Modified Bitumen Roof
Mod Bit Roofing, Torch Down Roof, Peel and Stick Roofs
Originally a commercial low slope roofing product, Modified Bitumen is a tough, plasticized asphalt based roll product that is applied with an open flame/propane torch. It remains available on the market, but with a bare flame torch it can be dangerous to apply; a safer and easier to apply peel and stick product has evolved. While we believe there are much better commercial roofing replacement products on the market than modified bitumen these days and tend to not recommend the use of peel and stick on large roofs, the product is code authorized in most jurisdictions in Colorado for residential use on low slope patio covers and sunroom additions, and is easy for asphalt shingle roofing crews to install.
We are fully qualified to install all Mod Bit systems, so if that is the specified material we can handle it. We generally reserve the current use of the torch down product for repairs on existing tar and asphalt roofs.
Peel and Stick Modified Bitumen 2 part low slope flat roofing system
The peel-and-stick modified bitumen roofing installation technology has been made easy for those with DIY skills, and for roofers with limited skills and tools, as there is no danger of fire and no fumes to contend with. This is the ideal product for those low slope residential patio covers.
Make sure the deck is in good repair, clean and flat, with no rotten spots and no protrusions, and is entirely clear of debris. Install the drip edge and any other flashings, and apply a asphalt primer so the roofing will adhere to it.
Roll out the base sheet of the 2 part roofing system (always use and always make sure it is specified that the base and cap sheet both will be used if a granular coated mod bit system). Cut the base sheet short of the outer edges of the flashing edges an inch or so (this allows the cap sheet to contact the metal around the outer perimeter. Then allow a few inches overhang for the cap sheet, to be trimmed back to a inch or so in the final step.
Adjust the cap sheet roofing so it overhangs the drip edge flashing by a half inch. Once aligned, tack a nail in the far corner to maintain the line. Then carefully roll the roofing back up tightly, half way. Remove the lower half of the adhesive film, and carefully roll the roofing back into place. Smooth the material out and repeat the process the other direction. before permanently adhering the entire sheet to the flat roof. Once smooth and aligned, remove the remaining film from under the upper half of the sheet. Continue this process over the entire span of your rooftop, with the overlap as specified by the manufacturer.
It is critical to use a 80 lb weighted roller, rolled over each layer of the entire surface of your roof, paying particular attention to the overlap. Seal the edges of the modified bitumen roofing around any roof flashings, parapets, and curbs with roofing cement, and roll the sheets thoroughly to seal the layers together.
