There is a reason that roofs on a substantial number of our commercial and residential projects have been covered with modified bitumen: It is an extraordinarily durable and versatile type of roofing. It is, in essence, a very high-performing membrane that is deployable across a variety of not-so-simple set-ups—i.e., a "roof" on a flat, low-slope, or not-so-low-sloped surface. The one way that modified bitumen fails to perform, unfortunately, is if it interfaces poorly with other systems. That's why we have "roofing professionals"—to ensure that everything both interfaces properly and fits the modified bitumen diagnosis and customization to mission specs.
The selection of application methods for a tailored modified bitumen roofing system is a key advantage. The system can be installed using hot asphalt, cold adhesive, or heat-welding techniques, depending on the project's specifications and conditions. The choice of installation technique can impact several factors, including speed of installation, odor control, and fire safety. All factors are relevant to the application project's site. Elastosized modified bitumen membranes are made with elastomeric, or rubber-like, modified bitumen materials. They can also be applied with fiberglass or polyester reinforcement, which can enhance both strength and stability. Additionally, the elastosized modified bitumen roofing membranes can be customized with a number of layers or surface options (granules, reflective coatings, or a smooth finish). These customizations allow for aesthetic and performance preferences (and energy efficiency goals) to be met.
Custom-built modified-bitumen roofing systems perform exceptionally well in a variety of roof-function aspects. The thickness and composition of the membrane can be tailored to provide puncture resistance and tensile strength in areas where you'd expect foot traffic, equipment installation, or the kind of random impact you'd get from flying debris. (They can also be tailored to provide the fire resistance you'd expect to meet certain building code requirements.) Inasmuch as they can be "tuned" to local conditions—climate, expected building use, etc.—and to a building's long-term roof-maintenance goals, these systems also can be configured to improve energy efficiency, either by incorporating reflective surfaces or by using insulation layers, which better the membrane's energy penalty payback.