Shingles and Modified Rubber Roofing in Jacksonville, FL
When it’s time to put a new roof on your home, you want to be confident you’re outfitting your home with the right roofing materials. The choice between the (roof shingles) you install, or whether your home is better served by a modified bitumen roof, can depend on the slope of your roof, the desired life expectancy of your roof, and the installation cost, among other factors.
The most common residential shingles include affordable and durable asphalt or composite shingles, as well as the more visually appealing wood shingles. Some homes also feature slate, clay, metal or even concrete shingles.
For some homes, though, none of these traditional shingling materials are a good fit—which is where modified (rubber roofing) may come in handy. If you would prefer to discuss your roofing options with an expert, contact us at (904) 396-1546.
What Is a Modified Bitumen Roof?
Although modified bitumen roofing is sometimes referred to as rubber shingles, this roofing material is actually made from modified asphalt that has been treated to create a more pliable material to apply on a roof. Rubber polymers are mixed into the asphalt to create a blended roofing composite that offers the flexibility and elasticity of rubber, along with the strength and durability of asphalt.
Once the bitumen has been properly treated, it is applied to a roof in long strips or sheets, stretching to cover the surface while providing a watertight seal that protects the roof from water leaks. The waterproof surface makes bitumen roofing an ideal roofing material for flat or low-slope roofs that offer poor water drainage off of the roof’s surface.
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How Long Does a Modified Bitumen Roof Last?
While a modified bitumen roof can be installed at a much lower cost than other types of roofing materials, this low cost is due in part to the shorter average lifespan of this roofing material.
In certain conditions, a modified bitumen may only be expected to last about 10 years, and possibly less depending on its exposure to water and other elements. With favorable weather conditions and consistent maintenance, this roofing material may last closer to 20 years.
Bear in mind that this lifespan is significantly less than a traditional shingles roof: while asphalt roofs have an average lifespan between 15 to 30 years, for example, wood shingles offer an average lifespan between 20 and 25 years.
Meanwhile, higher-end materials such as concrete and clay may last far longer than both wood and asphalt shingles. But for both residential and commercial roofs with a low slope or flat surface, those traditional roofing materials may be inadequate to fully protect the structure from water leaks and resulting water damage.
How Long Does it Take to Install a Rubber Roof?
Depending on the size of your home’s roof, professional roofers may require several days to properly install all of the layers of a modified bitumen roof. This installation process can be more complex than other roof types due to the layers of base coat and reinforcing fiberglass that must be laid down underneath the top layer of modified bitumen material.
If you are concerned about the installation timeline or believe your home has unique installation challenges to be accounted for, you may want to discuss your project needs with a professional. Feel free to contact us at (904) 396-1546 to discuss your project in detail.
How Long Does a Modified Roof Last?
While a modified bitumen roof will last between 10-20 years on its own, regular patching and/or recoating can help protect your investment into this roofing material, resulting in better value for the initial installation, fewer interior repair costs, and a better overall lifespan before your roof needs to be completely replaced.
For homeowners who do opt for a modified bitumen roof, bear in mind that close attention should be paid to identify water leaks that may develop in the roof. These leaks are likely to develop far faster with a modified bitumen roof than with other roofing materials, and a delayed response to spotting and repairing these leaks can lead to costly interior damage to your home.
A modified bitumen roof doesn’t make sure for every home. But if your house has a flat or low-slope roof, this innovative roofing material may offer the perfect balance of versatility and durability to protect your home and preserve its structural integrity.
At Jack C. Wilson Roofing Co., we’re committed to connecting our customers with the best roofing materials and roof installation possible. Contact us today for a free quote, along with our trusted expertise to help you plan out the perfect roofing solution for your home.
