Do You Know How to Make Your Asphalt Roof Last Longer?
Asphalt-based roofing systems such as modified bitumen and built up roofing were once among the most common types of flat and low-slope roofing systems. As a roofing material, asphalt is fairly durable and affordable compared to many other materials. While modified bitumen and built up roofing have largely fallen out of favor for new roofs today, many commercial buildings still use these materials to protect the interior from the elements.
If your business relies on an asphalt-based roofing system, you’re looking to make it last as long as possible before scheduling a commercial roof replacement. At Moser Roofing Solutions, we specialize in prolonging the lifespan of flat and low-slope commercial roofs, including modified bitumen and built up roofing systems. Here’s how you can make your asphalt-based roof last longer.
What Are These Roofs Made Of?
To understand how to make an asphalt-based roofing system last longer, it’s important to know how these types of roofs work. Built up roofing is one of the oldest forms of roofing still in use. These roofs are composed of multiple alternating layers of hot asphalt and ply sheet applied over a roof deck.
Modified bitumen can be seen as a more advanced form of built up roofing. It is a single-ply roofing membrane composed of several layers that often include a rubber-based material, fabric or fiberglass, and asphalt. This material sought to improve on built up roofing by offering similar durability yet allowing for greater ease of installation, as it is less labor-intensive to install.
Now that we’ve shared the basics of built up roofing and modified bitumen, let’s take a look at how to make these roofs last longer.
For Asphalt Roofing Systems, Maintenance Is Key
Proper roof maintenance is critical for all types of roofs, whether they’re commercial or residential, sloped or flat. But when it comes to built up roofing and modified bitumen roofs, staying on top of repairs is even more essential because asphalt-based roofing systems—and especially built up roofing—can be more challenging to properly repair once damaged.
Roof maintenance starts with scheduling regular inspections. Knowing what’s happening to your commercial roof enables you to more quickly identify an issue that needs to be fixed. Because asphalt-based roofs can be vulnerable to water pooling, it’s also essential to keep them clean and clear of debris. This will ensure that your drainage system functions properly to remove water from your roof.
Finally, make sure that any and all damage is repaired promptly. Patching up minor roof damage may not seem all that important, but any unaddressed damage leaves your roof vulnerable.
Invest in a Roof Coating
As a modified bitumen or built up roofing system approaches the end of its lifespan, it will become more prone to leaks and issues will be more difficult to repair effectively. Even before this time, asphalt-based roofs are vulnerable to heat damage and thermal expansion due to their ready absorption of heat.
However, a commercial roof replacement isn’t always necessary to address these problems, and it’s rarely the only option. Installing a roof coating over the top of an asphalt-based roof can often delay a replacement by many years. These durable and reflective coatings offer a host of benefits, including:
- Easy, affordable installation due to low labor requirements
- Light color that reflects heat, protecting your roof from thermal expansion and helping to save on cooling costs
- Long-term solution that avoids a costly roof replacement for many years
If you’re looking to get the most from your modified bitumen or built up roofing system, adding a reflective roof coating may be the best option.
Get the Most from Your Asphalt Roofing System!
Moser Roofing Solutions is the go-to expert for maximizing the lifespan of flat and low-slope commercial roofs in Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic region. Find out how we can help you extend the life of your roof with services that include the Roof Guardian maintenance program to keep your roof in top condition. We also offer roof coating services to restore and revitalize your commercial roof for years to come. Contact Moser today to schedule an inspection of your flat or low-slope commercial roof.
