Modified bitumen roofing done right

By Anna Lockhart.  

How to identify application errors in modified bitumen membranes and practical solutions for longevity.  

Commercial building owners looking for long-lasting, durable roofing solutions often choose modified bitumen (MB or mod-bit) roofing membranes for their roofing projects. Due to the waterproof nature of the material, MB membranes are an ideal option, sealing off roofs with layers of overlapping bituminous sheets through either a hot or cold-applied configuration. When applied correctly, these membranes can last decades. However, if done incorrectly, left with wrinkles or blisters, buildings can face water damage or other issues. Tremco shares their simple guide to identifying problems with mod-bit membranes and provides explanations for errors and how to troubleshoot solutions.  

In this guide, Tremco professional Kurt Sosinski suggests taking each situation as a unique problem, considering each possibility as a cause for wrinkles in the membrane. Keeping the type of application in mind – whether it was a hot-mopped, torch-applied or cold adhesive application – is also relevant to determining the situation and finding a solution. It is also recommended to check if the membrane is adhered or liftable, and what substrate the membrane was applied to in order to provide the proper solution.  

After considering these facts, and confirming with the original roofer or manufacturer, one can likely pinpoint a cause of the problem and accurately offer solutions. For instance, if the bitumen was too cold when applied and it was meant to be hot, the product didn’t properly adhere into place, causing lifts and wrinkles. Another likely scenario one might encounter is where the membrane was not properly unrolled or pressed into the correct place, causing wrinkles and places where the adhesive isn’t fully coating the membrane.  

While these errors can happen in a variety of ways, with the proper application of mod-bit membranes they are easily avoided. Their exceptional design and weatherproofing properties provide building owners with peace of mind that their building is properly secured when applied correctly.  

To learn more about the importance of proper application and the potential causes of wrinkles in modified bitumen membranes, read the whole article from Tremco!