The year—in Spring Valley—offers a range of weather conditions, from skin-searing summer sunshine to cool, drenching winter storms. This variability in climate makes it all the more important to choose a modified bitumen roofing system that can really stand up to the kinds of temperature and weather changes we're likely to see. Modified bitumen roofs continue to gain popularity for both residential and commercial buildings, and for good reason: They're tough, and they're waterproof. They're readily available in a couple of basic formulations; when one or the other is referred to, it's generally either to an SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene) formulation or to an APP (atactic polypropylene) formulation. Both are good options, but they have slightly different characteristics that make one or the other a better choice for certain kinds of buildings or situations.
When you are thinking about installation, it is very important to understand that there are different methods of application for modified bitumen roofing. The three most common methods are: torch-applied, cold-processed, and self-adhered systems. Each of these methods has its advantages—and potential drawbacks. The torch-applied system might deliver the strongest adhesion and the longest-lasting performance. However, because some properties very close to mine have burned to the ground after being torch-applied, I do think a system that uses a cold process or a self-adhered system (especially in homes and businesses) might be a safer choice—and a good reason to consult a local professional.
When it comes to selecting a modified bitumen roofing system, maintenance and longevity are two of the most important things to consider. No roof will perform well or last long without regular maintenance, and that's just as true for a modified bitumen roof as it is for any other kind of roofing system. The good news is that non-benefit-cost-effectiveness maintenance is simple enough. You should have your roof inspected every year and after any significant weather event. An inspection is very much like a doctor's checkup, only in this case, the roofer is looking for lumps, bumps, tears, or pool-y areas that need to be addressed to ensure that the roof does not carry out its waterproof function at the sort of performance level that would be a 'pass' on the roofing equivalent of a 'P.E.' course.
