Modified Bitumen roofing is an asphalt-based roofing material designed for buildings with low-slope or “flat” roof structures. Modified Bitumen roofs have been used successfully in the United States and Canada for well over 30 years. Similar to the tar and gravel roof, this roof adds layers of polyester or fiberglass with bitumen. These additional layers add strength and resistance to a flat roof in many ways. Modified Bitumen has a high resistance to brittleness at cold temperatures, allows a greater flow resistance at high temperatures, and achieves an increased elasticity. Modified Bitumen also offers diversity in coatings and surfacings — such as: mineral surface, gravel surface, and “cool roof” coatings which are highly-reflective to save on building energy costs. Mineral-surfaced Modified Bitumen roofs are typically furnished with white granules, but are also available in designer colors to match asphalt shingles or to simply compliment the building design.
Modified Bitumen also gives installers many more options. It may be installed by the torch-application method, “hot-mopped”, or applied with “cold-process” adhesives. With the latest innovation in Modified Bitumen installation being self-adhering sheets. This method eliminates the risks associated with the use of torches, hot asphalt, and is completely free of VOC (volatile organic chemicals) fumes during and after application.
Modified Bitumen has a proven track record of performance, superior waterproofing characteristics in comparison with other roofing methods, a broad range of application methods, a wide selection of surfacing, and a competitive life-cycle cost making it the roof system of choice by many Architects, Roofing Consultants, School Districts, Building Owners and more.