Modified Bitumen Installation in Arlington VA
Arlington Roofing provides modified bitumen installation in Arlington for flat and low-slope roofs needing strong, long-lasting waterproofing. Modified bitumen roofing combines traditional asphalt with polymer modifiers, creating a flexible, durable membrane built for exactly the kind of weather swings this area sees.
We install modified bitumen roofing across Clarendon, Ballston, and Rosslyn. Historic homes and modern commercial buildings near the Pentagon both rely on this system for flat sections where standard shingles won’t work.
What Modified Bitumen Roofing Actually Is
Modified bitumen installation uses reinforced membrane sheets applied in layers, typically including a base sheet and a cap sheet, sometimes with an additional interply layer for extra protection. The polymer added to the asphalt is what makes the real difference between roofing types.
SBS vs. APP: Two Different Materials
There are two main types of modified bitumen membrane, and choosing the right one depends on your building and climate. SBS modified bitumen roofing uses a rubber-based polymer, giving it excellent flexibility through temperature changes, expanding and contracting without cracking. APP modified bitumen uses a plastic-based polymer instead, offering strong UV resistance and rigidity, though it handles movement less gracefully than SBS.
For Arlington’s seasonal temperature swings, from humid summers to freezing winters, SBS often performs better long term, though APP can still be the right choice depending on the roof’s specific conditions.
How Modified Bitumen Gets Installed
Modified Bitumen Installation methods vary depending on the material and the building. Torch-applied installation uses an open flame to heat and bond the membrane directly to the roof surface, common with a 2-ply modified bitumen torch-down system. Cold-applied installation uses adhesive instead of heat, reducing fire risk and suiting certain residential applications better. Some modern products also come with a peel-and-stick backing, simplifying installation further.
Why This System Works for Flat Roofs
A modified bitumen flat roof handles standing water and seasonal stress better than many alternatives, thanks to its layered, reinforced construction. The reinforcement, usually fiberglass or polyester, adds tear resistance that a single, unreinforced membrane doesn’t have. This makes modified bitumen a strong choice for roofs with regular foot traffic or equipment access, not just passive weather protection.
Our Installation Process
We start by evaluating your roof’s structure and drainage to determine whether SBS or APP is the better material choice, then select the installation method, torch-applied, cold-applied, or peel-and-stick, that best fits your building’s safety requirements and design. Every seam gets properly sealed during installation, since that’s where most modified bitumen roof problems eventually show up if the work isn’t done right the first time.
If a modified bitumen roof already installed on your property is showing wear, modified bitumen roof repair often involves patching the affected section with matching material instead of a full replacement. This approach can extend the roof’s service life and restore protection in the damaged area.
A professional repair also helps stop leaks before they spread to other parts of the roof. It protects the roof surface, reduces future repair costs, and keeps the roofing system in good condition. Early repairs can prevent larger problems and help you get more value from your existing modified bitumen roof.
Comparing Your Flat Roof Options
Modified bitumen isn’t the only flat roofing option available. If your building needs a system with more layers of redundancy, our built-up roofing service offers an alternative worth considering, particularly for buildings prioritizing maximum durability over installation speed.
Decades of Flat Roofing Experience
Arlington Roofing has installed modified bitumen and other flat roofing systems across Northern Virginia for more than 20 years. We’re licensed, insured, and based at 901 N Frederick St, with real experience matching the right membrane type and installation method to each building we work on.
Modified bitumen offers strong protection when installed correctly, and the material choice matters as much as the workmanship. Call Arlington Roofing at (877) 304-3171 for modified bitumen installation in Arlington, VA.