Wall flashing
Two-ply flashing up walls and parapets fastened at the top.
Flat Roofing
Modified Bitumen Roofing Newton, NJ
Modified bitumen roofing in Newton is a multi-ply asphalt roof, usually a base sheet and a granulated cap sheet, used on flat and low-slope roofs, and match the method to the building and its fire risk. One call to (973) 858-9950 reaches a nearby flat roof pro.
Modified bitumen is asphalt with rubber or plastic polymers mixed in, made into reinforced rolls that go down in two or more layers. Sheets come in SBS, a rubber-modified type that handles cold well, and APP, a plastic-modified type made for torching. Multiple plies make a tough roof that tolerates foot traffic better than many single-ply sheets.
There are several ways to put down mod bit, and each suits different buildings. Torch-applied sheets fuse tightly at the laps, though the open flame demands care around wood framing, insulation and roof edges. For homes and buildings where open flame is a concern, self-adhered or cold-process sheets are the usual answer.
A few details help the roofer plan. Note any blisters or bubbles, cracking in the cap sheet, bare spots where granules have washed off and laps that are lifting at the edges. Mention whether the roof has been coated or patched with roofing cement, since that changes how new material will stick.
If the problem goes deeper than it first looked, a Newton roofer may also recommend flat roof replacement or flat roof repair.
Need modified bitumen roofing in Newton? Call (973) 858-9950 to reach a nearby roofing contractor.
Call nowThe process
The modified bitumen process
A mod bit roof goes on in layers, starting with a sound base.
Survey the existing roof
Before planning, the roofer cuts a small sample to see what is underneath and checks for soft decking. With two roofs already in place or wet insulation present, a tear-off is the norm.
Tear off old roofing
Old roofing is removed where needed, rotted decking is replaced and the surface is swept clean. Rigid insulation and tapered crickets go down next to improve drainage.
Lay the base sheet
A smooth base sheet goes down first, fastened or adhered depending on the deck. The roofer offsets the laps so no seam sits directly over another.
Install the cap
The top ply goes on with the chosen method, granules facing up for sun protection. On torched laps, a steady bleed-out of asphalt at the edge shows a good seal.
Detail the edges
Base flashing runs up walls and parapets in two plies and is fastened at the top under metal counterflashing or a termination bar. Edge metal, drain flashing and pipe flashings complete the system.
Keep a fire watch
Once the roof is done, the crew checks every lap, cleans up and keeps a fire watch if torches were used. A final walk checks laps, flashings and drainage.
What is included
What goes into a mod bit roof
Base sheet
A smooth reinforced base sheet laid with laps offset from the cap.
Insulation
New insulation where the roof is torn off so water reaches the drains.
Drain flashing
New edge metal and drain flashings so water leaves the roof where it should.
Cap sheet
A granulated cap sheet in white or a dark color to shield the asphalt from sun.
Related service
Torch Down Roof Repair Newton, NJ
On a torch-down roof, most repairs involve resealing laps, cutting out blisters and adding new plies over damaged areas. Blisters are cut open, dried, resealed and covered with a patch of new cap sheet that laps well beyond the cut. Granules are pressed into any exposed asphalt so the patch is protected from sun.
In Newton, many torch-down repairs sit close to wood framing, so fire safety is part of every job. Many roofers switch to self-adhered or cold-applied patches in tight spots where an open flame is a risk. Either way, the roofer should stay on fire watch after any flame work.
Related service
Built Up Roofing Newton, NJ
Built up roofing, often called tar and gravel, is the older cousin of modified bitumen: alternating layers of roofing felt and hot asphalt or coal tar, topped with gravel. The gravel protects the bitumen from sun and foot traffic, so bare spots where it has blown or washed away are a common source of trouble. These roofs can last a long time, but blisters, splits and failed flashings show up as they age.
Repairs on a built up roof in Newton usually involve scraping back the gravel, patching with felt and bitumen or modified bitumen, and replacing the gravel. When a built up roof reaches the end of its life, its weight and the gravel usually mean a tear-off before the new roof goes on. Common replacements include modified bitumen and single-ply membranes.
Local help
Modified Bitumen Roofing Near Me
In Newton, modified bitumen is common on low-slope roofs that see foot traffic or need a tough surface. Across Newton and nearby towns like Andover, Hopatcong, Allamuchy and Franklin, older buildings may still have built-up roofs under a layer of mod bit, which is why the core cut matters, so a check of laps and flashings every year or two catches small trouble early.
Need modified bitumen roofing around Newton? Call (973) 858-9950 for a Newton roofer who serves the towns around it too.
What the local climate does to a roof
Cold winters bring snow, ice and a long stretch of freezing nights. When warm attic air melts the snow, the meltwater runs down and freezes again at the eaves, which is how ice dams form and back water up under the shingles. Coastal storms and heavy spring rain drive water sideways into flashing, valleys and old chimneys. That is why roof repair in Newton is busiest after a hard winter and before the next one.
Why call
Why not wait
Drier ceilings
A roof problem fixed early rarely spreads to the decking, the insulation or the ceilings.
Familiar with local homes
Local roofers see the same roofs and storm damage across Newton and nearby towns.
Know what happens next
Ask your questions before you agree to anything.
Modified Bitumen Roofing FAQ
What is the difference between modified bitumen and built up roofing?
The two are related, with key differences in material and installation. Built up roofs stack felts and hot bitumen with gravel on top, and mod bit uses two or three factory-made sheets with granules. Mod bit is often preferred today for its flexibility and lower weight.
Do I need a tear-off for a new mod bit roof?
The existing roof decides that. One dry existing roof can often stay in place under a cover board. If there are already two roofs, blistering throughout or wet insulation, a tear-off is the right move.
Should I coat my modified bitumen roof?
Coating an aging cap sheet is a common way to add years to a mod bit roof. Before coating, the roofer repairs blisters and laps and may use a bleed-blocking primer. A white coating also lowers roof surface temperatures in summer.
Are torch-applied roofs a fire risk?
Torching uses an open flame, so it carries a real fire risk that has to be managed. Good crews fasten the base sheet on wood decks, keep the flame away from edges and gaps and stay on fire watch afterward. On homes, self-adhered or cold-applied modified bitumen avoids the flame entirely.
What is the lifespan of a torch-down roof?
Most mod bit roofs last somewhere between 15 and 25 years with reasonable care. Good drainage, intact granules and sound flashings push it toward the long end. Coating an aging but sound roof can add years.
More questions? Call (973) 858-9950
Related services
Flat Roof Replacement
Replacing old built-up, torch-down, EPDM or TPO roofs with a new system built to drain, so ponding and repeat leaks end for good.
Learn moreFlat Roof Repair
Fixing open seams, blisters, splits, ponding and failed flashing on flat and low slope roofs, with the patch made from material that bonds to what is there.
Learn moreTPO Roofing
White, heat-welded TPO single-ply roofing for low-slope homes and buildings, built around proper drainage, flashing and edge metal.
Learn moreCommercial Roof Replacement
Full replacement of membrane, built-up and metal roofs on commercial buildings, from core cuts to closeout.
Learn more
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Call (973) 858-9950 to talk to a roofer serving Newton, NJ.