Modified Bitumen (MB) Roofing is the natural successor to the long-trusted built-up roofing (BUR) systems that have sheltered commercial buildings and home roofs alike for well over a century. Though MB roofing wasn’t invented until 1960, it’s since become one of the most popular commercial roofing solutions in the United States and many other places worldwide.
It’s a durable, versatile, and reliable solution to modern roofing needs and is hard to beat in minimal upkeep. A & E Brothers Roofing is here with all the details about modified bitumen membrane roofing systems, so you can rest easy knowing you’re making the best decision for your business upgrades.
The Basics of Bitumen Roofing
Above all else, MB roofs are built to withstand harsh environmental conditions. They accomplish this by utilizing a system of layers, the same system used by BURs for over 100 years.
However, MBs add a new twist to this system by topping it off with either a durable polymer layer or another durable cap that gives the whole system additional weather resistance and durability, a must for commercial roofs in Miami. The framework is a basic one and utilizes five unique layers to accomplish excellent results, but it’s a tried and true one that’s been proven to work for buildings of most shapes and sizes.
The Five Layers of Bitumen Roofing
The Bitumen Roofing system uses five key components to craft its unique, layered protection. These include:
-
- Insulation: provides the thermal resistance of the roof system to maximize efficiency
- Modified Base Sheets: specialized roofing felt that contains asphalt and serves as the base for other layers.
- Modified Bitumen Membranes: the part that sets MB roofs apart from BURs, factory-fabricated membrane, sheets made of specialized co-polymers, and fiberglass or polymer reinforcements.
- Adhesives: ties the entire system together and provides waterproofing to the roof, applied through various methods.
- Surfacing: the finishing touch, protects from UV rays that might otherwise deteriorate the other layers.
Each of these layers serves a specific and vital purpose within the roofing system. From thorough weatherproofing to reliable and efficient insulation, each layer provides a critical protection aspect to roofs in Miami, FL.
The Application Methods of Bitumen Roofing
Another unique feature of layered Modified Bitumen Roofing systems is that many application methods can impact their cost and their overall performance. These fit into three basic categories, which include:
-
- The “hot-mop” method
- The torch method
- The cold-process method
The hot mop method is the same process used to apply BURs. It involves pouring hot adhesives such as asphalt over the various layers to pull and hold all the system’s various components together. This is the standard application process and offers predictable, reliable results. However, the price may be higher because the cost of involved materials such as petroleum can vary wildly.
The torch method involves melting asphalt by hand, rather than pouring it onto the roof pre-melted. This provides more consistent coverage and provides even better results than the standard hot-mop method. However, it can be even more expensive than the hot mop method, as it requires more hands-on work from your roofing team.
Finally, cold process methods are among the newest options for these roofing types. Unlike the other two methods, they don’t use asphalt or other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to bring the MB roof layers together. Instead, the cap comes in a large roll with its built-in adhesive.
The roofer peels away a protective layer and then adheres to the sheet into place on top of the other layers. It’s a newer method but offers a “greener” experience than the other application processes.
The Benefits of MB Roofing Systems
When you choose to invest in a new modified bitumen roofing system from a roofing contractor in South Florida, you’ll be investing in a wide range of benefits. Some of the most significant advantages of choosing an MB system over others include:
-
- Trustworthy, proven performance
- Better waterproofing than many other options (critical in FL weather)
- A variety of surfacing options to customize each installation to your needs
- Different application methods offer an array of benefits
- Unbeatable tensile strength
- May provide higher efficiency levels than other roofs with the right insulation
- Reasonably priced compared to other options
- Can be designed to withstand wind, rain, hail, and even fire
- Flame-free and VOC-free installation methods available
Learn More with A&E Brothers Roofing Today!
If you’re interested in learning more about how a Modified Bitumen Roofing system will benefit your business and which application process is best for your budget and your building’s needs, contact us at A & E Brothers Roofing.
Our team specializes in a wide range of roofing application options. We have years of experience installing MB roofing systems on commercial buildings throughout Miami and the surrounding communities.
Schedule us for an inspection or get a free estimate, so we can begin planning your roofing upgrade today.
Alina Rodríguez
I used A&E Brothers to redo my roof 4 years ago and I just used them again to do my fathers duplex. I have also recommended them to a couple of friends they have been pleased. They are professional , honest and no hassle company. They do a great job in an accurate and timely manner. It is hard now days to find a company like them.
Joan Vargas
Between office staff Dulce, Reinaldo and Eddie they made this procedure smooth and walked me thru each step...Reinaldo was always available for every call and assisted me to the end...Eddie inspected and always checked the quality of the job for me...and explain any questions I had...this company is professional and straight forward...most important...THEY KEEP THEIR WORD AND SCHEDULE AS PROMISE. The only one that moves fast and completet the job in a short time...impressive.!..thank you Manny and Joan
Suleman J
If you have been searching for a 5 star roofing company this is it. No job is small for A&E Brothers, always on time every time. I have used many roofing companies for my rental portfolio but this is the best which comes through in the end. They have helped me close out open permits, violations, inspections which other licensed companies left open and of coarse got paid. Thank you very much Eddy and his brother Andurys along with a team leader Dulce, Rosa and too many to mention.
Nicolas Creus
Beyond impressed and satisfied with John at A&E roofing. Delivered a fair proposal, exactly what I needed -- nothing more -- like others that came by and tried to make me pay for more than what I needed. He also recommended a guy for stucco work and I am very happy with that job as well. Very professional service, very hard to find people like this in Miami. 10/10 recommend!
laura vazquez
Excelent work
Christina Garcia
They quickly came to assess area that was leaking. Provided reasonable quote the next day. Repaired leak within 2 weeks of assessment. All the time, quickly replying to messages and questions I had. Licensed and responds to work they guaranteed. Second time using them - different area.
Gina Ferrer
A&E Brothers Roofing is currently doing another roof for me. They are the only roofing company I would use. They are professional, reliable and have very reasonable prices. The owner and all the staff are amazing! They did an exceptional job on the last roof they did for me two years ago. They always answer any questions that I have, explain everything from start to finish and always answer quickly. The work they do is incredible. I received many compliments from the neighbors on the last roof they did and on the current one as well. Exceptional company!
NEELAM NATHANI
I hired A & E Brothers Roofing for roof replacement. The company is very professional and job was done in the time promised. Their quote was well under others. The workers were very courteous and they always cleaned up at the end of the day. They even asked me for my exterior house paint and did touch up. Dulce in the business office took care of hoa approval and permitting process and made sure things moved along smoothly. I would highly recommend A & E brothers Roofing.
Raquel Fumero
YOUR COMPANY PERFORMED a tremendous and beautiful job, I highly recommend A & E roofing, finally my roof was fixed completely after 30 years of waiting for a real roofing company, I am very happy , Reynaldo was inspecting the jobsites all the time to be sure the job was done properly, the crew was very professional and very dedicated to do a great job, again, THANK YOU,
Dania Romeu
Excellent work, professional, attentive, capable of specifying any detail. Very pleased and grateful for your excellent work in our condominium.
Our Customers Love Us!
“A&E Brothers Roofing just completed our roof. It was a fantastic experience. They were professional, efficient, effective and reasonably priced. They kept their word all along and the process went smooth and without any hiccups. This type of service is rarely seen these days. They are an exception!!!! Outstanding craftsmanship and impressive customer service! I would certainly recommend and use them again!!!”
– Mariela A.
Visit our Miami office
A&E Brothers Roofing
4143 SW 74th Ct Suite E,
Miami, FL 33155
Office Phone Number: (305) 815-7208
Office hours: M-F 7 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.