Modified Bitumen Roofs: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re in the market for a modified bitumen roof, don’t settle for a low-quality result. Instead, get a quality roofing product from trusted local roofing pros. We’re John Hogan Roofing, and we’ve been Florida’s top flat roofing experts for more than 30 years!

With that kind of experience, we can help you figure out how to get a flat roof that perfectly meets your needs. But before we get into how we can help you, we want to give you all the information you need to get a modified bitumen roof. Let’s start with the basics: What is a modified bitumen roof and what makes it different from other flat roofing options?

Mod Bit Roofing 101

Modified bitumen roofing, often referred to as mod bit, is a durable and reliable solution for flat and low-slope roofs. It is made from asphalt and reinforced with modifiers such as polyester or fiberglass. These supportive layers enhance the strength, flexibility, and weather resistance of the roofing material, making it ideal for withstanding Florida’s intense heat, UV rays, and occasional storms.

Notably, mod bit is starkly different from rubberized flat roofing materials like TPO or EPDM. Where these single-layer systems create a waterproof barrier, modified bitumen has several layers in its construction. Not only does this allow it to provide substantial waterproofing for your roof, but it also better resists puncture damage. For example, if storm debris lands on your roof, it could much more easily puncture TPO than mod bit.

This covers the basics of what modified bitumen is and how it works. But as a property owner, what do you need to know before deciding on a modified bitumen roof?

Pros of Modified Bitumen Roofing

Mod bit has a lot of great things going for it. Let’s talk about some of the advantages that you can look forward to when you choose a modified bitumen roof for your structure!

• Durability: Modified bitumen roofing is known for its exceptional durability, making it a long-lasting solution for flat roofs. It can withstand thermal expansion and contraction without cracking or splitting, ensuring years of reliable protection for your property.
• Weather Resistance: Florida’s climate can be unforgiving, but modified bitumen roofing is up to the challenge. It offers excellent resistance to UV radiation, preventing premature deterioration and extending the lifespan of your roof. Additionally, it provides a strong barrier against water infiltration, reducing the risk of leaks and water damage.
• Flexibility: The flexibility of modified bitumen roofing allows it to adapt to the movement of the building structure without compromising its integrity. This flexibility makes it particularly suitable for regions prone to temperature fluctuations like Florida, where extreme heat during the day can give way to cooler nights.
• Easy Maintenance: With proper installation and maintenance, modified bitumen roofing requires minimal upkeep. Routine inspections and minor repairs can help prolong its lifespan and ensure optimal performance for years to come.

As you can see, modified bitumen roofs come with many advantages that Floridians love. But what about the downsides of mod bit?

Cons of Modified Bitumen Roofing

All roofing materials have downsides, and modified bitumen is no exception. Keep reading for the cons of getting a modified bitumen roof in Florida!

• Poor UV Reflection: Modified bitumen is usually black or made from other poorly reflective surfaces. This means it doesn’t do a good job at reflecting heat away from your home. So in the summer, you could notice your flat roof attracting more heat and slightly increasing your energy bills.
• Vulnerable to Standing Water: On low-slope roofs, water should still move freely off your roof, albeit at a slower pace than with a sloped roof. However, if water does get trapped on your roof, it could wear away at your modified bitumen roof, especially if the issue isn’t repaired quickly. This is part of why regular maintenance is so important!
• Short Lifespan: A modified bitumen roof will last for a good length of time: about 15 to 20 years. However, while this number isn’t bad, it is significantly shorter than the lifespan you can get from an EPDM flat roof, which averages closer to 50 years.

Knowing both the good and the bad is essential to making an informed decision about your roof. But there’s still one crucial piece of information missing: the price.

Cost of a Modified Bitumen Roof in Florida

The cost of installing modified bitumen roofing can vary depending on various factors, including the size of your roof, the complexity of the installation, and the quality of materials used. That’s why getting roofing estimates is so important for getting reliable pricing information. That said, on average, you can expect to pay between three and six dollars per square foot for modified bitumen roofing installation in Florida.

For flat roofing materials, this rate is fairly low, making modified bitumen one of the most affordable flat roofing materials in the state. It’s important to note that a mod bit roof will not last as long as some other flat roofing materials, so you should consider the initial investment alongside the value of your roof in the long term.

Still, for many property owners in Florida, a modified bitumen roof is the best option. Now, let’s talk about where you can go from here to get the flat roof replacement of your dreams.

Starting the Flat Roof Replacement Process

As we’ve seen today, modified bitumen roofing has a lot to offer. But whether you’re sold on this particular material or not, John Hogan Roofing has your back. To take the next step in the roof replacement process, just schedule your free estimate online. While preparing your estimate, we’ll verify which roofing material(s) you want to see estimates for so that you can get a detailed look at any and all roofing systems that you’re considering.

With over 30 years of local roofing experience, we’ve proven that we’re the real deal. Reach out for your free, no-obligation estimate today and see for yourself why John Hogan Roofing is known as the best roofing company serving the Sunshine State!