Rolled roofing is the traditional way of providing protection for your home. It has been used since time immemorial, and still provides an excellent layer of insulation against the elements. But it can be quite expensive to install or replace, and needs periodic maintenance to keep it in good condition. Modified bitumen is a relatively new innovation that offers some advantages over rolled roofing: it’s cheaper, easier to maintain, and more environmentally friendly.
However, there are tradeoffs as well: modified bitumen doesn’t offer as much insulation – which could make your house less comfortable during hot summers – and you need special equipment to apply it properly on certain types of roofs like shake shingle roofs (which do not
In this article we will teach you everything you need to know about rolled roofing vs modified bitumen roofs so you can make the right choice for your next project
What is Rolled Roofing?
Rolled roofing is a layer of rolled asphalt or tar paper with an additional layer of asphalt or tar above it. This rolled roofing is installed over the lowest part of your home, at the junction between your house and its lowest wall.
There are two major rolled roofing types: single-ply rolled roofing and double-ply rolled roofing. Single ply rolled roofing is lighter and easier to install, but it doesn’t offer as much insulation against the elements. Double ply rolled roofing is a bit heavier and harder to install, but it offers greater protection from cold weather and water damage.
Rolled Roofing Advantages
The main advantages of rolled roofing are as follows: rolled roofing is relatively inexpensive, rolled roofing lasts for a long time (typically about 30 years) and rolled roofing is familiar to most people.
Rolled Roofing Disadvantages
The main disadvantage of rolled roofing is that it needs maintenance – meaning you’ll have to occasionally replace and/or repair parts of the roof. And rolled roofing does not offer the same degree of insulation as modified bitumen.
Another disadvantage of rolled roofing is that it does not work well with certain types of roofs, such as shake shingle roofs.
What is Modified Bitumen Roofing?
Modified Bitumen Roofing is a rolled roof made of a lighter material than rolled asphalt or rolled tar paper. It also has a special additive called crumb rubber, which changes the properties of the modified bitumen so it’s less prone to leakage during hot summer months – when rolled roofing can become extremely flammable
Modified Bitumen Advantages
The main advantages of modified bitumen roofing are: modified bitumen is lighter and easier to handle than rolled roofing, and modified bitumen doesn’t require rolling inflation before installation.
Modified Bitumen Disadvantages
The main disadvantage of modified bitumen is that it’s more expensive than rolled roofing.
While rolled roofing is the traditional way of protecting your home, modified bitumen offers some distinct advantages over rolled roofing: it has minimal environmental impact, it lasts longer and requires less maintenance, and you can use specialized applicators
Which is Better – Rolled or Modified Bitumen Roofing?
If you are trying to choose between rolled and modified bitumen roofing we recommend rolled roofing for two reasons: rolled roofing is the more familiar technology, rolled roofing is lower on environmental impact.
However, rolled bitumen roofs are not perfect – they’re less environmentally friendly than modified bitumen roofing which requires periodic maintenance which can be costly and time-consuming.