Longevity of Your Modified Bitumen Roof

Flat-roofed commercial buildings that abound in the Chicago area require special handling and the installation of a roof that can stand up to continual tests of its integrity, such as accumulated snow, rain, insistent and perpetual UV rays from the sun, and time. Commercial roofs take a constant beating from all of the above, making the roofing material of choice for many Chicago commercial roofs durable, resistant modified bitumen.

Modified Bitumen Revealed

Just what a modified bitumen roof consists of may be a mystery to many business owners. Here’s a quick look at what defines this type of roof:

Polymer modified bitumen (asphalt) membrane
Non-woven mat containing a polyester reinforced core
Coated in fine mineral granules, usually white
Designed for flat or low-slope roofs
Resistant to cold-temperature brittleness
Resilient, elastic and battles high-temperatures well

The Importance of Maintaining a Modified Bitumen Roof

Because a flat roof is particularly susceptible to rainwater that pools on uneven roof sections or near A/C shrouds and ventilation units, it’s vital that the installation of a modified bitumen roof is performed by a qualified roofing contractor who’s familiar with all the ins and outs of this specialized commercial roofing material. Maintenance is then crucial to its longevity.

Unless you or employees know exactly what you’re looking for during an inspection of your modified bitumen roof, it’s best to call in a qualified roofing pro. Walking on a flat roof, or any roof for that matter, requires know-how so that the inspection process doesn’t do damage to a perfectly good roof. What to look for and maintenance tasks to complete include:

Checking roof-edge flashing from the ground for any irregularities
Examining the roof for sunken areas, or areas that feel springy or spongy underfoot
Inspecting the modified bitumen membrane for wrinkles, blisters, splits, punctures, sections that slide or move, and overlapped areas that have pulled away from each other, indicating adhesion problems
Scanning ventilation units for grease or grime build-up
Removing broken branches, leaves or other potentially damaging debris
Identifying areas where rainwater pools or ponds

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Schedule a modified bitumen roof inspection at least twice a year, and certainly after any storms that pass through the Chicago area. Proper inspection of your flat roof will save time and expensive repairs in the long run.

Adams Roofing Professionals prides itself on providing unmatched customer service. Contact us to schedule a roof inspection or to receive more information on modified bitumen roofing.

I wanted to let you know about an experience I had with one of your employees. I live at 1200 Knottingham Court in Kingsport Estates and apparently, your company is servicing our condo association. My building has had a leak in the entryway for several months and Eddie was dispatched out to have me show him the source of the leak inside. I met him on Friday, September 21st and just wanted to tell you how impressed I was with his friendliness and professionalism. He immediately found the source of the leak and even went up on the roof to show me. He assured me that someone would take care of it as soon as possible and told me he would give the report priority to avoid any further damage. As someone who used to be in Customer Service, I always value a company that hires people that are not only skilled at their trade, but also skilled at interacting with people. Eddie is a great example of that and I wanted you to know so you could tell him what a great job he does! I am so glad that Alma Management chose Adams Roofing to be our roofing contractor!... [more]

Jeremy Q, CMCA, AMS

Adams Roofing has a great team to work perfectly with condo and townhome Associations. We are currently in the middle of a 6 year, 49 building tear-off project. Adams works hand in hand with the engineers, delivers according to the specifications, and provides great customer service to the homeowners and management team.... [more]

Sue T.

Good Afternoon, I am writing to you on behalf of the Mission Hills M-8 Association. I would like to tell you how happy we are with the work that you completed for our Association. Your supervisor Eddie was great. We liked his professionalism and his work ethic. He kept us informed, and delivered on all his promises. Please make sure that any other jobs you do for us include him. Best regards, Joey Mission Hills Management... [more]

Brett K.

Charlie, Thanks very much for replacing the gutter! No one has been out to do it, at least before I left for work this morning. But I will definitely let you know whether it’s done correctly. I am very satisfied with your roofing job. It looks great, and more importantly, there were no leaks when it rained (even though we haven’t gotten really hard rains yet). So, I have been very pleased with my experience with Adams, especially with the professionalism and responsiveness of you and Dan. Thanks.... [more]

Keith M.

I wanted to take a moment to comment on your technician, Eddie. Eddie was assigned to inspect a roof leak I am having in my home in Cobblestone Circle. He was prompt, professional, courteous and informative; everything a customer could ask for when inviting a contractor into their home. Eddie represents Adams Roofing Well; and clearly he is an asset to your company. Kudos to him! Thank you.... [more]

Rick H.