Modified Bitumen Roofing Hempstead - R&M ROOFERS LLC
Last January, when that arctic blast hit Long Island, we got over 20 calls in one day from buildings with modified bitumen roofing problems. The temperature dropped 40 degrees overnight, and older mod bit systems all across Hempstead started cracking and splitting. That’s when alot of property owners learned the hard way that not all modified bitumen roofing is installed the same.
We’re R&M Roofers, and we’ve been installing and repairing modified bitumen roofing in Hempstead for over 15 years. If you drive around the comercial district on Fulton Avenue or the warehouse areas near the train tracks, most of those flat roofs are modified bitumen systems. They’re tough roofs when done right, but they need proper installation and regular maintanance.
The thing about modified bitumen roofing is that it handles temperature changes better than regular built-up roofing, but it’s not bulletproof. We’ve seen too many property owners think they can ignore their mod bit roof for 20 years without any problems. That’s just not how it works, especialy with our Long Island weather.
Why Modified Bitumen Roofing Works Well in Hempstead
Modified bitumen roofing combines the best parts of old-school tar roofs with modern polymer technology. The SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene) modifiers make the asphalt more flexible, so it doesn’t crack as easily when temperatures change fast.
Here in Hempstead, we deal with everything from summer heat that can hit 95 degrees to winter cold snaps below zero. Regular asphalt would fail under those conditions, but modified bitumen roofing flexes with the temperature swings instead of cracking.
We use diferent installation methods depending on the building and conditions. Torch-applied modified bitumen works best for most comercial applications, while self-adhering systems work better on residential projects where fire safety is a bigger concern.
The salt air from Jones Beach affects all roofing materials, but modified bitumen holds up better than most alternatives. The polymer modifiers help resist UV damage and chemical deterioration from ocean air.
Commercial Roofing Services
Most of our comercial roofing work involves modified bitumen systems on warehouses, retail buildings, and office complexes throughout Hempstead. These buildings need roofs that can handle foot traffic from maintenance crews and HVAC technicians.
Modified bitumen roofing for comercial applications usualy involves multiple layers – a base sheet, intermediate plies, and a cap sheet with mineral granules. This system provides redundancy so if one layer gets damaged, the others keep water out.
We recently finished a big modified bitumen roofing project on a 15,000 square foot warehouse near Roosevelt. The owner had been patching leaks for three years before deciding to replace the whole system. The new mod bit roof should last 20-25 years with proper care.
Comercial roofing services include regular inspections to catch problems early. Modified bitumen systems can develop small splits or loose seams that turn into major leaks if you don’t address them quickly.
Residential Roofing
While modified bitumen roofing is more common on comercial buildings, we install it on residential flat roofs too. Many homes in Hempstead have garage roofs, porch roofs, or room additions with low slopes where modified bitumen works well.
Residential roofing with modified bitumen usualy uses self-adhering systems instead of torch application. Home owners are more comfortable with installation methods that don’t involve open flames near their houses.
The split-level homes near Hempstead Lake State Park often have flat roof sections over family rooms or kitchens. These areas get alot of use, and modified bitumen roofing handles the thermal stress better than single-ply membranes.
We’ve done residential modified bitumen roofing on everything from small shed roofs to large flat sections on contemporary homes. The key is matching the system to the building’s specific needs and usage patterns.
Roof Repair Services
Modified bitumen roof repairs fall into several categories – surface splits, seam failures, and puncture damage. Each type of repair needs a diferent approach and materials.
Surface splits in modified bitumen roofing usualy happen during rapid temperature changes or from building movement. We clean out the crack, apply cold-process adhesive, and reinforce with fabric and additional membrane material.
Seam repairs are more involved because modified bitumen seams are heat-welded during installation. Fixing failed seams often requires removing and replacing sections of membrane to get proper adhesion.
Puncture repairs from debris or equipment are relativly straightforward. We patch the hole with matching material and seal the edges to prevent water infiltration. The tricky part is finding all the damage – sometimes what looks like one hole is actualy several small punctures.
Emergency roof repairs on modified bitumen systems often involve temporary patches during storms. We carry waterproof tape and liquid sealants for these situations, but permanent repairs usualy have to wait for dry weather.
Roof Maintenance
Regular maintanance makes modified bitumen roofing last much longer. We recomend annual inspections plus additional checks after major storms or temperature extremes.
During roof maintanance visits, we look for loose granules, cracked seams, and areas where the membrane might be deteriorating. Modified bitumen systems show wear patterns before they actualy fail, so catching problems early saves money.
We maintain several apartment buildings in West Hempstead where the modified bitumen roofing gets inspected every six months. These buildings have had very few emergency repairs because we catch and fix small problems before they become big ones.
