removed from standard asphalt during the process of distillation. Now, when manufacturing modified bitumen, modifiers are used to replace the lost plasticizers. To enhance the bitumen, polyester or fibreglass is used so that durability is achieved.

Modified bitumen roofing has gained popularity all over the world. The technology began in Europe in the mid-1960s. The roofing is best suited for flat or low sloped roofs. It is asphaltic that is reinforced using polyester or fibreglass. The reinforcement improves durability and also enhances its ability to withstand water leakages, tears, and extreme cold or heat. The two main types of modified bitumen roofing are SBS and APP. The roofing is also easy to maintain and repair using bitumen patches. The main method of installing bitumen roofing is by use of propane torches. You can either do it yourself or seek professional help to avoid mistakes. However, you should still create proper drainage and insulation within your building even though you have installed the modified bitumen roofing