Problems On Modified Bitumen Roofing

Bitumen roof advantages and disadvantages.

Problems on modified bitumen roofing.

Manufacturing facilities due to the large number of rooftop penetrations are plagued by pitch pocket problems. Modified bitumen is a type of asphalt product that can be applied in a number of ways to the roof in both hot and cold temperatures. Modified bitumen roofing has been around since the 1970s and tpo developed later in the 1990s but they both are ideal for all types of weather and have advantages and disadvantages. No matter what type of method was used to install the modified bitumen they all have on thing in common that is a good seal.

Problems with pitch pockets a type of roof flashing used to seal penetrations prevail on all types of roofs but are most typical on built up or modified bitumen roofing systems. A modified bitumen roofing system is composed primarily of polymer modified bitumen reinforced with one or more plies of fabric such as polyester fiberglass or a combination of both. Although not extremely low it is still one of the lowest out of all the roofing materials options available. They typically are installed as a one two or three ply roof system.

This article describes common defects found on modified bitumen roofs such as buckling cracking granule loss improper installation details leaks. In the absence of a proper drainage system set up on a flat roof water is bound to get collected on the surface. Modified bitumen cons 1. Factory surfacing if applied includes mineral granules slag aluminum or copper.

Modified bitumen roof life defects wear common defects life of modified bitumen roof effective roof coatings. Modified bitumen roof defects wear signs life expectancy life extension by coating. There are many reasons a pitch pocket fails. The modified bitumen seals down to the roof so there are no seams.

Modified bitumen has a life expectancy of 10 20 years. The most common problems include. The membrane consists of a multi layer sheet of asphalt with polyester or fiberglass reinforcements and plastic or rubber modifiers. Advantages there are a wide range of methods available for installing modified bitumen roofing from using a hot torch to using a sealant backed peel and stick rolls.

The modified bitumen roofing material is installed in long sections that are 30 35 inches wide. Additionally hot bituminous and torch applied modified bitumen roofs may experience leaks when a proper moisture barrier is not installed underneath a coping cap on parapet walls according to avoiding common roof installation mistakes a cd rom produced by the center for the advancement of roofing excellence care ltd. The two most commonly used roofing systems in commercial properties are tpo and modified bitumen.