Bituminous Roofing Services in East Texas
Bituminous waterproofing systems are designed to provide adequate roof protection for residential and commercial properties. Bitumen, which is asphalt or coal-tar pitch, is a mixed substance made up of organic liquids that are highly adhesive, gelatinous, and waterproof.
These premier roof systems are installed upon roofs in the form of roofing felt or roll roofing products. There are four significant types of roofing available. Each of them offers different kinds of materials and methods of home and commercial roofing installation.
Modified Bitumen for Your Business
Modified Bitumen is a durable membrane designed and manufactured to meet commercial industry and state and city code regulations.
The product is a base layer for self-adhered roof systems and is reinforced with a mat coated with polymer-modified asphalt. Modified Bitumen offers optimized durability that lasts up to 20 years. It’s applied without torches, open flames, hot asphalt, or messy solvent-based adhesives.
Bituminous Roofing
Roofing materials such as bituminous asphalt have long been used on buildings. They are cold-applied or self-adhered. They are durable materials that can resist the elements and are built to last. However, there are some disadvantages to using this type of material.
Self-adhered
Self-adhered roofing systems are simple to install and can be quickly applied to a roof. They also eliminate many of the problems associated with traditional hot adhesive applications.
Typically, self-adhered roofing systems are installed in two or three layers. A factory-applied layer of adhesive then covers the underlying substrate. This provides a waterproofing bond between the roofing membrane and the substrate. The resulting system can be easily rolled into place.
Several different types of adhesives are available for cold-weather applications. The bonds must be able to handle foot traffic and extreme temperatures to perform correctly. They must also withstand expansion and contraction stresses. It is essential to follow the manufacturer’s recommended application rates to avoid damage.
The adhesives used in a self-adhered roofing system must be compatible with the modified bituminous coating layer. They must also be able to withstand exposure to ultraviolet rays. They must be manufactured with a high degree of consistency in quality.
Cold-applied
Traditionally, “cold-applied roofing” has been associated with built-up roof systems. But today, there are many types of cold-applied bituminous roofing systems. Among them, modified bitumen is one of the most popular. It offered enhanced protection and installation convenience and was first introduced in commercial roofing in Europe in the mid-1960s.
Applied cold, this type of roofing is not only safer than hot asphalt, but it is also less expensive. Cold-applied systems are especially beneficial for new construction projects, renovations, and re-roofing. The technology is expected to grow, and it is a practical solution in situations where a conventional system is impractical.
Most manufacturers provide cold adhesive systems. These products are used to adhere modified bitumen membranes to the substrate. The adhesives are formulated to bond with all of the layers in the roof assembly. In addition, they eliminate the risks associated with open-flame installation. They are also becoming a popular alternative to torch installations due to their reduced emissions.
Built-up
Unlike conventional shingles, built-up bituminous roofing is an assembly of layered sheets of hot tar, gravel, and ballast. This roof system provides a waterproof coating that keeps rainwater out of the structure.
The material is installed over a structural deck that is flat and supported. The deck must be free from depressions. It should also be free from waves.
For a 4-ply system, the base sheet is mechanically fastened to the underlying substrate at a rate of six inches on the center and twelve inches on edge. The sheet is layered with three plies of No. 15 coal tar felt. These plies are then embedded in solid moppings of hot coal tar.
During installation, the materials should be tagged with product code and inspection agency approvals. In addition, the contractor must have a minimum of five years of documented experience. If applicable, a letter of certification from the materials manufacturer is required.
The applicator must resolve conflicts between the NRCA’s Roofing and Waterproofing Manual and the material manufacturer’s instructions. For example, the bituminous membrane roof system may require pourable sealers.
Disadvantages
Roofing systems that are made of bituminous material have many advantages. They are durable, water-resistant, and are rated against hail, wind, and fire. They are also energy-efficient, which can lower your building’s heating and cooling costs.
Some manufacturers offer additional features that enhance their product’s energy efficiency. These include reflective coatings that reflect ultraviolet rays and reduce solar heat. In addition, specific brands of bituminous roofs have higher tensile strength, making them less likely to crack.
Modified bitumen has become one of the most popular types of roofing in the market today. It is made from a mix of fiberglass, polyester fabric, and bitumen. The membrane is easy to install and has excellent flexibility.
It is an excellent choice for commercial rooftops. It has high tensile strength and is rated against fire and hail. It also has an insulating effect. It is ideal for places with light equipment and foot traffic. It is highly waterproof and can last for at least two decades.
Common Roofing Materials in East TX
Built-Up Roofing (BUR)
Built-up roofing membranes have been a staple in commercial roofing for over a century. BUR systems are composed of stacked layers of bitumen and reinforcing fabrics that create a polished layer. The roofing felts are bolstered with either glass-fiber mats or organic mats.
The bitumen typically utilized in BUR roof systems is asphalt, coal tar, or cold-applied adhesive. Exterior for built-up roof systems include aggregates, glass fiber or mineral surfaced cap sheets, hot asphalt mopped over the entire surface, aluminum coatings, or elastomeric coatings.
Fabric Roofing Installation
Woven Roofing Fabric is a mesh made of yarns of inert, flexible filaments of transparent glass. It has malleable strength, stability, and proven durability.
It is chemical and heat-resistant and will not deteriorate. The woven mesh offers a tough-as-nails bond that makes it highly waterproof. Fabric roofing acts as reinforcement as it’s applied between layers of roofing cement. The yellow surface helps ensure that the material is entirely covered by cement.
Polyester Roofing
Polyester is one of the most vital elements available as support in cold-process roofing. It is unusually robust and offers flexibility that allows it to expand and contract as needed.
The fabric is bonded with tough stitching that gives it super endurance during severe weather conditions. Suggested applications include skylights, chimneys, vents, drains, seams, or other potential areas that may see early leak repairs.
What Type of Roofing is Best for You?
The kind of bitumen roofing material that you use for your commercial property is dependent on various conditions, such as climate, the type of roof you have, and what application you’ll need.
If you are unsure of the kind of bitumen you need, A Gordy Roofing contractor can guide you. We can inspect your roof to determine which roofing substance will give your roof optimum protection.
A Trusted Roofing Contractor
Business owners turn to Gordy Roofing for all their roofing needs.
We offer a full range of commercial and residential roofing services that include new roof building installation, total roof replacement, roofing maintenance, and roof repair. We offer affordable rates, service that you can count on, and high-quality roofing materials that last. Let us help you with your next roofing project.