b'Installation MethodsCold processadhesive applied modified bitumen membrane systems. Torch-down Modifiedsurface, some modified bitu- written instructions is recom- changes where other roofingLess harmful fumesOne fac-Bitumen Roof Systems menmanufacturersaddad- mended. materialsarerigidandmaytor to consider when install-ditionalfireresistancelayers Water resistanceDue to thebecompromisedbyfluc- ing a torch-down modified bi-For a torch-down installation,themembranesheetsarerolledon top of the granulated layerheat-sealed seams and water- tuatingtemperatures.Thistumen system as opposed to onto a roof and a hand-held torchfor added fire protection. Asproof membrane, torch-downflexibility makes torch-downahot-moppedsystemwould is used to heat the material. Thearesult,torch-downmodi- modified bitumen roofing sys- roofing long lasting and du- be the fumes. Although torch-modifiedbitumensoftensandfied bitumen membranes dotems are one of the most high- rable. downroofingmayhavea not contribute to fire hazardslywater-resistantlow-slope EnergyefficiencyWithslightlyunpleasantsmell, creates an adhesive bond betweenbase sheet and substrate and baseonce the roofing membrane ismembraneroofingsystemsavailableoptionssuchasaitemitsmuchlessharmful and cap sheets.installed.on the market. These systemswhiteorlightsurfacedcapfumes than a hot-mopped in- W conditionsTorch- are also effective at protectingsheet as the top surface of thestallation. Advantages of Torch-down Modi-eather EasyrepairsTorch-down fied Bitumen Roofing downmembranescanberooftops from damage relatedroofing system, damaging ef-Fire resistanceTorch-downinstalledinvaryingenviron- to snow accumulation. fects due to UV rays and heatmembranes are easier to repaircomparedtootherroofing modifiedbitumenmem- mentalconditions.Proper FlexibilityModifiedbitu- would be mitigated, which inmaterials. Small patch repairs branes are very fire resistant.storageofmaterialsinac- men membranes expand andturn can also help lower en- orareareplacementscanbe In addition to the granulatedcordancewithmanufacturercontractasthetemperatureergy costs.quicklyinstalledandsealed whichmaybelessintensive and less expensive compared to other roofing systems, par-ticularly during colder weath-er conditions.DisadvantagesofTorch-down Modified Bitumen Roofing Fire hazardDue to the useof an open-flame torch to in-stall torch-down modified bi-tumen roofing systems, there will always be some level of firehazard.Althoughmodi-fiedbitumenmembranesas amaterialfeaturesomede-gree of fire resistance, if over-heated during installation, the compoundcanbreakdown andbecomeflammable.Ad-ditionalflammablematerials onajobsite,suchaswood framing/blocking,sawdust anddryfoliage,addtothe potentiallyhazardousna-ture of torch-down modified 18ONTARIO ROOFING NEWSISSUE 1 2021 THE ONLY SOURCE FOR PROFESSIONAL ICI ROOFING CONTRACTORS IN ONTARIO ORN'