The key to modified bitumen maintanance is keeping drains clear and removing debris that can cause ponding water. Standing water accelerates membrane deterioration and can cause premature failure.
Emergency Roofing
When modified bitumen roofing fails during a storm, it usualy fails fast. Temperature shock can cause multiple splits across large areas, leading to significant water intrusion.
Emergency roofing calls for modified bitumen systems often come in waves – when weather conditions cause failures, they affect similar buildings at the same time. We keep emergency repair materials stocked and ready.
The most common emergency repairs involve temporary waterproofing until weather permits permanent fixes. Modified bitumen repairs need dry conditions and reasonable temperatures to cure properly.
We document all emergency damage with photos and measurements for insurance claims. Property owners need good documentation to get claims processed quickly and avoid disputes with insurance companys.
Gutter Services
Proper drainage is critical for modified bitumen roofing systems. Standing water can cause membrane swelling and premature failure, so gutters and downspouts need to function correctly.
Modified bitumen roofs in Hempstead deal with heavy seasonal debris loads. Fall leaves, winter ice, and spring storms can overwhelm gutter systems and cause water backup onto the roof surface.
We install and repair gutters as part of comprehensive roofing services. The gutter work often happens alongside roofing projects because proper drainage affects roof performance and longevity.
Buildings near the Southern State Parkway get alot of debris from passing traffic. Regular gutter cleaning prevents clogs that can damage modified bitumen roofing systems.
Skylight Installation
Installing skylights in modified bitumen roofing requires careful flashing details and proper integration with the membrane system. We use curb-mounted skylights that work well with multi-ply roofing systems.
The key to skylight instalation on modified bitumen roofs is creating watertight seals between the skylight curb and the roofing membrane. This usualy involves multiple layers of flashing and sealant.
We installed six large skylights on an office building near Hofstra University last year. The natural light improved working conditions while maintaining the weatherproofing integrity of the modified bitumen roofing system.
Skylight repairs on modified bitumen roofs often involve re-sealing around the curb where thermal movement has opened up gaps. These repairs need to be done carefully to avoid damaging the surrounding membrane.
Flat Roof Repair
Most modified bitumen roofing in Hempstead is installed on flat or low-slope roofs. These applications have unique challenges related to drainage, thermal stress, and membrane movement.
Flat roof repair often involves addressing ponding water issues that can destroy any roofing system over time. We evaluate drainage patterns and modify slopes if necesary to eliminate standing water.
The warehouse buildings along Peninsula Boulevard have taught us alot about flat roof dynamics. Even small drainage improvements can dramatically extend the life of modified bitumen roofing systems.
Modified bitumen works well on flat roofs because the multiple layers provide redundancy against leaks. If the top layer gets damaged, the underlying plies continue protecting the building.
Why Choose R&M Roofers for Your Modified Bitumen Roofing
We’ve been working with modified bitumen systems since they became popular in the 90s. Our crew understands the installation techniques, repair methods, and long-term performance characteristics of these roofing systems.
We use high-quality materials from manufacturers like GAF, Owens Corning, and Firestone. Cheap modified bitumen roofing materials save money upfront but cost more in repairs and early replacement.
Our installation crews are trained and certified in proper modified bitumen techniques. Torch application requires skill and experience to avoid overheating the membrane or creating fire hazards.
We’re licensed and insured for all types of comercial and residential roofing work in Nassau County. The local fire marshal knows our work because we follow proper safety procedures and get permits when required.
Serving Hempstead and Nassau County
We focus our modified bitumen roofing services in Hempstead and surrounding communities. We know the local building codes, weather patterns, and common construction styles that affect roofing performance.
From the older comercial buildings downtown to newer developments along major roads, we’ve installed modified bitumen roofing on every type of structure. Each location has unique challenges that affect installation and maintenance.
The diferent microclimates around Hempstead affect modified bitumen differently. Buildings near the water face more humidity and salt exposure, while inland properties deal more with temperature extremes and thermal stress.
If you need modified bitumen roofing services in Hempstead, West Hempstead, Garden City, Roosevelt, or anywhere in Nassau County, give us a call. We’ll evaluate your building and recommend the best modified bitumen system for your specific situation. No high-pressure sales – just honest advice from roofers who’ve been serving this area for over 15 years.
OFFICES
At R & M Roofers LLC, we’re proud to serve homeowners throughout Hempstead and the greater Long Island area. Whether you need a quick roof repair, a full replacement, or exterior upgrades, our team is here to help—professional service, honest pricing, and lasting results.
- 90 Grove St #9, Hempstead, NY 11550
- +1 (516) 233-9506
- info@randmroofersllc.com