Once upon a time, modified bitumen was nothing more than an innovative experiment. Now, thanks to advancements in roofing technology, it’s a staple for flat roofing systems across the country. However, it isn’t perfect. It’s not immune to damage or wear and tear. And when you need modified bitumen roof repair services, it’s important to choose experienced roofers who know how to help.
That’s us. PITCH Roofing was founded by veteran Florida roofers looking to make a difference in their community. As expert Florida roofers, we know the ins and outs of modified bitumen, from how it’s made to flat roof repair best practices. To better understand why you might need modified bitumen roof repairs, let’s talk about how these roofs perform in the unpredictable Florida weather.
How a Modified Bitumen Roof Holds Up in Florida
Modified bitumen is a special type of rubberized asphalt. This is what makes it such a good roofing material for Florida structures — the asphalt is durable and hardy, whereas the rubber improves water resistance and allows the roof to expand and contract with the sun’s heat. This flexibility goes a long way in protecting your roof and preventing premature aging.
In Florida, modified bitumen lasts about 20 years on average. Your roof’s lifespan could be as short as 15 years if you get unlucky, though. Over the course of your roof’s life, it’s common for it to need minor repairs every now and again. That’s why it’s important to keep up with proper flat roof maintenance, especially annual roof inspections.
Even following the best practices, though, there is a chance that your modified bitumen roof will need repairs. Florida’s weather is just too harsh on roofs to expect anything else. To help give you a better idea of how this happens and what it could mean for your home, let’s talk about how modified bitumen roofs in Florida get damaged.
Causes of Modified Bitumen Roof Damage
People tend to think of hurricanes as the things that damage roofs in Florida. While they certainly don’t help, there are plenty of factors damaging your roof every single day. The summer’s UV rays and humidity alone can leave your roof vulnerable to damage. If you find yourself needing modified bitumen roof repair services, it could be due to any of the following causes:
- Foot Traffic: If you have a commercial structure, you may have chosen modified bitumen because it creates a walkable surface. While you can safely walk on modified bitumen, this will cause wear and tear that gradually weakens your roofing materials and can allow water into your roof.
- UV Damage: If you notice cracks or splits in your modified bitumen, it’s probably due to UV damage. Over time, the sun’s rays cause your membrane to split and rupture. This is a common cause of leaking flat roofs.
- Roof Punctures: Modified bitumen is generally resistant to punctures. However, dropping a sharp tool on your roof can create a hole in your roof membrane, as can storm debris thrown at high speeds by hurricane-force winds. These penetrations create opportunities for leaks and rot to enter your roof.
- Pooling Water: If your roof can’t quickly remove water, it can start to eat away at your roof membrane. This issue is usually due to poor installation or wear and tear over the years.
As you can see, there are many ways for a modified bitumen roof to sustain damage in Florida. Regardless of the cause, though, the most important thing is to act quickly. Roof damage spreads quickly, especially where water is concerned. The best way to prevent damage and keep your roof repair costs low is to call in the professionals as soon as you notice a problem!
How Florida’s Top Roofers Handle Modified Bitumen Roof Repairs
Because modified bitumen is such a popular roofing material, we’ve completed countless modified bitumen roof repair jobs across the state. With PITCH, we tailor each repair to the unique roof that we’re working on. That said, there is a lot of overlap when it comes to modified bitumen roof repair.
Often, a repair can be as simple as just patching up a damaged section of your roof membrane. This process involves applying a new section of modified bitumen over the old, damaged section and tightly sealing it to ensure that it’s flush with the rest of your roofing system. If you’re lucky and act quickly, you won’t need anything more than this simple roof repair.
However, not all mod bit repair jobs are that simple or easy. If water has had time to penetrate into your roofing system, the entire situation becomes a lot more complicated. That’s because your modified bitumen sits on top of wooden decking. When this decking gets damaged, it can threaten your roof’s structural integrity. To replace damaged decking, roofers will need to tear off and re-install part of your roof, which is a much more expensive and time-intensive repair.
Even for minor roof repairs, though, it’s usually not a good idea to repair your own roof. For one thing, you risk violating your warranties. It’s also just a good idea to leave roof repairs in the hands of professionals. While DIY roof repairs can save you money up front, you’ll end up paying a lot more if your patch isn’t 100% secure. If you’re concerned about roof repair costs, the best thing you can do is get a roofing quote.
Get a Free Flat Roof Repair Cost Estimate
Nobody does roof quotes quite like PITCH Roofing. We start with a thorough inspection of your roof to fully assess the damage and create a plan of attack. After discussing your options with you, we’ll then put together an itemized quote that includes every part of your modified bitumen roof repair. No guessing, no hidden fees, and no nasty surprises at the end of your roof repair!
We even make it easy to get started. You can call us at 727-677-4824 or sign up for your estimate online. Either way, our estimates always come with no cost and no obligation to choose us as your roofers. We understand that people often compare quotes, and our goal is just to give you the best quote that we can to earn your business.
When you’re in need of flat roof repairs, reach out to the professionals at PITCH Roofing. With great customer service and even better workmanship, our full-service roofing company brings the very best of Florida roofing. See for yourself how our approach to roofing done right sets us apart from the rest!
Heather Ware is an In-House Roofing Specialist at PITCH Roofing. Working daily alongside our internal roofing teams, she translates complex Florida building codes and roofing techniques into clear, actionable advice for homeowners. With 4 years of experience in the Florida roofing industry, her goal is to ensure property owners have the exact facts they need to protect their investments.
