Title: Modified Bitumen as Roofing Systems Article Summary: Modified bitumen is a great solution for flat roofs, it may

help in making the roof flat but without the leaking issues of a flat roofs. Due to its functional and great property. MB roofing systems are roofs constructed using non-woven polyester or fiberglass felts coated with modified asphalt coating that is rubberized. There are two types of modifiers for Modified Bitumen, which are the: Atactic polypropylene and Styrene Butadiene Styrene. Article Body Alternative roofing systems for homes, this is a task where every individual is been looking for as a replacement for asphalt roofs, metal roofs and shingled roofs. Flat roofs are one of the alternatives for roofing systems that provide fewer materials while providing the same protection against the direct heat from sun but due to the disadvantages of flat roofs such as leaky ceilings, poor insulation and poor roofing material, people started looking for another alternative to flat roofs. Modified bitumen is a great solution for flat roofs, it may help in making the roof flat but without the leaking issues of a flat roofs. Due to its functional and great property, people wanted modified bitumen Corpus Christi TX as roofing system for their homes. To understand more about modified bitumen and what makes it special compared with ordinary roofs, read this article to learn more about the properties of modified bitumen as roofing systems and how it differs from different roofing system.

What is a Modified Bitumen Roofing System? MB roofing systems are roofs constructed using non-woven polyester or fiberglass felts coated with modified asphalt coating that is rubberized. Bitumen is also known as asphalt that is a sticky, black and semi-solid form of petroleum that is found in natural deposits. The MB systems offer alternative to the conventional asphalt systems in shingles but offer two layers of the material to be assembled in place using adhesive or torch to melt the layers combining both layers. MB roof systems are blends of rubber and asphalt that have inherent sensitivity towards installation and rooftop environmental factors known to have effects on BUR and roof systems.

How Long Would the Material Last?

The modified roof systems provide superior waterproofing characteristics compared with flat roofs. The typical life span of these systems is about 10 to 20 years when properly maintained. The adhered two ply system helps in preserving the life of the roofing material. The modifier protects the roofing resistance to different weather condition, resistance to brittleness and increased strength and elasticity. Modifiers are used to produce asphalt mixes. The modifier increases the resistance to brittleness, cold temperature and increased elasticity and strength.

There are two commonly used modifiers that are: 1. Atactic Polypropylene (APP) provides a plasticized quality to the roofing material. Adding the right amount of APP could make the asphalt stretched up to half of its original length. The APP reinforced with a polyester mat and manufactured into a roll product that are easy to install. These have additional asphalt on its back side that bonds to the substrate through application of welding methods. The methods used for APP are: Torch Applied the roofing master use open flame torch to melt the sides of the sheet when it is being applied.

Heat Welding the welder utilizing material to blow out hot air that fuses the back side of the membrane during the application.

2. Styrene Butadiene Styrene (SBS) this modifier produces rubberized properties when combined with asphalt. Adding SBS to modified bitumen may stretch the material six times its normal length and may return to its original size once cooled. This helps deal with the stresses of contraction and expansion of a roof. They are also self adhering SBS membrane that contains adhesive backing.

Methods for adhering SBS are: Hot Asphalt Application applied to the substrate with the use of a machine that is mopping down and then the membrane is laid over hot asphalt. The asphalt acts as the adhesive and allow the membrane to stick with the substrate

 Cold Adhesive this process use specially formulated asphalt based adhesive.

Self Adhered the bottom of the membrane is covered with an adhesive and release paper. After the paper is removed, the adhesive lets the membrane to stick with the substrate without using more adhesive.

To know what would be right application and right modifier to use for your home, it is better to consult a professional to help you in the task of installing modified bitumen for your flat roofs. These roofing systems are better alternatives to flat roofs but could be more expensive than flat roofs.