Difference between roof coverings

[Duane Nelson]

On an inspection Thursday, I called the roofing material rolled roofing. I have since been informed that it was "modified torch Rubberoid". What is the difference? There are no photos so don't ask.

[Bruce Breedlove]

Are you talking about modifide bitumen? If so, there is a HUGE difference. Roll roofing should not be used on anything other than dog houses because it has a very, very short life (~ 5 years or less).

Modified bitumen is a membrane roof material that is fairly durable and long-lived (~20 years, maybe more).

You can usually tell the difference between the two:

Mod bit is flexible; roll roofing will crack when bent sharply
Mod bit usually is 36" wide w/ ~ 3" lap; roll roofing is typically 36" with but the exposure is generally less than half that

[Tim Moreira]

Never heard of "modified torch rubberoid"??? And a Google search turned up nothing under that name.???

I ditto Bruce's post.

The only other thing I can add is that I once saw a roof with a thin rubber coating that kinda floated over it. Looked crappy to me but...no idea what it was called.

[Jim McClendon]

Try ....Torch Applied Roofing - Installed Year Round! (http://www.roofer911.com/torch_applied_roofing__installed.htm)

[Michael Thomas]

RUBEROID® Systems (http://www.gaf.com/Content/GAF/COMM/ROOF/COMM_CO_RUBEROID.asp)

[Jerry Peck]

Actually, 'roll roofing' can be used generically for any roofing which comes rolled up, which includes basically all types of single ply roof coverings.

Many roofers think 'mineral surfaced 90# organic felt' when they hear 'roll roofing', the response you heard was telling you "specifically" what type of roll roofing it was.

There is roll roofing which which is/can be applied with a cold process.

There is roll roofing which is applied with hot mopped asphalt.

There is roll roofing which is torch down applied.

There is roll roofing which is mechanically fastened.

Withing those general application methods there are several different types of roof covering material. And, within those different types of material are different brands.

You were told it was torch down and the brand Rubberoid.

[Scott Patterson]

What kind of structure was this on? If this is on a home, I'm betting it is not installed properly.

[Steven Briesemeister]

Hi Duane,

Modified bitumen system is a very durable material which is ussually smooth in fiinish and has the appearance of being melted to the roof by a torch, which is exactly how it's applied. When installed correctly, modified bitumen (torchdown) is an excellent material and will last atleast 10 years. In most States modified bitumen is illegal to install on residential homes due to it's being a fire hazard. Also, even when installing torch down roofing on commercial buildings there's many rules and regulations which must be followed by the Fire Marshall, if not, strict fines will result!

Steven B.
http://www,roofer911.com