Having a Brainfreeze on this Roof

[Ian A. Niquette]

What is the proper term fopr this type of roofing. Don't usually see it on residential I know that. And what about the alligatoring?





Thanks.

[Dale Duffy]

TPO ?

[Ian A. Niquette]

Sorry Dale, the link seems to be bad.

[Dale Duffy]

Originally Posted by iniquette

Sorry Dale, the link seems to be bad.

TPO

http://www.firestonebpco.com/roofing/tpo/

[Ian A. Niquette]

I don't think that's what it is Dale. Doesn't look like poly. Looks like a hot mixture spread out over roof.

[Dale Duffy]

Originally Posted by iniquette

I don't think that's what it is Dale. Doesn't look like poly. Looks like a hot mixture spread out over roof.

Built-Up Roofing?

[Dale Duffy]

Originally Posted by iniquette

What is the proper term fopr this type of roofing. Don't usually see it on residential I know that. And what about the alligatoring?

Attachment 32318

Attachment 32319

Thanks.

Ian...that Alligatoring looks like Lightweight Aggregate on the roof surface from here.

Odd they would install it in you're neck of the woods but it's common here.

[Marcel R. Cyr]

Built-up roof would be my guess.

Alligatoring:
Shrinkage cracking of the bituminous surface of built-up roofing, or the exposed surface of smooth-surfaced roofing, in which the loss of volatile oils and the oxidation of compounds under solar radiation produces a pattern of deep cracks with the scaly look of an alligator's hide. It occurs only in unsurfaced bitumen exposed to the weather.

[Martin A. Jorgensen]

I'm with Marcel on this, it is getting more and more unpopular in my area.

When a light aggregate is added to the top coat, it is also known as "pitch and gravel".

[Ian A. Niquette]

Yeah, that is what it looks like, without the gravel. What you guys think of the condition?

[Bob Elliott]

Looks like it is at the end of its lifespan when it gets the alligatoring effect.
That is usually hot mopped on.
They only last just over 10 years.

[Ian A. Niquette]

Yeah, after looking at it Bob, it does look pretty weathered. Time for a new one, I suppose.

[Marcel R. Cyr]

BUR

Surface asphalt cracks into large segments. This condition is found on smooth surface asphalt roofs. It is caused by the drying out of the exposed asphalt by the sun. If left unattended, this condition can develop into splits in the roof membrane, which in turn will allow water to enter the roofing system and then the interior of the building.



Modified Bitumen
Asphalt degradation is a growing concern. UV-rays oxidize the surface of the asphalt and produces a chalk-like residue. As plasticizers leach out of the asphalt, a modified bitumen or "mod bit" roof becomes brittle. Cracking and alligatoring inevitably follows, allowing water to penetrate the system causing blisters, and cracks. Seam failure inevitably follows causing leaks.A black modified bitumen roof absorbs a lot of the sun's heat in the summer. High temperatures and UV-rays accelerate asphalt degradation.

I would have it evaluated by a Licensed Roofing Contractor to see if it has gone beyond salvagable repair and needs to be replaced.
Sometimes the membrane has not cracked due to the alligatoring and can be salvaged by installing a top coat which would extend it's life to maybe another ten years.

[Ian A. Niquette]

Thanks for the quick help guys.

[Bob Elliott]

Originally Posted by iniquette

Yeah, after looking at it Bob, it does look pretty weathered. Time for a new one, I suppose.

As a side note I would recommend pricing a tear off and switch to Modified Bituman or EPDM.

Never hurts to get estimates from a good flat roof outfit.